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Old 05-05-2009, 01:13 PM   #78 (permalink)
MetroMPG
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: 1000 Islands, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 12,516

Blackfly - '98 Metro
Team Metro
90 day: 67.07 mpg (US)

ForkenSwift - '92 Metro EV
90 day: 125.37 mpg (US)

U.F.O. - '00 Insight
Team Honda
90 day: 83.36 mpg (US)
Thanks: 300
Thanked 1,012 Times in 564 Posts
I had someone email me asking what mods were in place on the Firefly for the Green Grand Prix. Here they are, plus driving notes:

Aerodynamics:
- additional grille block (in the hood/bumper gap; see Wonderboy's pic, above)
- regular partial grille block (home made "bra")
- headlight gaps sealed
- one (1) front wheel skirt
- smooth wheel covers
- radio antenna delete
- passenger mirror delete (internal convex mirror in its place)
- driver's mirror folded back on highway portion of route
- rear wheel skirts (2!)
- Kammback
- washed & waxed before the event (just kidding! NOT an aero benefit!)
Drivetrain:
- tires around 50 psi (didn't actually check before the event, embarrassed to say)
- 5w20 synthetic engine oil
- GM Synchromesh semi-synth transaxle oil
- Metro XFi camshaft
- transmission with taller final drive ratio
Electrical
- plenty of use of the shifter-mounted ignition kill switch (for P&G, engine off coasting)
- alternator electrically switched off past the half-way mark
- daytime running lights used selectively depending on perceived risks (installed an "off" switch)
- I listened to the radio during the highway portions of the drive though
Instrumentation:
- ScanGauge 2, monitoring: instant MPG; tank MPG; average speed (time limit); open/closed loop; voltage (after switching off the alternator); elapsed time (watch)
Driving techniques:
- Pulse & glide, monitoring SG to keep engine in closed loop during pulses
- Light timing & traffic timing in urban areas to avoid stops & minimize slowdowns - driving without brakes
- Moving to the extreme right of my highway lane ("ridge riding") or part way onto the paved shoulder to facilitate/encourage passing by faster traffic (there wasn't a lot).
- Pushing the car (part way) to the start; at the mandatory rest stop in Geneva; in the gas station for the post-competition fill
- and more than a few other from our 100+ eco-driving / hypermiling tips

I think that's everything...
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www.MetroMPG.com - fuel efficiency info for Geo Metro owners
www.ForkenSwift.com - electric car conversion on a beer budget
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