mmc757
Full Access Member
We all know our gas mileage *****...thats the price we pay for a bullet proof drivetrain, a frame beefy enough to support two ***** elephants gettin it on, and aerodynamic qualities similar to those of a brick.
Of those three primary problems, I'm wondering if we can get some gains by working on the aerodynamics issue...
My hobby vehicle is a sport compact, and Ive been reading up a lot lately about undercar aerodynamics...depending on the model, there are lots of cars that can pick up 3-6 mpg with a smooth underbody and properly designed rear diffuser and front splitter.
Obviously our ground clearance will cause different airflow characteristics than a car thats lowdown, but the principles should still apply I think.
For a Jeep, I dont see why it wouldnt be possible to kill two birds with one stone here, and build a full underbody pan that serves as both an aerodynamics aid and as protection on the trail...
Obviously it would be desirable to minimize the impact on ground clearance, but I dont think that would be too difficult.
So the question is a three-parter:
1. Has anyone with guards underneath noticed an improvement in mileage after installation?
2. Any other thoughts on the subject?
3. What other ideas have you had to improve our aerodynamics?
Of those three primary problems, I'm wondering if we can get some gains by working on the aerodynamics issue...
My hobby vehicle is a sport compact, and Ive been reading up a lot lately about undercar aerodynamics...depending on the model, there are lots of cars that can pick up 3-6 mpg with a smooth underbody and properly designed rear diffuser and front splitter.
Obviously our ground clearance will cause different airflow characteristics than a car thats lowdown, but the principles should still apply I think.
For a Jeep, I dont see why it wouldnt be possible to kill two birds with one stone here, and build a full underbody pan that serves as both an aerodynamics aid and as protection on the trail...
Obviously it would be desirable to minimize the impact on ground clearance, but I dont think that would be too difficult.
So the question is a three-parter:
1. Has anyone with guards underneath noticed an improvement in mileage after installation?
2. Any other thoughts on the subject?
3. What other ideas have you had to improve our aerodynamics?