I slipped into the Top 10 in % over EPA today by a mere 0.23%
woohoo!
I started out getting around 34 mpg average on my ZX2. This is not bad, it is 36% over EPA. I had the automatic transmission, which i dreaded when I started to hypermile due the severe mpg penalty I
THOUGHT it would cost me.
I began getting serious about ecomodding when I lost my job back in August 2014. I was in school, driving 65 miles round trip 5 days a week. Saving every penny became crucial.
My three biggest mods that have helped me have been the Scangauge, adjusting the nut behind the wheel (myself), and being content with what I have. The Scangauge is invaluable, as I would be driving blind without it. I cannot accurately adapt to conditions if I can't see what my car is doing, plain and simple.
I learned the importance of leaving early and slowing down. No more 65+ to get to school. I drive 45-55, 98% of the time. It is usually closer to 45 due to that being the "sweet spot" for the 2.0 Zetec. I avoid the interstates at all cost. Going above 55 drops my FE significantly.
The third is weird, but it is due to me having an automatic. I wanted so bad to blow it up and swap in a 5-speed manual last year! However, the swap cost and time down made this a stupid idea. I have learned that the auto is finicky, but it can return great FE when driven correctly. I am content with my car as it is now, and that alone makes it more pleasurable to drive
Here are my current mods I have done. I will say that having aero mods has helped A LOT, but then you must drive in a way to maximize their potential.
-Scangauge
-Keman intake w/ Spectre high-flow air filter
-Warm Air Intake
-Tire air pressure set at 60, f&r
-85% grill block
-Underbody panels
-Double SV mirror deletion
-Air line disconnect thingy
-Weight removal (Rear seat, etc.)
-Double 5.6K resistor in the IAT (for timing advance)
-Spark plugs gapped @ 0.070 (stock is 0.050)
-5w20 Pennzoil Ultra Platinum oil
-Lighter weight Mazda Miata Aluminum rims
-Upsized tires (185/70R14 BlackLion BH15)
-Thrush Turbo muffler
-Wheel covers
-Wheel Skirts
Here are links to my car's page -
Details: Ecoscort - 1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Fuel Economy - EcoModder.com
And to my build thread -
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...ead-30348.html