The Hits keep rolling in! 35 MPG and climbing!

[JethroBodine]

Just hit my second goal 35 MPG in a 21 year old gasser Jetta. Also did my first aero mod( grill block) near the end of the tank. Was getting 25 steady with cruise at 70 mph. I only do that coasting now, and only since the grill block. This nut( ex-drag/street racer) was pretty "F"ing loose. Still adjusting to the proper torque. The mods have just started, and if I come up with anything interesting, I'll be sure to document with piccies.

Thanks to all who've gone before me and left a clear trail ahead!!!

[RH77]

Congrats! Now, set the goal for 40 It looks like your Jetta, in numbers, is similar to my Integra (1.8L, similar EPA numbers, relatively close in weight and drag) so 40 is a reasonable target. I am also a reformed racer -- I owe a lot to this community of like-minded folks for helping in my goals over the years.

For 35+MPG, you will probably have to coast quite a lot, and keep the top speed down. BTW, is it an automatic? Keep trying those mods, and best of luck to ya...

RH77

[TYPE-R KING]

My first post....congrats on 35mpg...that's my first goal

[JethroBodine]

Thanks guys. EOffCoasting for two tanks now and top pulse speed is 60 mph at the top of hills on the hiway. My engine off coasts are from 1/2 to 3 miles long, depending on the hill, during my comute. Not much trafic 'round these parts, so dropping down to 45 mph isn't that dangerous( I still watch the rearview ALOT).

My goals are always another 5 mpg, with no limit in sight. I don't see why 100 mpg isn't doable. I know that as the numbers go up, I'll need to get more radical, but my car is looking pretty plain right now.... Instrumentation is in the works, and I'm talking with a bodywork budy about body mods. We work with both tractors( 18 wheeler type) and trailers, so we have sheets of aluminum and other siding materials that are both strong and light.

[jedi_sol]

Congrats, once you start doing aero mods, 40+ mpg will come easy!

TYPE-R-KING be sure to join Team Honda!
EcoModder Team Competition

Im screaming a lot!

[JethroBodine]

Just did the mock up of my second aero mod. 1/2 sheets of 5/16" plywood are common and free where I work, so I used one for my engine bay belly pan mock up( before I actually put out money for aluminum sheet). My Jetta has a chin spoiler up front that I took off when installing the belly pan. I don't have an MPGuino, yet, but I do have a "calibrated hill". Before mods, 55 mph top of hill, 63 bottom, 30 at the exit ramp off the hiway. Grill block, 55 top, 69 bottom, 34 off ramp. Tonight, after adding unfinished/mock up belly pan, 55 top,79 mph bottom, 58 at exit. Now THAT'S what I call success!!! Oh,... ahem....cough... um, and I bet I get better milleage, too.

[JethroBodine]

FINALLY!!! Getting diesel numbers in a gas Jetta! Just got 41.5mpg on a 300 mile tank. Had another tank where the travel distance was the same but 2.2 gallons more fuel. Thank you EM!!!

Mods so far-
Mostly full bellypan
Upper grill block
Alternator On/Off switch
Repaired most of the Previous Owners "repairs"
Tires at sidewall max 44psi

Hypermiling-
EO(ff)C
55mph on highway
Attempting to gently drop from 55 at bottom to 50 at top of hill
Highest gear useable, PSL, on flats(OK only one FLAT on my commute)