|
Disclaimer: I've done a few small aero mods but I can't positively link them with my gains in FE since I radically changed my driving habits at the same time.
The most effective single thing you can do without changing the body much is probably a front air dam. I have not yet tried this myself.
I have a 2005 SE V6 5 speed manual and I put the front license plate flat against the grill (which is an aftermarket billet type.) This does two small things: eliminates the aero drag caused by the plate when it was mounted on the front bracket, and it acts as a partial grill block. I have driven the car in temperatures up to 118F and I have not seen an increase in engine temps. (I wasn't towing anything up a hill either.)
My other mods:
Wiper delete, passenger mirror delete, rear mud flap delete, WAI, max sidewall pressure. No acetone, just premium gas.
I have not seen any evidence that max sidewall pressure is a problem. I read a lot of comments from people in the industry that say it's a bad idea. I've also read of a lot of police departments that use the max sidewall pressure for better fuel economy and handling. From what I'm told, the tires flex less when taking corners at speed, therefore keeping more of the tread on the road and the sidewall off. We're not all Dale Earnhardt Jr, and you might care more about ride quality. There are also times you shouldn't do this, like driving on the beach.
Aside from that it's all in how I drive. I drive slowly and patiently. Coasting with the engine off when it's not necessary, timing lights, and keeping the RPMs low are the most effective things I do. I'm not sure EOC is possible with the CVT. I have read that it is a bad idea to do so with an automatic. Also, your car may not start unless it is in park.
My best tank so far has been over 40 MPG, but I have seen my tank averages creep up to 49 MPG indicated before turning the A/C on and driving on the freeway. Mileage is only 32-33 MPG at 65 MPH.
On my last commute I timed almost every light perfectly and saw (an indicated) 40.4 MPG to work and 70.0 MPG back home. (55.2 MPG average) Even though my return leg has a down hill grade of less than 1% on average, the engine is probably on 20% or less of the time. This can be a problem since the headlights are on and I need to be careful not let the battery get too low. This happened once before on a long return trip that carried me down over 1100 ft. The engine was basically off the entire way. I had to stop at a red light after a long EOC and tried to turn it on when the light changed but nothing happened. I pushed it into a 7/11 and pondered what to do until I realized I could just let it roll backwards and pop the clutch in reverse to start it.
__________________
|