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Old 12-08-2016, 01:49 PM   #6 (permalink)
MetroMPG
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: 1000 Islands, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 22,515

Blackfly - '98 Geo Metro
Team Metro
Last 3: 70.09 mpg (US)

MPGiata - '90 Mazda Miata
90 day: 52.71 mpg (US)

Even Fancier Metro - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage top spec
90 day: 70.75 mpg (US)

Appliance car - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage ES (base)
90 day: 52.48 mpg (US)
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Quote:
I'm looking for some options on modifications that I can do. Generally any visual aero mods are going to be a NO because she doesn't want any visual differences to her car.
That kind of limits you.

A larger air dam MAY help, but the problem is you wouldn't know for sure without testing. It helped my Metro, actually hurt my Prius. Big A$# air dam really helps a Miata - but it's all about the starting point, right?

Quote:
Tire PSI is at 40PSI, will increase to 50 for road trip
Have a Scangauge II in car
Will block off upper and/or lower grille
(Maybe) I'll fold the mirrors while I'm driving
There are some stock underbody panels
New 5W-20 oil (Dealer changed oil, don't know what they used)
Of course driving style is going to have the biggest impact. Take it easy and stick to the right lane.

Question: have you done the math? Is it worth the time/effort to you for 5k miles worth?

Let's say she's used to getting 33 mpg on freeway trips (it's rated at 29). Over 5000 miles, that's 143 gallons * $2.10 / gal = $318.

Let's also guesstimate the handful of mods you listed are good for 5-10% better MPG. Average it to 7.5% * $318 = $24 in savings.

If I had time, I'd do it just for the fun/principle. But don't spend a lot of money on materials!

Of course the biggest factor is speed. http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...you-15182.html
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Project MPGiata! Mods for getting 50+ MPG from a 1990 Miata
Honda mods: Ecomodding my $800 Honda Fit 5-speed beater
Mitsu mods: 70 MPG in my ecomodded, dirt cheap, 3-cylinder Mirage.
Ecodriving test: Manual vs. automatic transmission MPG showdown



EcoModder
has launched a forum for the efficient new Mitsubishi Mirage
www.MetroMPG.com - fuel efficiency info for Geo Metro owners
www.ForkenSwift.com - electric car conversion on a beer budget
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