New Member- 1993 Ford Escort

[Lesscort]

Hey all just thought I would introduce myself. Yesterday I purchased a 1993 Escort that was in decent shape. It's got the 1.9L four cylinder with a five speed manual tranny. EPA says 29 MPG combined, but I'm betting that I can squeeze some more out of it just from taking it easy. I'm setting an arbitrary goal of 35 combined.

Anyway, I was just wondering if anyone had experience with these cars and could tell me what kind of stock numbers are realistic.

[Weather Spotter]

Welcome!

I would look in the garage:EcoModder Fleet list - EcoModder.com
for similar cars.

The wiki is also a great place to look for mods/ read up on what others get from them:
Main Page - EcoModder

[Lesscort]

Thanks, the fleet list is definitely a big help

[endurance]

Originally Posted by Lesscort

Hey all just thought I would introduce myself. Yesterday I purchased a 1993 Escort that was in decent shape. It's got the 1.9L four cylinder with a five speed manual tranny. EPA says 29 MPG combined, but I'm betting that I can squeeze some more out of it just from taking it easy. I'm setting an arbitrary goal of 35 combined.

Anyway, I was just wondering if anyone had experience with these cars and could tell me what kind of stock numbers are realistic.

That's a good goal, but with a well adjusted nut behind the wheel you could be knocking on 38 and perhaps 40 mpg during the summer with good technique.

Welcome aboard and happy hypermiling.

[Angmaar]

Welcome to the forum. Adjusting the nut behind the wheel is the best mod and it's free.

[Brillig]

Mine is a good serviceable car, gotten from my Mom in law.
Mine is the wagon version, EPA 25/31, 29 composite (how do they decide this?)
My mileage is mostly in town, pushing 36 mpg now with careful slow driving. I drive the 'back roads' as much as possible, speed 25-35 mph, staying off of the Interstate, coast engine OFF when I can. Drive without touching brakes. Engine off and coast to stop at redlights. 'Mild' hypermiling techniques.

Have front aero mods - top radiator intake blocked with rounded 'nose' in front of radiator, directs air up over top - smooth 'under chin' from lower radiator intake to transmission area, made of vinyl flooring (coroplast is an alternative).
Roof - remove luggage rails. (estimated at 5% total drag, and never used them )
Tires inflated to max sidewall. (40 or so, checked monthly)
Rear - mainly stock, KAMMback down for 'maintenance' (vandals broke it up).
Partial KAMMback was worth about 5mpg compared to current stock config (now doing extended ABA testing, in B phase, it is ugly)

When I had all my 'aero gear' going I could get about 42 mixed hwy/city, EPA mixed was 29 as I recall (Manual trans, with light AC useage)

It's not a Metro, but capable of much more than EPA thought likely.

I'm 54 now, have decided to drive this wagon til the wheels fall off, as they say.

Will (aka 'Brillig')