EDIT: Unfortunately, I have decided to pursue a different route in my quest for MPGs. I purchased a 2001 Volkswagen Passat and will be selling the Golf to a friend since the transmission is messed up. He wanted something he didn't have to worry about ruining and I wanted a Turbo. We are both happy now... This thread is not going to be continued unless he goes ahead with any MPG mods.
I have a 97 Volkswagen Golf GL that I have lightly 'edo'modded. The 3rd and 4th gear synchronizers are now semi-shot. I love this car and want to take it to the next 'eco' level. As is the car would sell for about $650 with the transmission issue. So there really isn't a point in selling it. Now, as an American, I have been taught to want more, more, more....So, I'm going to be real greedy and hoard all the MPGs in the pursuit of 200% EPA.
EPA for my car is 21/29 MPG (US gallons). I'm at 44-45 MPG(Got 50.0 MPG on a 75 mile highway trip today - February 5th) currently with the following mods:
- Removed antenna
- Blocked off missing fog light holes
- 1" larger tires/wheels
- Removed vibration dampener from steering (Heavy)
- Fuel injector kill switch
- Passive driving style
- EOC down hills
The car is completely stock besides the cold air intake the previous owner installed as well as the wheels I put on.
The modifications I have in mind to reach 200%:
- Weight reduction (Stock - 2540 Lbs, Goal - 1999 Lbs)
- Replace 213K mile engine with 133K engine
- Replace transmission (Different gearing?)
- Possible hatch spoiler delete after testing
- Redirect air around tires with coroplast
- Power steering delete
- Full grille block
- Lower car ~ 2"
- Shave bumper
- Lighter wheels
- Narrower tires
- Heater delete
- Mirror delete
- A/C delete
- Belly pan
- Other stuff
I think 200% percent is doable if I were to remove ~550 pounds from the car and follow up with the list above.
This thread will be the build log for the car and I will document my progress and the results! This may take a long time to complete but I am starting now!