Things that Might Have Been Done Differently at The Insight Marathon

Chuck · #1 10-08-2006, 02:54 PM

I bet there were some ideas of how to make the results even more impressive.

The one that comes to my mind would have made it a lot more uncomfortable - move it up two weeks to avoid the cool nights.

I guess I'm a die-hard on getting better rolling resistance. I you have taken a close look at racing bikes like the type Lance might ride, they have a middle tread in the middle so under high pressure it's the only contact on the road (some are that way). I'd consider going to the Home Depot to find steel tape. Think of somthing as wide as the steel measuring tape except it's flat and it's used to strap very large items like furniture and appiances. I'd put that on the center of the rear tires. It would be the only road contact on the rear tires. I would not recommeded it for anything except an event like this.

Another item per a recent Popular Mechanics article on 100mpg cars are possible now - cover the bottom of the car to reduce the Cd (I'm sure there will be concerns of lift at highway speeds)

xcel · #2 10-08-2006, 04:01 PM

Hi Chuck:

___It was not the cool nights that was hampering us, it was the winds during the day. The area where Randall lives in Oklahoma usually goes from a stronger Southern summer wind to stronger Northern winds with an ~ 2 week break at or around the time we planned for the Insight Marathon. We just got caught with a strong southern, then a strong northern, and then a strong southern with only a one day break throughout the event

___As for the temps, we already know what works and what does not so let that one lye for reasons you and I have already discussed privately

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Chuck · #3 10-08-2006, 07:24 PM

I hope this did not come off as non-positive remarks - I was just dreaming of how it could be even better.

Flash! · #4 10-09-2006, 12:27 AM

I think they also wanted a "mostly-stock" car for the test and not one with a larger bank of batteries, Back-to-the-Future body kits, etc. Granted nobody drives at an average speed of 20 mph but this is still an impressive goal and the record will definitely last for a while. Bravo to one and all. I'm learning lots about my car as well and tomorrow is my 9-week birthday with my HCH-II and I'll be turning 10,000 miles on it (1,111.1 mi/wk avg).

tigerhonaker · #5 10-09-2006, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flash!

I think they also wanted a "mostly-stock" car for the test and not one with a larger bank of batteries, Back-to-the-Future body kits, etc. Granted nobody drives at an average speed of 20 mph but this is still an impressive goal and the record will definitely last for a while. Bravo to one and all. I'm learning lots about my car as well and tomorrow is my 9-week birthday with my HCH-II and I'll be turning 10,000 miles on it (1,111.1 mi/wk avg).

I am kinda wondering what this statement means? Any Help Wayne???

[quote=Flash!;13708]I think they also wanted a "mostly-stock" car for the test and not one with a larger bank of batteries, Back-to-the-Future body kits, etc.

This Insight was just a Production Car with No-Mods to Body or Battery Pacs in my understanding. PUZZLED !!!!!!!!

Terry

Wayne, could you or would "YOU" clear this up for all that read this Post???

xcel · #6 10-09-2006, 09:25 AM

Hi Terry:

___I believe Chuck confused everyone with his discussion of extreme mods and Flash replied correctly that the Insight was stock without super packs or strange body panels etc.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Chuck · #7 10-09-2006, 09:31 AM

Some think I'm an agent of KAOS

Flash! · #8 10-09-2006, 10:35 AM

I thought I remembered reading that this was a mostly-stock INSIGHT (not a mostly-stock average car) in the fact that it did not have super mods like special lightweight undertrays, extra batteries, etc. and one of the only mods was the IGN disabler that let them not have to turn the key off and then back on to restart it or things like that. Thanks for clarifying also, xcel.

Tochatihu · #9 11-10-2006, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delta Flyer

...cover the bottom of the car to reduce the Cd (I'm sure there will be concerns of lift at highway speeds)

Perhaps not a major issue at 18.5 mph nyuck nyuck nyuck .

DAS

sno779 · #10 11-10-2006, 02:35 PM

For those that don't know, all Insights were sold with belly pans. They don't cover 100% of the belly but about 60% is covered and the rest have fairings to deflect the wind away from the rough areas. It's not perfect under there but it's a good start for a standard production car. Back in the 50s my uncle had a Mercedes 300SL Gull Wing that had a complete belly pan. Now that car was much faster then some of the airplanes we had back then and it would flat out fly, but it never left the ground.....Louis