Fun to drive/spirited eco-modder

[turbovr41991]

Hello all.

I have been a member for a while lurking on ways to improved gas mileage in my 97 Civic hatchback. But quite honestly, the civic was extremely boring to drive. So I sold it to move on to better things. Idealy the perfect car for me would be the new 2011 Lotus Elise. Fast, efficient, and able to handle extremely well.

Unfortunately I am 30-40k short on buying one, so I decided to try to make my own cheaper. I bought a 86 MR2 and am in the process of putting in an engine and transmission from a 99 Toyota Trueno (20 valve 1.6 liter engine with a 6 speed transmission.) I am expecting a fun and responsive car that still can squeak out 43+ mpg. From there I can see what I an tweak to improve performance and efficiency.

[AeroModder]

One way to save fuel is by conserving momentum. The most enjoyable way to do this is to not brake before corners, or brake as little as possible.

[turbovr41991]

Originally Posted by AeroModder

One way to save fuel is by conserving momentum. The most enjoyable way to do this is to not brake before corners, or brake as little as possible.

Yep. I hope the upgraded suspension components well help out a lot in this department. I will post pictures and video’s once the care is being driven on a daily basis. Right now everything is in, just waiting on the exhaust to mate the 20 valve exhaust manifold to the existing MR2 exhaust.