How well would a de-hybridized Insight peform (FE wise)?

[BumblingB]

Originally Posted by Ryland

the insight does have a 12 volt starter, maybe it's a requirement or something in some states, I know that wisconsin requires you to have a -wet- cell battery (personaly read it in the state statutes) how ever the insight does not have a fly wheel, insted the computer pulsses the moter between acting as a motor and a generator as each pistion fires to even out the vibration and engine speed, making it run very smooth.

I was wondering if someone was going to mention that. The starter is a backup for the 12V system to start the car in the "unlikely" event the IMA battery goes kaput. VERY weird sound to hear it for the first time. I let my IMA battery sit for about 4 months on my old Civic Hybrid and it went down during my absence. When I jump started the car I heard the starter for the first time, really weird when you're not used to it.

MetroMPG - it does have a pulley system, that's what the A/C runs off of It could easily be converted to accomodate an alternator if someone has machining skills for making a good bracket, then of course is the task of wiring it in........

[MetroMPG]

Cool. This is neat info. As to why I wouldn't just get a regular Insight? Good question!

Probably a combination of the hypothetical prospect of getting a deal on a dead IMA vehicle, plus the challenge of retrofitting & modding the stuff to make it go without it. And in part I started thinking about this because there are just no good VX's around here any more. Too high mileage & rusty.

Not that I'm shopping or anything. Just kicking around ideas.

[krousdb]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

And in part I started thinking about this because there are just no good VX's around here any more. Too high mileage & rusty.

Hey! What is wrong with a rusty VX? The rust is just not detrimental to operation.

[MetroMPG]

You're right. Actually it helps make it lighter for better FE.

[Silveredwings]

Originally Posted by Wazabi Owner

It could easily be converted to accomodate an alternator if someone has machining skills for making a good bracket, then of course is the task of wiring it in........

I think wiring it in should be pretty straightforward (the regulator is built in). Connect the battery to wherever the DC-DC converter would otherwise be. Most alternators have a ground connection and a heavy guage connection to the +12V battery lug (or it may even share a heavy cable with starter). Then there are sometimes one or two more connections (like a fused +12V feed from the ignition switch to turn the field on/off, and/or a wire for an 'ALT' light. Anyone?

[Silveredwings]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

The Cd .31-ish Blackfly beats that currently.

I thought that sounded high. Many sources (new and old) have it at .25. For example:
http://www.caranddriver.com/cartrims...a_insight.html

While you're de-hybridizing it, you could always go the other way and make a straight EV out of it, but that's OT so nevermind.

[MetroMPG]

I should have been clearer with that figure. The .31-ish refers to my car's calculated Cd with current aero mods (grille block, wheel skirts, undertray, mirrors reconfig'd, but without the partial boat-tail). From .34 unaltered.

Man, if I could get the Blackfly down to the .25 Cd of the Insight, I should see (very) roughly 12% improved FE at highway speeds than I can get currently. And that would still only have me at about 66 mpg @ 55 mph @ 20C.

[Silveredwings]

Oh sorry metro, my bad. I misread it as "the Insight Cd is .31" but you clearly stated you meant the Blackfly. :/

BTW, Your efforts are very inspiring. Keep up the good work.

Now if I could figure out why I'm getting an FE drop in the Passat lately...

[MetroMPG]

Cooler temps would be my guess...

[Silveredwings]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Man, if I could get the Blackfly down to the .25 Cd of the Insight, I should see (very) roughly 12% improved FE at highway speeds than I can get currently.

Have you tried driving around backwards? Remember that Pinto study that showed it's Cd was better in reverse?