Greeting all. I'm a long time lurker who just recently picked up a Geo Metro to add to my collection of vehicles. I thought it time to introduce her, and subsequently, myself. I decided to name her "Topoff", since I'm not going to be shy about taking her top off in public.
I had been looking for another Metro for under $300 since not long after I was stupid enough to trade away the last one, which I got for $200. I found this one on Craigslist a few days ago and just happened to be the first one to reply to the ad. I had an adventure going out to a farm miles out of town where I ended up saving her from rotting in a field. A jump start, a couple of gallons of gas, several hours of my day and $250 later, she was mine.
I wanted one because I find them fun to drive and because I wanted something I wouldn't hesitate to modify(read: make uglier or slower) to get rediculous gas milage out of, also meaning it had to start off with a tiny engine and low curb weight. I was looking for a '92 or newer for the interior change they did that year as I wasn't a fan of the old style, of course with the 1.0l engine and a 5 speed transmission. I wasn't expecting to find a convertible in my price range, and one wasn't worth more than $300 to me since I have a number of other vehicles already, which all get pretty decent gas milage. My only complaint about the convertible is the weight being about 100lbs heavier than the hatchback. My wife's main complaint is that it's another two-seater and we have a daughter. She says I can't keep it, but the heck with that. I'll just get rid of one of my other vehicles.
My work so far and for a couple of weeks yet is getting it running in tip top shape, and sealing out the elements. It got pretty musty inside from sitting out in the rain for 2 months with a slightly leaky roof. Half of my work so far has been cleaning that up. The other half has been getting it to run better and try and unstick the rings on two cylinders. I'll re-ring it if I have to. The check engine light flickers, indicating either an ignition issue or a ground problem, and the exhaust needs patching, both of which I hope to remidy this week. Then I can get a baseline on MPG before doing anything to it.
I plan on going "MPG Crazy" with it. I'd like to start with an MPGuino to measure my MPGs as I mod it and adjust my driving habits. Aero mods are next, like blocking the front grill, lowering, wheel covers and rear skirts, possibly a belly pan, tilted back wishdshield and a lowered, streamlined roof. Engine mods will probably consist of advancing the timing, warm air intake, altenator delete and maybe more. Of course it'll go through a thorough weight reduction plan. And if I get all that done and am satisfied, then I might turn it into a hybrid with the equipment I've already collected for making a small EV. Plan B, should I blow the engine apart, would be to make it 100% electric. I'd prefer it to not have a limited range if possible, though.
Yeah, that's a lot. Expect it to take me a couple of years or more to get through it all.
I'll keep ya'll posted with build threads elsewhere on the forum.
Later!