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Sorry if some of this has already been discussed.

I want to improve the aero of my wife's '08 civic lx to a Cd close to the hybrid. I've been looking at the differences and here are the obvious ones I've seen:
1. lip spoiler on trunk
2. smoother wheel design
3. underbody panels
a. front under engine
b. left side
c. right side
Are there other differences that help the hybrid's Cd?
What could be the single biggest drag reducing difference beteen the two cars?

I found what appears to be an oem style lip spoiler here that doesn't require drilling.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=130151481537&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=003

I'm also looking into aftermarket smooth hubcaps that fit the stock steel wheels.

I saw part #s for the underbody panels in another thread on here, so those could probably be bought at the dealer or I could try making something similar.

I am looking into splash guards too, but they will probably create some drag. Hopefully minimal. Do these look like the ones that you can get on the hybrids ?http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=330165943726&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=014

thanks,
jamie

Jamie--

I think you've hit the right places for Cd improvement. I think there's a .04 difference in the two models (.27 vs. .31), and as far as I know the areas you mention are the only differences. I can't speak to which component improves Cd the most.

I think you are correct that the parts you're speaking of are available through most parts dealers.

I have the splashguards, too, as a dealer-installed accessory. I was worried about the effect they might have on drag, but I was assured in another thread somewhere that there's enough turbulence remaining at the wheels that it wouldn't affect CD appreciably. The paint you'll save will more than make up for any lost FE. The splash guards Honda sells for the Civic are universal across sedan trim lines. --RN

I have the splashguards, too, as a dealer-installed accessory. I was worried about the effect they might have on drag, but I was assured in another thread somewhere that there's enough turbulence remaining at the wheels that it wouldn't affect CD appreciably. The paint you'll save will more than make up for any lost FE . The splash guards Honda sells for the Civic are universal across sedan trim lines. --RN
Cool, that's what I thought too.

I made a engine belly pan for my Civic. The engine stayed cleaner. but I don't think it helped areo one bit.

I made upper grill blocks and also sealed off the hood to grill seam.

I dont think any fo that helped either. Was fun to fart around with.

I do think a lower grill block would help in the winter months.

Upper grill blocks and hood to grill filled.
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/561/medium/IMG_6176.JPG

Lower Grill block.
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/561/medium/IMG_6163.JPG

Engine Belly pan.
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/544/medium/ep1.jpg

Do any of you HCH2 owners already have any pics of the underbelly of your cars? Just wanna see how complex the OEM pans are.


hey psyshack,
I just might try making some coroplast pans soon. Did your civic go up those ramps without issue? I'm hesitant to lift the car with my floor jack.

Do you remember what size pipe insulation fit well in that top slot? I was just looking at that area yesterday:).

With grill blocking, are the hondas sensitive to IAT changes? Is there a range that the temps should stay within for best FE?

thanks

My older civic gets its best mileage at about 80F ambient. I'm not sure what the intake temp is. I did find that in the heat of summer (100+), a grille block hurt rather than helped, probably due to higher intake temps.

well i just wanted to update. I bought and installed a hybrid lip spoiler last night and some splash guards are on the way. I need to figure out if normal hubcaps will fit these lx wheels. Has anyone ever tried it :confused:?

the local honda dealer finally has a new 2007 hybrid civic so i stopped to look it over. I noticed that it did not seem to have the tire air deflectors in front of any of the tires. Why is that? Seems like they are an aerodynamic aid which my lx has.

BTW i had a 47 mpg trip last week driving the wife's civic home from the fair 50 miles away. She drove there with a trip of 41-42 mpg.

Your best view under the car will be at Honda's website. (http://automobiles.honda.com/civic-hybrid/exterior-360-view.aspx)

Note the OEM engine pan will *NOT* fit your R18. (The LDA-MF5 and K20Z3 have the exhaust on the rear of the engine. Your R18 has the exhaust on the front of the engine. Psyshack's homemade under engine pan would not pass inspection in many states.)

-mr. bill

You could lower the car an inch or get lighter wheels. That might also help you FE numbers.

Your best view under the car will be at Honda's website. (http://automobiles.honda.com/civic-hybrid/exterior-360-view.aspx)

Note the OEM engine pan will *NOT* fit your R18. (The LDA-MF5 and K20Z3 have the exhaust on the rear of the engine. Your R18 has the exhaust on the front of the engine. Psyshack's homemade under engine pan would not pass inspection in many states.)

-mr. bill
Thanks for the link. Also thanks for letting me know the oem hybrid pan won't fit my lx. I'll probably make one. Michigan doesn't do inspections, good thing for my metro :o.