The Prius Experiment: Pizza Pan Wheel Cover Results

Hey folks! In this video, we're going to look at the fuel economy data and determine if the pizza pan wheel covers improved fuel economy. Also, I'm going to change the video format to make things more convenient for the viewers.
If you liked the video, please leave a comment, or a rating. Not only does it help the channel, but it also helps KZbin show you more of the content you enjoy. 👍
This video uses royalty-free music from the KZbin Audio Library.
#hybrid #hypermiling #prius #priuslife

[@michaelblacktree]

Hey everyone! If you'd like to get info on the project before it's released on youtube, check out the build thread at the EcoModder forums. ecomodder.com/forum/showthread.php/prius-experiment-40050.html

[@tsd560ti6]

A wheel design engineer told me, that for ideal aerodynamics, the rim should aline with the most outside part of the tire. You could maybe try to add an outer ring that connects your current cab with the outermost point of the tire in one coplanarity.

[@michaelblacktree]

Show me the data!

[@maddoxwca]

I’ve considered a set of spun aluminum wheel discs like Moon makes that guys run on top speed cars. They make a set that are snap on just not sure if they’ll fit on the aluminum Prius wheel. Neat idea fitting them to the factory rings.

[@michaelblacktree]

Unfortunately the pizza pans stick out past the wheel, so they will hit curbs if you're not careful. I broke 2 of them already, had to make new ones. Just FYI.

[@maddoxwca]

@@michaelblacktree so no bueno for the wife’s Prius. Gotcha. 😂

[@michaelblacktree]

hehe

[@lordflick895]

Best of luck with this change. I look forward to hearing how it turns out.

[@michaelblacktree]

thanks!

[@ophrasbankaccount7716]

My boy with the ads!!! watching the whole thing ✊

[@Media-Cafe]

wow, i just bought motorcycle mirrors (ford focus 2006) a month back, didn't realize someone else did this too. Had to bend mine with a sledge hammer to get them to fit right, but they look awesome.

[@michaelblacktree]

cool 😎

[@dahsk7872]

How’s the Prius looking? Have you increased the mpg further?? Thanks

[@danieltenorio3559]

Do u think fender flares would have an a similar affect?

[@michaelblacktree]

I'm not sure. But I want to try rear fender covers (like the Honda Insight) in the future.

[@kendimen.c]

Interesting experience. How can you separate the results from the "pizza pan wheel covers" from the "foam rubber in the grill"? Did you remove the foam things when you put the covers? Also, I was looking at your numbers: before foam: 57.7 with foam: 60.7 before pizza: 56.6 after pizza: 59.4 I wonder how the accumulate behaviour would be.

[@michaelblacktree]

The Prius has a bladder in the fuel tank. It makes the fuel-ups less consistent than a normal gas tank. Guys on PriusChat say they have to fill up 3-5 times and take the average. So comparing individual fillups isn't helpful.

[@pinzgauernorcal]

how did you attach the pizza pans?

[@michaelblacktree]

They're attached to the stock trim rings, with machine screws. Here's a video of the install: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3rQgaajjNl3q7M

[@lilmsgs]

Do you have the original HV battery?

[@michaelblacktree]

I'm not sure. I bought the Prius from a used car dealership, and they didn't have any service history. But the battery pack seems to be working well.

[@lilmsgs]

@@michaelblacktree I have a gen 2 with original battery. With constant focus on driving for the highest MPG, I only get 46.7. Higher than the official rating but much lower than you're getting. The HV battery is a big factor on MPG as it ages, as I understand it.

[@michaelblacktree]

That's a good point. I've been told that if the HV battery charges and discharges quickly, that's a sign that it's going bad.

[@drippingwax]

You have slow leaks in your tires?

[@mry82]

Dang! People are impatient! lol

[@michaelblacktree]

It's all good.

[@SeanBaker]

You put in that work!!!

[@thecaristascarchannel9189]

and then there is me, having my 2nd gen prius lowered on 205/55/r16 celica wheels and michelin pilotsport4 tires :-D last summer I averaged in my daily work-drive 4l-4,3l/100km, now it is 4,8-5l :-D

[@michaelblacktree]

Tires can have a huge effect on fuel economy. But I bet those PilotSport4 tires have some nice handling.

[@thecaristascarchannel9189]

@@michaelblacktree yeah, the car handles very well, also have some h&r lowering springs on Sachs shocks, and exact same corolla which you have as, well. How are you happy with the self centering of the steering wheel and of the straights line stability of your prius?

[@michaelblacktree]

Straight line stability is OK now. Before the sway bar swap it felt wobbly.