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Old 12-08-2009, 06:46 PM   #3 (permalink)
MetroMPG
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: 1000 Islands, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 22,515

Blackfly - '98 Geo Metro
Team Metro
Last 3: 70.09 mpg (US)

MPGiata - '90 Mazda Miata
90 day: 52.71 mpg (US)

Even Fancier Metro - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage top spec
90 day: 70.75 mpg (US)

Appliance car - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage ES (base)
90 day: 52.48 mpg (US)
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You could do a simple test: next time you get to your destination, let the engine idle (heater off) and watch the gauge slowly climb.

Listen closely - after some minutes, the electric radiator fan will kick on. Note the temperature when it does (likely somewhere north of 200 F). The number you see on your read out is what you want to know.

You should size your partial grille block so your fan isn't coming on any more than normal.

And if you change your typical driving pattern (ie. road trip in the hills/mountains) remember the block may not be right for the load / heat generated. Don't melt your engine.
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Project MPGiata! Mods for getting 50+ MPG from a 1990 Miata
Honda mods: Ecomodding my $800 Honda Fit 5-speed beater
Mitsu mods: 70 MPG in my ecomodded, dirt cheap, 3-cylinder Mirage.
Ecodriving test: Manual vs. automatic transmission MPG showdown



EcoModder
has launched a forum for the efficient new Mitsubishi Mirage
www.MetroMPG.com - fuel efficiency info for Geo Metro owners
www.ForkenSwift.com - electric car conversion on a beer budget
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