ecomodded intro-duction - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

ecomodded · 07-22-2011, 04:20 PM

Hello members

I have been a mileage counter for the last 10 yrs or so, I have owned a 1L. 3cyl. 92 geo metro convertible for about 5 yrs. it averaged 42 mpg although 50 mpg imperial was possible on the highway going 55.
I had wanted a fuel efficient 4 cyl. diesel for quite sometime then the conditions were right and I purchased a 98 tdi beetle. I have been enjoying it,much more then the

metro, do to the metro's 52 hp 55ftlb torque compared to the vw's 120 hp 190ftlb torque.
Gas mileage is from excellent to unbelievable in the beetle depending on driving style and route.

I look forward to doing some more mods to my car too further its great gas mileage, I will post my current mpg when i find the area to post it in.

California98Civic · 07-23-2011, 01:46 PM

Welcome. Nice first fuel log post. Wow.

Weather Spotter · 07-23-2011, 02:13 PM

Welcome to EM!

ecomodded · 07-23-2011, 03:08 PM

Thanks for the welcome guys.
I am in the middle of making a larger belly pan for the Beetle, to lower its drag coefficient. I had knocked the plastic one off last week so my last fuel log was without the belly pan on.
I expect it will improve my mileage, by how much I will have to wait and see. Also one tire was down to 32lbs I usually keep them at 40lbs the max for the tires.
I would be really stoked to get it up to 65 mpg, my goal, for now

California98Civic · 07-23-2011, 03:25 PM

I overinflate my tires by 9-10psi (running at 53.5psi right now) because it reduces rolling resistance, though some say it changes handling and braking. Lots here run over-inflated tires. IMHO it is a great free mod. Mine have been running this way for about 8 or 9K miles without even a hint of trouble. Use your own judgement, but that's my personal experience.

War_Wagon · 07-23-2011, 04:00 PM

Hiya and welcome. From the looks of that ride height, you must have a hard time getting the Beetle over the ramps on the ferry to come over to the mainland! But if you do, and see a silver Insight driving around Tsawwassen on the weekends that'll be me.

ecomodded · 07-23-2011, 04:35 PM

I'll have to try 45 lbs in my tires, 5 lbs over sounds harmless enough..

Its not my beetle in my avatar,mine is black and standard height.
I just liked the photo of the lowered yellow beetle. Maybe one day I will put bags on mine then I can drop it down for highway cruising