Stock spoilers... Do they really work?

[ChopsQube]

Since I travel the highway everyday, I'm trying to figure out ways of increasing my mpg's. I know that the Cube being the block that it is is creating a huge amount of turbulence off the back end which is hurting fuel economy. So my main concern at the moment is the rear spoiler and if there's any real functionality to it other than just looks, AND if there's any difference between the add-on spoiler and the Krom spoiler.

Eventually I'd look into the from spoiler as well, or an air splitter like the one for the Versa where it covers a good portion of the front underneath the bumper/radiator.

Anybody care to chime in on this?

[Promise Land]

I'm not sure what the best would be to reduce the turbulence off the back. The splitter on the front of the Versa does cover a good amount of area, but NIssan does have plastic covers on the Versa that block the bottom of the fascia. I do have the APR splitter though, just for looks and highway speed downforce. Does the Cube have covers under the fascia to block air?

[ChopsQube]

I know a lot of stock rear spoilers are just there to look cool and don't do much of anything else. I'm hoping that one of the ones offered for the Cube does in fact work, whether be the one from the "Appearance Package" or the one from the Krom.

To be honest with you, I haven't had a look under the front of the Cube yet. It seems that I'm always on the go and it slips my mind to get down there and look. I imagine it would have some kind of panels down there for some kind of protection. I think if someone made an air splitter for the Cube, that would be great. The Cube could probably use a little extra downforce in the front, especially at slightly higher than posted speeds, though it seems to do pretty good on its own in that respect.

With me rolling 120 miles on this thing every day, I'm needing to squeeze as many mpg's out of it as I can, especially with the crazy gas prices going up and down all the time. As it is, I'm only averaging 27 mpg. I'd like to better this by a few. If I can get it up somewhere around 30-33mpg, I'd be happy.

[ChopsQube]

Well as I was doing some aerodynamics research yesterday, I read in quite a few publications that the Cube has a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.35, which is not all that bad considering its rather large frontal area.

As for a rear spoiler, or even vortex generators for that matter, I'm not looking for more downforce. I'm considering these as a way to reduce drag inducing turbulence at the rear of the Cube. If properly applied, you can increase fuel economy quite a bit. It is just as significant as adding a cold air intake or aftermarket/custom exhaust system. And beyond popular belief, these vortex generators and some spoilers are helpful at typical highway speeds, not only at 150+mph.

I just got done reading an article about a new spoiler design (2006) for SUV's and vans that reduce drag by 5% at a speed of only 67mph! I'm constantly doing between 70-80mph (with the flow of traffic). That would help out quite a bit with fuel economy.

[AZhitman]

I'd bet money it'll create more drag than prevent it. Plus, you're adding weight.

You're actually better off going with a narrower front tire, lowering it, and believe it or not, taping all the front-facing seams. Fact. Weight reduction is also key.

I read an article recently that indicated front tires on most vehicles account for nearly half the aerodynamic drag.

I did a lot of reading and research in the "hypermiler" community when we were working on an X-Prize project. Cool stuff they do.

[ChopsQube]

I'd bet money it'll create more drag than prevent it. Plus, you're adding weight.

You're actually better off going with a narrower front tire, lowering it, and believe it or not, taping all the front-facing seams. Fact. Weight reduction is also key.

I read an article recently that indicated front tires on most vehicles account for nearly half the aerodynamic drag.

I did a lot of reading and research in the "hypermiler" community when we were working on an X-Prize project. Cool stuff they do.

A spoiler would add a couple of pounds, but vortex generators only add mere ounces. Yes, they will most likely produce some drag, but they free up a lot more than what they produce.

In contrast to moving to a narrower front tire, one can add small defusers under the front bumper in front of the tires to redirect the airflow around the tires. It is true about tire drag though, it equals to about 40% of the overall drag of the vehicle!

I know it works, but I'm definitely NOT taping up the front of my car no matter what, as well as taking stuff out of it to lower the weight. Eventually, I will be lowering it though.

[AZhitman]

You can add VG, but unless you're testing them in a wind tunnel, you'll have no idea if they're doing anything. Most of the ones on the market are too small to get out beyond the laminar flow and do any good...

IIRC, the Cube spoiler is 15+ lbs. Not good.

Other options: Flush wheel covers, smaller side mirrors (the Cube mirrors are HORRIBLE and account for a LOT of its drag), and covers for the fog lamp ports (or, opening them up on the back side).

Regardless, a set of low rolling-resistance tires, over-inflated by 5psi, would do you more good than any of this other stuff. Find a wrecked Prius wihth good tread and you're golden.

[jdansmith]

You can add VG, but unless you're testing them in a wind tunnel, you'll have no idea if they're doing anything. Most of the ones on the market are too small to get out beyond the laminar flow and do any good...

IIRC, the Cube spoiler is 15+ lbs. Not good.

Other options: Flush wheel covers, smaller side mirrors (the Cube mirrors are HORRIBLE and account for a LOT of its drag), and covers for the fog lamp ports (or, opening them up on the back side).

Regardless, a set of low rolling-resistance tires, over-inflated by 5psi, would do you more good than any of this other stuff. Find a wrecked Prius wihth good tread and you're golden.

Great advise, I have been watching this technology being developed at GA. Tech and it holds enough promise to be seen on SUV's IMO.

http://www.gtri.gatech.edu/casestudy/fl ... rag-trucks

[ChopsQube]

True, without proper testing in a wind tunnel, I won't know for sure if the VG's work or not, unless I see some kind of increase in my mileage which I do keep a record of every fill-up. Either way, I just ordered a 10 pack of VG's from here... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... 0429600647

I read a couple threads in other forums about these exact VG's that people have used, and they claim an increase in mpg as well as a cleaner rear window. Hell, for 20 bucks, I'm not going to worry about it. If they work, great, if they don't but also don't hurt mpg, then so be it.

[Dodgercube]

True, without proper testing in a wind tunnel, I won't know for sure if the VG's work or not, unless I see some kind of increase in my mileage which I do keep a record of every fill-up. Either way, I just ordered a 10 pack of VG's from here... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... 0429600647

I read a couple threads in other forums about these exact VG's that people have used, and they claim an increase in mpg as well as a cleaner rear window. Hell, for 20 bucks, I'm not going to worry about it. If they work, great, if they don't but also don't hurt mpg, then so be it.

hey buddy i drive 74 miles one way everyday and i just got my cube, can you let me know if your thingy mabobs you just got work. that would be awesome. did you instal a cold air intake?

[AZhitman]

If they gain you 1mpg, assuming 30mpg and $3 gas, you'll save roughly $195 in fuel over 60,000 miles.