TopGear.com America high mpg project

[tasdrouille]

Hi Dave,

To be honest, I don't think your choice of model will be all that important as long as you get the tallest one that will fit and you pump them up really high for the mpg challenge.

[Deezler]

I see Michelin primacys are available in that size, too.

[bwilson4web]

Actually, the tires don't even have to be 'new'. The thinnest possible tread consistent with your personal degree of safety would work just fine and further reduce rolling drag. I doubt if your vehicle will see much use as a tire wear or foul weather demonstrator.

My understanding is there are tire trimming services that can cut off excessive tire tread. Start with new tires and just trim them down to size. A little expensive, it is used at the race track.

Bob Wilson

[roflwaffle]

Originally Posted by eyesoreracing

If anybody has any better suggestions, speak now, or talk **** about how stupid we are later, your call...

-Dave

Go to a j-yard and get the cheapest, tallest, best looking, highest inflation pressure 14" tires you can find.

[giff]

Not to interrupt the serious geeking out going on in here, but we've put together a how-to for all of you that are so jealous of our little Sipster that you want to build one for yourselves. Here you go;


Diesel Geekery 101 - Top Gear US

[Clev]

Originally Posted by bwilson4web

My understanding is there are tire trimming services that can cut off excessive tire tread. Start with new tires and just trim them down to size. A little expensive, it is used at the race track.

I prefer doing it the good ol' fashioned way. Just make sure to post a video. :-)

[MetroMPG]

No link love for the Aerocivic in the opening paragraph?

C'mon, giff!

And to set the record straight, basjoos (Aerocivic) doesn't draft trucks. Neither do I (glommed on plastic and aluminum Metro owner). Edit: wasn't 100% sure if that was the implication in that sentence.

Other than that, another good instalment. You guys are creating an internet classic for sure.

[MetroMPG]

Anybody identify what lower front bumper cover is sitting inside the car? Looks like something from a later Golf/Jetta.

[Clev]

Originally Posted by giff

Not to interrupt the serious geeking out going on in here, but we've put together a how-to for all of you that are so jealous of our little Sipster that you want to build one for yourselves. Here you go;


Diesel Geekery 101 - Top Gear US

Okay, quoting from the article:

Using a grimy old cone air filter we found on the shop floor seemed like a good idea at the time. It wasn't, and replacing it with a $20 oil-cotton air filter netted us nearly 5 mpg

What has been your best measurement so far?

[MetroMPG]

I wondered the same thing, but I have a feeling they're not going to tell us.