From huge V-8's to a 3 cylinder

[Johnny Mullet]

Hello! I am a new member here and decided to join because of my latest purchase. I am a country boy used to driving 4X4 pickup trucks and large V8 powered cars. I found a deal on a 1998 Chevy Metro and pretty much got it for free

The car had a dead cylinder and with some help from TeamSwift and other related forums, I was able to rebuild the top end of this little engine with new valves, head gasket kit, and timing belt. Even when the car was running on 2 cylinders, I was getting 30+ MPG and after the rebuild I am pushing 50 now.

All my friends laughed at me at first, but now they hate me when it costs them well over $100.00 to fill up the 4X4 compared to the $35.00 it costs me to fill and can go double the miles. I am glad I found this place and look forward to becoming active here. Here are a couple pics of "The Zimmer"..................

[Doofus McFancypants]

Welcome to the Forum.

Awsome trade !
I need to look harder for the "free cars" - seems like everyone else is finding them.

[MetroMPG]

Another Suzukiclone joins the fleet. Welcome.

Was the engine damage to the middle cylinder from the EGR issue?

[SVOboy]

Welcome to ecomodder! Be sure to check out the hypermiling tips.

[Lazarus]

Welcome to the site. Very clean metro. What's your commute like?

[Johnny Mullet]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Was the engine damage to the middle cylinder from the EGR issue?

Mine was actually Cylinder #1
I found the EGR ports were not plugged, but I cleaned them anyway. After the rebuild, the Check Engine Light gave me a catalyst code, so I yanked it and found it completely melted down and plugged. I am already doing weight reduction and changed my driving habits to get the best MPG possible.

Next upgrade is a 2" exhaust to a cherry bomb in the center and a turbo muffler in the rear


The car is not a race car or anything, but just really fun to drive

[bhazard]

Nice to see a big truck guy making the switch to an economical car. Its hard to watch so many people waste so much gas and money daily driving vehicles that usually dont manage 15 mpg.

Now, how bout droppin a tree-fitty in it?

[RH77]

What do you wrench usually? Dealer stuff or private shop?

I'm from around Akron originally, so my fam has the same American Muscle mentality that you mentioned. My relatives work for GM and all that. Great to see that you made the transition to fuel economy.

Rock on, Mr. Mullet...

RH77

[DifferentPointofView]

Welcome to EM!!! Good to hear about the switch!!!

[bhazard]

Oh by the way, sweet mullet!