[1.9SDI]

Thanks for the tips!

The scangauge is very handy in many ways, not only for fuel monitoring. As you asked, my temperature never gets above 74 degC, except in summer in stalled traffic. I think it got to around 85 degC on one occasion. If this is correct, a grill block would be very handy indeed.

Another good use for the scangauge is the throttle position sensor. Except in rare situations, like overtaking or up hills for example, I never go above 65% of my throttle. This is one of the reasons I attain high MPG at speed. Another is that I follow other traffic, however fast they are going. In a former life I used to be a competitive cyclist and one of the things you learn is that by tailing another rider you can conserve 30% of your energy by letting them push through the air while you follow in the slipstream.

I haven't yet changed my gear oil but based on your experience I will request it next service in November. I'm looking forward to see any results and as it will be up on the ramp anyway it should prove to be minimal cost too. Thanks for the heads up on that.

I'm going to have to find another set of those lower grills to cover up and replace the ones I have. Air in the wheel wells is a major source of front-end drag, so short of cutting exit vents in the bodywork it's best not to let it in to begin with – or as little as possible. I'm also trying to find a suitable flexible material for a front air dam. Being such a low car, any extension below the bodyline is going to be tested to destruction on our roads!