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Bennym777 Samba Member
Joined: April 07, 2013 Posts: 223 Location: Mexico
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Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 9:35 am Post subject: Improving buggy mpg? |
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So I recently installed a Mex Fuel injection engine on my Manx style buggy.
I got pretty good mpg with this in the bug but not very good in the buggy.
I am getting 16mpg driving fast around town and look like I am going to hit about 20mpg driving very economically.
I connected the computer and all sensors are happy and talking, no emergency mode and spark plugs show no signs of rich burn.
I thought the light weight of the buggy would outweigh any aerodynamics lost to the bug?
Or do big rear tires (275/75 bf Goodrich 20 psi) cause the lower mileage? Front are stock size.
Did I just answer my own question?! |
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Skulptorchaz Samba Member
Joined: June 11, 2013 Posts: 839 Location: S.E. Indiana
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Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 12:56 pm Post subject: Re: Improving buggy mpg? |
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The windshield has an effect. It's like a barn door. |
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slalombuggy Samba Member
Joined: July 17, 2010 Posts: 9131 Location: Canada
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Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 3:05 pm Post subject: Re: Improving buggy mpg? |
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You kind of answered your own question when you stated you drive fast around town. Your right foot is the biggest determinant of mileage. And as Chaz said, the big flat window up front doesn't help.
brad |
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Bennym777 Samba Member
Joined: April 07, 2013 Posts: 223 Location: Mexico
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Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 4:18 pm Post subject: Re: Improving buggy mpg? |
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I have always thought a windbreaker style windshield would look better and be more fun to drive (like the ones they use on older formula one cars).
Would also be save some weight made from plastic.
Would love a windscreen that could fold down. I read the early Manx had these. |
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AMAC1680 Samba Member
Joined: April 09, 2015 Posts: 300 Location: Jacksonville Fl/Mantoloking NJ
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Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 5:16 pm Post subject: Re: Improving buggy mpg? |
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A buggy is a wind tunnel trainwreck. It all starts with the windshield and continues with a body designed to get "Sister Bertrille" airborn.
AMAC _________________ www.SEGS4VETS.org |
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vincent9993 Samba Member
Joined: November 09, 2006 Posts: 2025 Location: Montreal
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Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 5:38 pm Post subject: Re: Improving buggy mpg? |
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After having driven enough miles, I can tell you with certainty that adding a top (even soft top) will increase you MPG. Drafting also works well but make sure you stay at a safe distance. |
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weasel_ugs Samba Member
Joined: March 16, 2012 Posts: 721 Location: Prescott Valley,Az.
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Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 5:46 pm Post subject: Re: Improving buggy mpg? |
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And the big rear tires hurt it too. Takes more power to get you going. |
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Bennym777 Samba Member
Joined: April 07, 2013 Posts: 223 Location: Mexico
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Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 6:45 pm Post subject: Re: Improving buggy mpg? |
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So would be better to leave the windshield and put a hard top? |
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joescoolcustoms Samba Member
Joined: August 08, 2006 Posts: 9054 Location: West By God Virginia
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Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 6:46 pm Post subject: Re: Improving buggy mpg? |
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vincent9993 wrote: |
After having driven enough miles, I can tell you with certainty that adding a top (even soft top) will increase you MPG. Drafting also works well but make sure you stay at a safe distance. |
What do you and "drafter Paul" normally get on the cross country trips? 28 to 29?
Last two years, with a 2020 pound empty buggy running a 2165 cc engine, lifted in the air, 28.6 inch tall rear tires, taller windshield than normal, I have averaged 21.5 MPG. _________________ Bad News Racing 2018 NORRA 1000 3rd in Class
Best Day Ever Racing 2022 NORRA 1000 2nd in Class and first All Female team to complete the race
Everyone is gifted. Some just do not open the package.
Looks like it was painted with a live chicken,polished with a brick and buffed with a pine cone |
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vincent9993 Samba Member
Joined: November 09, 2006 Posts: 2025 Location: Montreal
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Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 6:46 pm Post subject: Re: Improving buggy mpg? |
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Bennym777 wrote: |
So would be better to leave the windshield and put a hard top? |
Hard top will def help your MPG |
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Glenn Mr. 010
Joined: December 25, 2001 Posts: 76760 Location: Sneaking up behind you
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Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 6:50 pm Post subject: Re: Improving buggy mpg? |
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I bet Tom's screen thing that mounts to the roll bar will help forcing air over the vehicle and not through it. _________________ Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"
Member #1009
#BlueSquare |
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