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Old 04-15-2011, 09:17 PM   #1 (permalink)
saand
Wiki Writer
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 236

bugler - '91 Mazda 626
90 day: 35.89 mpg (US)
Thanks: 15
Thanked 25 Times in 22 Posts
ideas?, what can i do to my car next

Hi All,
I am looking for new ideas to modify my car for efficiency. I have spent more than half a year modifying it to its current state and I am starting to run out of ideas.
I have copied the list of mods and planned mods from my cars garage page below. For anyone else interested in doing any of these mods let me know if you want more info. I have only spent so far maybe $30 on all my mods so making a nice saving so far.
So does anyone have any idea i have not tried.
Please note: I have an automatic and i do not want to change the transmission or engine, I would get large gains from doing that but its just way to much effort and cost.
I am also not going to install LRR tires, i have looked at the cost and for my car the price difference per tire is about $40 which will pay back after more than 4 yrs. I doubt ill have the car in 4 yrs so not bothering with this one.
Also i am only going for ideas which have some scientific basis behind them.

Current Mods:
- both side mirrors delete
- single windscreen whiper delete
- wheel mud guards delete
- flat wheel hub covers
- removed air con which removes a drive belt
- some weight removed, all air con parts, some carpets, power steering, back seats, unused speakers
- Changed power steering to manual steering (disconnected hydrolic lines, The connected hydrolic lines makes turning harder) Steering is now harder but still drivable)
- reduced idle and placed switch in cabin to put ECU into diagnostic mode which stops it from compensating for low idle
- Wheel PSI increase
- cold idle speed reduction
- Torque converter control
- automatic transmission gear manual control
- radio antenna delete
- cover up gaps for aerodynamics, bonnet gaps, gaps around lights, removed side indicator lights that were poking out into air stream.
- Improved wheel well aerodynamics
- Control of alternator charging by enabling and disabling field
- reduce electricity used in car,
* remove cluster useless indicator lights
* removed all but driver side door lights
* usually drive with only parkers on at night rather than full lights. Still visible to other drivers
* Disconnected rear center break light. Not required as already 2 rear break lights
* Disconnected side indicator lights

- Electric fan monitor LED
- Aerodynamic cover for windscreen wiper
- Metal plates around exhaust for full belly pan
- Electronic control system for alternator disabling
- Electronic control system for torque converter lock up and gear selection
- Electronic control system for idle air control

Planned Mods:

- Lean burn
- Change break, indicator, cabin and parker lights to LEDs
- Look into running fan motor as a redundant starter motor.
- full belly pan

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