Easy modifications - 45mpg (DE Manual -- PSI, undertray, more)

A few simple mods I have completed:

EASIEST - Tire inflation to 37psi

Attachment 2492

EASY (but dirty) - Partial underbody skirt -
I bought a 30" x 40" piece of coroplast from HomeDepot (or any home store)
The coroplast conveniently fits the entire engine bay with minimal mods.

Attachment 2493

I had to cut some of the width away as to not interfere with the control arms/suspension.
The coroplast conveniently slides in (from rear of vehicle to front) underneath of the front bumper.
I used zip ties (at first which failed) then rubber coated garden wire to secure the front part of the coroplast into the front bumper. The rear parts of the coroplast are secured just before where the exhaust comes down from the engine using larger pieces of wires attached to the exhaust heat shield and small holes in the body.

The only tools I used for the process was a pair of scissors and "spare wire".

It is difficult for me to give long-term MPG estimates as Ohio weather has been $hit the past 3 months and very cold.
My best consistent MPG was 43.7 on the "live MPG display" on a trip from Columbus, Ohio to New York, New York. *Note this is before installing the underbody section*

I am happy to have the underbody under the engine because it prevents debris from entering the engine bay. Yesterday my "live MPG display" read 48.2 as I cruised around Columbus with my underbody and higher psi tire inflation. I am guessing the 54 degree weather helped :)


TO DO:
- Rear wheel dam
- Front air dam
- Block off for lights/smooth out front.

:)

Awesome!!!! I want to know how the long term test goes :) I'll be doing this eventually

Set yourself up for success.
Buy a piece of coroplast. Should only cost $10-20.
Guessing you have some kind of spare wire and scissors laying around.

All you need is the motivation to get under the car and make it fit :)
Very little work needed. Just motivation!

Good luck!

I will report the fuel economy as weather improves here in Ohio!

great post, and yes warmer weather will make everything better!

Interesting results. Do you get any fluttering / rattling from the plastic at speed?

I thought that air that passed through the radiator and into the engine bay then exited at the bottom of the engine bay under the car. Would this block any airflow???

Thanks for posting this.

See also: Mirage aero mods for better fuel economy: 4.5% improvement @ 90 km/h / 56 mph

Do you have to take it off for each servicing? Like the earlier post I wonder about airflow and heat in the engine compartment. I do hope it works for you though!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Teasmade

Interesting results. Do you get any fluttering / rattling from the plastic at speed?

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Glad you asked this. I was getting a bit of bowing because the coroplast was only tied in 3 spots.
Yesterday, I was under the car tightening the underbody at 4 secure corners. This made the piece much tighter with no noise or sliding.

When you position the coroplast, make sure you push it towards the front of the car as much as possible THEN secure it to minimize wobble. I will add more pics to explain!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DonHoot

Do you have to take it off for each servicing? Like the earlier post I wonder about airflow and heat in the engine compartment. I do hope it works for you though!

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Excellent questions. Lucky for us Mirage owners, factory service takes place every 7,500 miles. Removing my particular coroplast is like opening a twist tie from a loaf of bread. It is easy to remove and install and yes I will remove it before service. (A minor inconvenience to get under the car)

So far I have had no heat issues. I am unaware of the specifics of engine cooling. So far so good! (Keep in mind I rarely drive over 70mph) I pamper my little Mirage!