View Single Post
Old 02-24-2010, 09:34 PM   #7 (permalink)
busypaws
EcoModding Apprentice
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Live in Tucson AZ, work and car now in Detroit
Posts: 200

Protege - '97 Mazda Protege DX
90 day: 46.42 mpg (US)
Thanks: 13
Thanked 23 Times in 18 Posts
My other ride is a 94 Toyota PU (pre tacoma).
Only thing I've done to it is bigger tires and an alternator cut off switch. I have a switch on the dash that disconnects the field lines in the alternator. This way I can turn off the alternator and get a few HP for that quick left turn on yellow or starting from a stop going up hill. I have a small EV panel on the dash but it is not big enough to keep the battery charged. One day maybe a bigger panel on the hood or roof and a deep cycle battery or two and I can take the alternator all the way off.
Another idea is to get an electric fan motor. Mine still runs off a belt and the engine. That way I am always turning the fan instead of an electric one that only comes on when needed. Could save a mpg or two. Other threads here have documented some savings by removing belt driven fan.
Good luck.
  Reply With Quote