Vortex Generator Experiment
 

As you all know by now. Most SUV's have a large cross section vs Sedans. Our w164 is no exception. The main reason why milage suffer - SUVs displace more air. And the faster you go the more air is displaced. One of the most recent innovations I've noticed are "vortex generators" on the backs of semi-trucks. I wont be discussing how it works (you can google that). But i want to share the results of what I got in this video. At first I thought it looks ugly - thats why it took me a full month before i decided to install it. But now - i think its worth doing. If you decide to try this - please collect plenty of mpg logs before you try it. That will give you a better baseline.

could you post pics of the install etc

In my opinion, the period of time and distance traveled isn't sufficient for a good analysis, unless the numbers are simply overwhelming, which they aren't. Wind speed alone can account for a 10% discrepancy - too many variables.

I agree with you Marc - there are a lot of factors to consider. I am posting this in the hope that folks might use this data as a baseline of comparison and hopefully they can also post what numbers they get (every fillup). In my case, this is a picture of my first fill-up after installing the vortex generator. This is a photo just before the amber light came on (going up my driveway). I consider this one of my highest milage for city/hwy. Please note 33mph is the average speed. 575mi reached. Photo shows 24.3 mpg - but in reality its more like 26.3 mpg.

Vincent, i dont have much pictures of install process. I just have a few which is included in the video.

just did some reading about the vortex generators, my internet was not loading your video this morning, i watched it just now

now i see what they are etc and will be interested in following your results with this

thanks for posting about it

I would recommend using fuelly.com to help in tracking your mileage and fuel economy. It's a useful tool.

Here is a link of how to install.


IMO - i wish they sold Airtabs in small quantities rather than 80 pcs.

adding my fuelly signature

Nice! Glad to see people use their high end Sports/Exotic cars. Make sure to give it a damn good cleaning inside and out after the snow melts and get that salt off.