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Old 07-26-2018, 12:54 AM   #233 (permalink)
mpg_numbers_guy
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Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: VA
Posts: 1,372

Toby - '13 Toyota Prius C
Team Toyota
90 day: 63.99 mpg (US)

Daz - '15 Mazda 3 iTouring w/ Tech Package
Team Mazda
90 day: 38.2 mpg (US)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ecky View Post
Our cars probably look very similar right now on the inside!
I don't think I'm as far along as you are. Not planning on gutting everything in the interior. Have to make it so that I can easily put stuff back in if/when I have to transport people. I did manage to get the rear seat out today.

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Ok, I'm almost panicking here, someone reassure me or give me a wakeup call!

Acceleration is improved with the weight reduction, and it takes a lower load to maintain a cruising speed. Drove faster today and still averaged mid-upper 50s MPG during personal drives.

Downside is, my car is lifted by about a quarter of an inch. AND apparently my current tires are 195/60R15s, not 195/65R15s, so the tires I'm getting (185/75R14) are ~0.7 inches taller, which will raise my car up by another half inch or so.

I don't want to buy lowering springs for my car! Someone please explain to me how taller tires help fuel economy - I'm second guessing and considering returning the tires and spending $100 more to buy 175/75R14s!

Actual weight figures:
  • Current:
    • 195/60R15
    • Height: 615mm
    • EX rim weight: 18lbs
    • Tire weight: 16.5lbs
    • Total weight: 34.5 lbs
  • HX w/ 185/75/R14:
    • 195/60R15
    • Height: 633.1mm
    • HX rim weight: 11.5lbs
    • Tire weight: 16lbs
    • Total weight: 27.5 lbs
    • Cost: $151.08
  • HX w/ 175/75/R14:
    • 195/60R15
    • Height: 618.1mm
    • HX rim weight: 11.5lbs
    • Tire weight: 16.5lbs
    • Total weight: 28 lbs
    • Cost: $243.72

Taller tires help highway economy, but I don't want them hurting city fuel economy! I don't want my car to be raised! Will it all be okay with the tires I ordered or should I go with my new gut feeling to return them and get the more expensive but more compatible 175/70R14s????
__________________
2013 Toyota Prius C 2 (my car)


2015 Mazda 3 iTouring Hatchback w/ Tech Package (wife's car)

Last edited by mpg_numbers_guy; 07-26-2018 at 01:12 AM..
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