Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post

mechman600 · 01-07-2013, 02:30 PM

Introduction
It's my wife's car, technically. Now that the Electric Booger is basically finished, I think it is time to redirect my efforts to the Matrix.

The Car
2007 Toyota Matrix XR-B.
Automatic. I tried to teach my wife to drive stick with a previous car (Toyota Echo) but just thinking about what the clutch endured makes me shudder. Actually...there was some actual clutch shuddering going on too...

Goals
Right now it is averaging right around EPA mpg. My super duper hypermiling attempts are thwarted by my wife's driving. She refuses to do anything "out of the ordinary" to increase economy.

My goal is an increase in economy of 15%. This with a normal looking car without extraordinary driving techniques.

It will be interesting to see results of various modifications, as there shouldn't be skewed results from changes in driving style. I will simply do modifications (hopefully with A-B-A testing for my own satisfaction) and see what the fuel mileage graph does with my wife in control.

Current Modifications
I will edit this list with links as they occur.
1. http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...mod-24533.html
2. Mud Flap Delete.
3. Tire pressure increased to 45 psi (40 psi with my winter tires).

That's it so far....
I ordered a block heater kit today from my local parts store. $35.49, which thought was quite reasonable.

Planned Modifications
1. Lower Grille Block.
2. Belly Pans - under engine and under rear of car - very dirty aero spots on this car.
3. Rim Aero - I am still dreaming up ways to do this without a full pizza pan cover. I doubt my wife would agree to that. I am thinking of "behind the alloy spoke" inserts to keep air from getting through the rim to the inside.
4. HAI - I will start with some ducting. If that works, I may use engine coolant for heating like t vago: http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...ant-21863.html
5. EGR Addition - expanding on Daox's idea: http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...eage-7358.html
The Matrix does not have an EGR valve but I would like to experiment with the effects of pulling exhaust from the tail pipe through an intake vacuum port.
6. LRR tires.
7. Switchable alternator with ON/OFF switch. Experiment with a deep cycle battery and charger. Eventually go with a 48V lithium pack (electric bicycle?) and DC-DC converter. Can you say "super ultra mild hybrid"?

Suggestions are more than welcome.

01-07-2013, 02:30 PM	#1 (permalink)
mechman600 Master EcoModder Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Langley, BC Posts: 1,228 Fusion - '16 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE Thanks: 190 Thanked 275 Times in 168 Posts	Project: Do you believe in the Matrix? Introduction It's my wife's car, technically. Now that the Electric Booger is basically finished, I think it is time to redirect my efforts to the Matrix. The Car 2007 Toyota Matrix XR-B. Automatic. I tried to teach my wife to drive stick with a previous car (Toyota Echo) but just thinking about what the clutch endured makes me shudder. Actually...there was some actual clutch shuddering going on too... Goals Right now it is averaging right around EPA mpg. My super duper hypermiling attempts are thwarted by my wife's driving. She refuses to do anything "out of the ordinary" to increase economy. My goal is an increase in economy of 15%. This with a normal looking car without extraordinary driving techniques. It will be interesting to see results of various modifications, as there shouldn't be skewed results from changes in driving style. I will simply do modifications (hopefully with A-B-A testing for my own satisfaction) and see what the fuel mileage graph does with my wife in control. Current Modifications I will edit this list with links as they occur. 1. http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...mod-24533.html 2. Mud Flap Delete. 3. Tire pressure increased to 45 psi (40 psi with my winter tires). That's it so far.... I ordered a block heater kit today from my local parts store. $35.49, which thought was quite reasonable. Planned Modifications 1. Lower Grille Block. 2. Belly Pans - under engine and under rear of car - very dirty aero spots on this car. 3. Rim Aero - I am still dreaming up ways to do this without a full pizza pan cover. I doubt my wife would agree to that. I am thinking of "behind the alloy spoke" inserts to keep air from getting through the rim to the inside. 4. HAI - I will start with some ducting. If that works, I may use engine coolant for heating like t vago: http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...ant-21863.html 5. EGR Addition - expanding on Daox's idea: http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...eage-7358.html The Matrix does not have an EGR valve but I would like to experiment with the effects of pulling exhaust from the tail pipe through an intake vacuum port. 6. LRR tires. 7. Switchable alternator with ON/OFF switch. Experiment with a deep cycle battery and charger. Eventually go with a 48V lithium pack (electric bicycle?) and DC-DC converter. Can you say "super ultra mild hybrid"? Suggestions are more than welcome. __________________ https://www.youtube.com/@that_jamesguy Last edited by mechman600; 01-07-2013 at 03:18 PM..