PaleMelanesian

Sorry for not noticing some messages. I don't check this page much, and it doesn't alert me to any activity. A PM or a public discussion is a much better way to catch my attention.

Hi, I have taken after you on the 'driver-edu-only' model of modding. I aspire to get mileages as high as you, but it appears a long shot looking at where you are (stratosphere, for us earthlings!).

It was odd to find you 'friendless' on the forum in spite of your reputation. So sent request. I would need your guidance for further improvements, so makes sense.

You clearly have the best FE of the 90s Civic DXs here. I was wondering if you could share your basic city driving techniques, i.e., acceleration & shifting levels/strategy, how to handle heavy, unpredictable traffic, how to deal w/elevation. I don't have a scanguage or anything of that sort to test techniques accurately. I generally try to coast as much as possible, maintain speed in corners, use very light throttle, and shift at lowest points that seem safe (1-2 @10mph, 2-3 @20+, 3-4 @35, 4-5 @50). Have tried P&G but don't have a great way to gauge effectiveness.

I think you're on the right track with the Guino. Scangauge can't read lean-burn like your car has. It's been vital to my success. Having numbers in front of you is HUGE for getting results. It's like dieting without a scale - how do you know if it's working?

My commute is about 50% city, 40-45mph limits. The other half is rural 55mph highways. Pretty ideal. I find the same thing as you with highway travel. With aggressive pulse-and-glide in a 50-60 mph range, I can pull off 70's on the highway too. Your car should be capable of a bit more.

Hey, I checked out your gas log and damn, i'm very impressed. You seem to be right there up with me and you dont even have a vtec-e engine.

How much of your commute is in city driving? I've found out I can pull off high 60's and probably 70's with all city pulse and gliding. The freeway is what really drags me down, mid 50's.

How much has the scan guage helped you out? I currently dont have any mpg instrumentation but I have ordered a MPGuino and plan to put that to good use.

Anyway, great job.

It reads normal that I can tell. The fan comes on when the OBD-II reported temp is about 202-204 - right on spec. My 1/2 block lets it warm up to the point of 1 or 2 fan cycles at the end of my commute. For longer trips I open it up more, for shorter hops, I'll close it all the way.

It takes a long time to warm up, even in the summer. 3 miles or so until the needle starts moving. Winter is worse, even with the block in place.

Does your stock thermostat give you false readings or does it operate normally with the blocks in when its hot outside?

Here are a few shots of my grill block: PaleMelanesian's CleanMPG Forums Profile
It's a foam exercise mat cut into 4 pieces and press-fit in. It's split top-bottom by the grill's crossbar, and then each of those is split in two. This time of year, I have 1/2 of it open.

The engine radiator is only on the passenger side, so this time of year I open that side, but leave the driver's side (AC radiator) closed.

It doesn't really like running low on fuel. Once the light comes on, it starts stumbling now and then.

Read the 100+ ecodriving tips list. I use almost all of them. This car especially responds to Pulse & Glide.

Hope that helps.

Oh yeah, I only have 76000 on it, just starting to rust one fender and bottom of door, only on the surface tho.

Wow, I have the same car as you, I'm getting around 45 with no mods, just idle coasting, P&G. Would you mind sharing pictures of your grill blocks, I would like to make some. I also have brand new tires I was going to try 50-55 psi at first. I saw your tank mileage and was very impressed, my light comes on around 400, but it still has a couple gallons left. Any other tips???