vortex generators - Toyota Yaris Forums

Idahotom · 05-27-2013, 12:06 AM

Since reading the post about "being more stable at high speeds", it occured to me that I had not had my HB up to highway speeds since the vg install, just secondary road/ 45 mph driving. So, I made a special effort to take the interstate into town, and I got up to the blistering speed of 65 mph and then almost 70, rather then my usual 60. The results were very interesting.

I should mention I took EVERYTHING out behind the drivers seat, 2 years ago, including that framework that supports the seat and maybe adds stiffness to the unibody. I have good tires and a aftermarket rear sway bar, and the front end is set to specs. So, the highway speed straightline handling to date, which, to be generous, could best be called "sporty", has just been something I have learned to live with. I just figured being so light, it was to be expected. That and maybe that steel tube structure for the seat was allowing some flex, or something. Or, maybe the heavy semi traffic and the resulting dished out slow lane (where I am all the time) had the Yaris needing pretty constant attention to not look like I was driving impaired. No big deal really, l like everything else so much this was a small price to pay and just part of the deal, I'm no whiner.

BUT, now with the vg's......it's like it's on rails! The thing tracks like a much heavier car now, and the work load is much reduced, the difference is amazing! Too soon yet to tell if there are any mpg changes, but just the handling difference makes this experiment a success. Furthermore, it was pointed out to me that I had them too far rearward, they need "room to work". That is, moving them forward a bit would allow the airflow a little more room to get re adjusted somewhat. This made perfect sense to me, as on the airplane we put them ahead of the area we want the airflow to stay attached to, by 6 or 8" or so. So, I pulled them all off (just double sided carpet tape) and then just to make sure I wasn't imagining things, drove it on the interstate again, and, the squirrley handling was back! So, no question the vg's are doing something, and that something is good. They are now semi permenantly glued down right behind the antenna, about 6 or 8" from the rear deck drop off, and while I have yet to drive it at freeway speeds since the move, I am real pleased so far. I will report back after a couple tanks mpg wise, if it's the same I'll be happy, I'm thinking whatever is going on to effect the handling so much (less ass end drag and turbulence?) must have favorable results on the mileage, that would be a real bonus if it did.

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05-27-2013, 12:06 AM	#5
Idahotom Drives: 2008 5 sp. LB Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Idahoi Posts: 268	Since reading the post about "being more stable at high speeds", it occured to me that I had not had my HB up to highway speeds since the vg install, just secondary road/ 45 mph driving. So, I made a special effort to take the interstate into town, and I got up to the blistering speed of 65 mph and then almost 70, rather then my usual 60. The results were very interesting. I should mention I took EVERYTHING out behind the drivers seat, 2 years ago, including that framework that supports the seat and maybe adds stiffness to the unibody. I have good tires and a aftermarket rear sway bar, and the front end is set to specs. So, the highway speed straightline handling to date, which, to be generous, could best be called "sporty", has just been something I have learned to live with. I just figured being so light, it was to be expected. That and maybe that steel tube structure for the seat was allowing some flex, or something. Or, maybe the heavy semi traffic and the resulting dished out slow lane (where I am all the time) had the Yaris needing pretty constant attention to not look like I was driving impaired. No big deal really, l like everything else so much this was a small price to pay and just part of the deal, I'm no whiner. BUT, now with the vg's......it's like it's on rails! The thing tracks like a much heavier car now, and the work load is much reduced, the difference is amazing! Too soon yet to tell if there are any mpg changes, but just the handling difference makes this experiment a success. Furthermore, it was pointed out to me that I had them too far rearward, they need "room to work". That is, moving them forward a bit would allow the airflow a little more room to get re adjusted somewhat. This made perfect sense to me, as on the airplane we put them ahead of the area we want the airflow to stay attached to, by 6 or 8" or so. So, I pulled them all off (just double sided carpet tape) and then just to make sure I wasn't imagining things, drove it on the interstate again, and, the squirrley handling was back! So, no question the vg's are doing something, and that something is good. They are now semi permenantly glued down right behind the antenna, about 6 or 8" from the rear deck drop off, and while I have yet to drive it at freeway speeds since the move, I am real pleased so far. I will report back after a couple tanks mpg wise, if it's the same I'll be happy, I'm thinking whatever is going on to effect the handling so much (less ass end drag and turbulence?) must have favorable results on the mileage, that would be a real bonus if it did.