Interesting experiment I just performed

[R.I.D.E.]

First gen Altima was 93-97.

2.4 liter twin cam engine rated at about 150 HP

excellent acceleration 0-60 in about 8.5 seconds

the real novelty was rubbler isolated subframes front and rear whcih gave a ride quality equal to much larger cars. Weight was about 2500 lbs, comparable to a Corolla today.

I rebuilt several of them that had been totalled. They got about 32 mpg highway, but of course that was in the days of real gasoline (no ethanol at least).

Biggest problem with them was an oil leak between the front cover and block, and absolute nightmare job to replace. It was actually easier to pull the engine.

regards
gary

[fumesucker]

So, I blocked the chin air inlet..

Looks like I lost almost 3 mpg worth of drag @60 mph.

That would be around 10% of the total drag on the car.

No overheating problems but it's not hot here yet.

I can't really tell from the mileage on the car because she who must be obeyed drives it most of the time and trying to get her to drive efficiently has proven problematic.

A permanent blocking panel is on the drawing board.