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Originally Posted by mpg_numbers_guy
Nice! So then do you or do you not have autostop?
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I have auto-stop disabled. It's too unpredictable, without any auto restart. I might pull into an intersection, only to have the computer decide it's time to kill the engine. I could have it if I wanted, but I'd probably instead choose to just use an injector kill switch without the IMA installed.
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Originally Posted by mpg_numbers_guy
I will. Or I will at least attempt to until I can. We're learning arduinos in my engineering class and I hope to take it further with an Insight next year. Would it be possible also to do some sort of mod, maybe an arduino, to allow for more lean burn - maybe spoof something a little (obviously not enough to kill the cat or the engine)? I'm already planning on wiring up a lean burn indicator light.
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The Insight can lean burn 99% of the time once the coolant reaches 150 degrees or so. It can lean burn in any gear, at any speed below ~75mph. I don't think there are any RPM limits, but admittedly I've never checked for lean burn above 4k - why would you want to? Only reason to rev that high is when you need power. It drops out of lean burn only if you demand more power than can be provided in lean burn, so if you're light on the throttle you can have it as much as you want.
Easiest way to check for lean burn is with an OBD II dongle and the Torque app. The computer reports are fuel ratio... but frankly with the Insight's very nice fuel consumption display (FCD), you can tell when you have it without needing a light, once once you know what to look for.
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Originally Posted by mpg_numbers_guy
Wow. In my Civic pedal to the floor in 4th gear only delivers 18.5-20 MPG.
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Yeah it's an indicator of just how tiny the engine is, and just how tall 5th gear is. The top gear is taller than most V8s I've been in.
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Originally Posted by mpg_numbers_guy
Problem is, I don't have $8000 I'm willing to spend on a car. For an Insight based on the prices I'm seeing I'm shooting for $2500 or less, all inclusive.
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I get that. It's a hard car to beat, if you're looking for a super thrifty, reliable, inexpensive car. Even with all of its quirks and its few glaring flaws, it's still a great vehicle.
And, I'm actually dumping close to 10 grand into mine, so I'm one to talk. I love my car, and it's maybe not the most rational way to spend my money, but I'm psyched to be getting a vehicle which will beat a Lamborghini Diablo down a drag strip, put a refrigerator in the back, and still be able to deliver 60mpg+ on the highway.