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Old 06-13-2009, 12:04 AM   #13 (permalink)
Christ
Moderate your Moderation.
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Troy, Pa.
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Pasta - '96 Volkswagen Passat TDi
90 day: 45.22 mpg (US)
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Things to get you started.

Quote:
Originally Posted by alohaspirit View Post
I do clutch-in coast in short bumper to bumper driving but you make a good point

One that I was considering

Also the belt has been changed a year ago as well as transmission fluid

But all will be inspected once I start my rounds
Well, first things first... when you do your tune up, try replacing your oil with something lighter than spec... Mobil 1 makes a good synthetic that lasts long enough to make it cost-effective, at $22 per 5 qt bottle. Use the largest filter you can come up with that fits... an FL-1A might fit, I'm not sure. You'll have to ask around on some Honda forums, or maybe even in here. Use the largest filter you can get, for higher capacity and better oil cooling, and longer change intervals. If you get the 0w30 oil, it performs on the same standard as 5w30 oils.

Change your plugs and wires, just for the sake of doing it, even if they're not bad... you won't need to change them again for god-knows-how-long.

Check that your wheel bearings are moving as freely as possible, and all suspension components are operating as they should.

Being an Si - you have power steering, most likely... this can be removed, if you can't find a manual rack to use (I have one), then you can just loop the lines together. You'll have a slightly different steering ratio using a manual rack.

If your tires need to be replaced, 155 R13 tires on '84 Si wheels are just about the lightest option. If this isn't light enough, you can use load "E" trailer tires... they're steel wheels, 5.30x12" They also have a 4x100 bolt pattern on the 4 lug wheels. (I use Honda wheels on my trailer... ) I don't necessarily recommend the trailer tire thing unless you're staying in the city and not going much over 45... but I've never tried it, so I can't say if it's safe. I can't imagine why not, since they're rated higher than passenger tires are, but meh, someone will have something to say about it.

Please, check to make sure your headlights are properly aligned. After doing so, close up all the holes around the hood and above the bumper. You can fill in about 80% of the bumper grille even in HOT weather using the stock engine, if your cooling system is completely operational.

Check/clean/replace ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL THE GROUNDS on the car... not just the one by the battery, not just the one on the head cover, ALL OF THEM. You can usually get another 1-2 MPG by doing this, as you lessen the electrical load on the engine (alternator) by cleaning up the flow path of electrons. You can also upgrade the primary grounds with high-conductive wire and lugs. (You can get wire from stereo shops, you can make lugs from soft copper tubing.)

If you don't use the sunroof, you can remove the glass and replace it with aluminum or fiberglass, etc... this will save you a good deal of weight, and keep the interior cooler during the summer.
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