Increasing fresh air flow through vents

[figgy]

Has anybody modified their vent system to boost the amount of fresh air coming in through the vents beyond the somewhat feeble amount with the fan at max?

I find that if I just dial up the fan to max, it is not really max. If I dial up the auto/econ ac/off and THEN after than set the fan to max, it is more max than the other max.

In either case, it is not pumping as much fresh air into the car interior as I experience in my other car when I have that blast just fresh air. That one makes a hurricane, and really cuts down on AC usage.

I am considering trying to figure out a way to make the vents deliver more fresh air than they do now, so that I can run the AC less and keep the windows up.

Has anyone posted any mods like this?

p.s. I can suffer for the mpg under most conditions, but this mod is for my bulldog who can't tolerate anything much higher than about 81 or 82 degrees. Today I drove a long drive with him and it was in the mid 70s outside, but the sun made it over his threshold without the AC or periods of windows down both of which wacked my mpg even with slowing down.

[Yves M.]

Hi,

Just in case, have you replaced your AC air filter in the last year or two. It could be filled with leaves or something.

[Insightful Trekker]

Originally Posted by figgy

Has anybody modified their vent system to boost the amount of fresh air coming in through the vents beyond the somewhat feeble amount with the fan at max?

<snip>

Another problem in addition to increasing the flow is the heating of the air due to the intake location, cowl at the base of the windshield and the proximity of the heater core. Expect 10+F additional heating on warm days.

Its both a problem of intake location and the available "real estate" under the dash. There's simply not enough space to insulate fresh air from the heater core. The heater core needs a small continuous flow to prevent it from clogging. Without this flow mineralization and galvanic corrosion would accelerate the core's aging.

[cakley]

Tinted windows would be helpful.

Don't think its an easy job or even possible. Block off the heater core and drain it.

[b1shmu63]

You could replace the input filter with open cell foam. Since air input is a function of air output you could find a way to increase the air flow out of the car. The rear of the car creates a negative air pressure at speed. Jamb open the existing vent or add a supplemental vent. Hmmmmm, go crazy and add a solar powered air exhaust fan.

[cakley]

take a look at thermo-tec web site. they sell some items that you could wrap aroun the duct work to deflect heat.

[figgy]

It agree that something at the rear of the car that 'ejects' the hot cabin air will do wonders - and do a lot more than trying to squeeze more cool air into the cabin for the same effort.

A solar fan would be a nice touch for this.

One could put a vent system to eject hot air out through the bottom where the thin flooring is around the tire area. I'll have to take a look.

I am trying to make everything reversible, so I hope there is a way to do it without cutting up the rear metal sheeting.

Sun blocking by window shades or tinting is pretty darn simple!

[Foxpaw]

Hmm, never thought of that, but yes, allowing the air to exit will help a lot. I don't know how much airflow is possible through the passenger side battery vent, but maybe air could be pushed out there and vented out the bottom of the battery compartment somehow?

That would also apply additional cooling for the battery, which might mean the battery cooling fan wouldn't have to work as much. Then again, batteries work better when warmer so it might have a downside too.

[cakley]

I've allready put a small solar panel and a 12v computer fan in the rear storage compartment with a cutout.

I think I need a larger fan because the little fan helps none to very little.

The car just absorbs so much heat! Best bet is to park in the shade.

[figgy]

I am revisiting this here topic, as it is getting hot now.

Did you try just shooting air out through the side vents in the rear cargo area?

Do these rear compartment vents really vent to the outside, or are they there just to tempt us?

Was it a high CFM fan, or an anemic little baby fan?

Did you try it with a larger one?

I am working on a solar system for parked air ejection, and a manly-man fan for driving. They may be apples and oranges.