just got a metro, ready to get my eco on

[jbliss10]

Just bought a 93 metro in great shape. No mods, and had to learn to drive a stick on it. So I used more throttle than necessary I'm sure but I've got the hang of it now and will try to post some high mpg numbers. Ordered a MPGuino. What else should I be doing first?

[cleanspeed1]

Do the basics; tune up, timing belt, change all fluids, and follow what the other members have done with their Metros. How many miles are on it?

[jbliss10]

213k. Yeah I took it in and asked them to tell me everything it needs, they said it was perfect and didn't even need a tune up. It has a rebuilt engine 6k ago. Apparently well taken care of. I'm definitely enjoying it!

[cleanspeed1]

Sweet

If you want to get better mpg, you'll have to move your shift points down.

I'm going to explain progressive shifting; I use it on my big rig and it helps with the mpg.

When you take off, use just enough gas to get the car rolling, then upshift into 2nd, use just enough to build momentum, shift into third, and do the same all the way to top gear. It takes a little practice, but the Metro's engine can be short shifted like that.

Use the techniques in the hypermiling tips, look at the efficiency mods; have fun!

[brucepick]

I see you started a gas log - excellent!
And of course with a 5 speed Metro you'll have lots of potential for high mpg.

You'll want to be as consistent as you can doing your fillups so it gets filled to the same level each time. As well as you can, anyway. My own preferences:

1) Same gas station, same pump, in the a.m. when the fuel is as dense as possible, so you get the most fuel for your money.
2) Squeeze handle not all the way, for less splashing and general turbulence in the fill tube.
3) About 1 or 1.5 gallons before it should click off, reduce to a slow fill. One tenth gallon per 2.5 to 3 seconds. That way it will fill nearly to top of neck and should cut off at the same point always, as long as you're at the same pump. Keep an eye on it though, once I re-started after an early clickoff, with a very gentle squeeze, and it never clicked off. Spilled over instead, not good!

[91dime]

Hows the front corss memebers look? I know you said its in good shape, but every metro I looked at had holes there. Got any pics of the car?