[MetroMPG]

Another lap around the sun, so it's time again for this fun re-cap!

Rule change: I realized the query we were using to find the topics for this list handicaps topics started later in the year. So we expanded the search to include some topics that were started in Nov & Dec of 2017 as well.

Notable this year:

• PRIUS GUTS RULE! This is the 3rd year in a row that one of the very top projects is about sticking a Prius drivetrain/chassis into a classic vehicle.
• For the first time ever, an "UN-ecomodding" project made our list (1st gen. Honda Insight engine swap)
• Also for the first time, one of our most active topics was started by a spammer (who was subsequently banned)!

See also:

• EcoModder's top 25 most popular threads of 2017!
• EcoModder's top 25 most popular threads of 2016!
• Most popular threads of 2015!

Without further ado...


1) Hybrid Hot Rod 2.0 - The Pria Ghia




It's safe to say Prius drivetrain/chassis swaps with classic cars is a thing. Hoopie is doing it again, this time with a VW Karmann Ghia.

Also related:

- 1946 Chevy Prius pickup truck
- The Firebrid: hybrid convertible project / Prius platform swap
- 1969 Mustang Prius conversion

18168 views ... 236 replies ... latest post
Started Aug 7, 2018, by Hoopie in Hybrids


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2) How to build a muscle car for better fuel economy?





Phoenix'97 gets a lot of feedback after wondering: "what do you any of you think about these ideas to modify my second-generation LT1 motor for better fuel economy..."

13076 views ... 307 replies ... latest post
Started Dec 30, 2017, by Phoenix'97 in EcoModding Central

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3) 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage 5 speed build thread





Daox bought the spiritual successor to the Geo Metro: he got a used, 3-cylinder, 5-speed Mirage, and he got it for a song. This year he started modifying it for even better MPG.

15276 views ... 171 replies ... latest post
Started Dec 10, 2017, by Daox in EcoModding Central


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4) Ecomodding an automatic '04 Civic Sedan



Congratulations to mpg_numbers_guy -- one of his first threads made it one of the most popular projects of the year. He got lots of ideas and advice for improving his Civic.

13601 views ... 277 replies ... latest post
Started Feb 14, 2018, by mpg_numbers_guy in Success Stories

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5) AMERICANS: Would you buy a 125cc motorcycle for the street?




"Too slow/dangerous" on the open road? That was a common reply, yet the poll attached to this thread shows that most people would consider one, if the price is right.

12804 views ... 263 replies ... latest post
Started Feb 2, 2018, by Daschicken in Motorcycles / Scooters

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6) 1969 Mustang Prius conversion



This build thread opens with a tantalizing factoid: it got 55 mpg on one of its first drives. Not bad for a 50 year old pony car!

13484 views ... 51 replies ... latest post
Started Apr 4, 2018, by Phinzor in Hybrids


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7) To Wheel Or Not To Wheel ?

What's the best way to add wheels to one of the most aerodynamic vehicle shapes without ruining its drag coefficient?

10060 views ... 217 replies ... latest post
Started Feb 21, 2018, by All Darc in Aerodynamics


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8) 2011 Nissan Leaf modifications (efficiency and utility)



Oil pan 4 lays out a wish list for his recently acquired cheap, used Leaf.

8904 views ... 136 replies ... latest post
Started May 18, 2018, by oil pan 4 in Fossil Fuel Free


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9) Is America ready for 4-cylinder full-size pickup trucks? Because they're here (GM)




It's a big, 2.7 L four, with lots of fuel-saving tech. It even has a cylinder de-activation mode, capable of running on 2 cyls.

Yet when the EPA ratings were announced, the numbers were underwhelming.

7220 views ... 151 replies ... latest post
Started May 18, 2018, by MetroMPG in General Efficiency Discussion

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10) Un-Ecomodding - K24 Insight thoughts



Ecky is de-hybridizing his gen. 1 Insight and sticking in a giant (by comparison!) 4-cylinder engine. The goal is to be able to still get above average highway fuel economy. Will it happen? Stay tuned!

7860 views ... 179 replies ... latest post
Started Jun 24, 2018, by Ecky in EcoModding Central

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11) Lithium-ion 12v Battery Replacement

Redpoint5 wonders: Has anyone experimented with an unmanaged (no BMS) lithium-ion 12v battery replacement? What are the potential issues with this?

3421 views ... 145 replies ... latest post
Started Jun 19, 2018, by redpoint5 in EcoModding Central

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12) Honda Clarity plug in: World's ugliest car



Oof! A face only a mother could love?

6701 views ... 75 replies ... latest post
Started Dec 21, 2017, by sendler in Fossil Fuel Free

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13) Dreaming...lean burn manual taller transmission Civic sedan...or get an Insight

Mpg_numbers_guy solicits opinions on which way to go for an efficient delivery vehicle... and gets lots of feedback.

3042 views ... 143 replies ... latest post
Started Aug 21, 2018, by mpg_numbers_guy in EcoModding Central

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14) The Mitsubishi Mirage is the WORST CAR you can buy!



Never mind 50 mpg (US) when driven conservatively, and 60+ mpg when hypermiled! Never mind that the car's U.S. sales have increased for 5 years straight. Doug Demuro tells you why the cheap, reliable Mirage is so bad.

Related topic: Attn cheap used car buyers: 100k Mirages have now been sold in the U.S.

6430 views ... 94 replies ... latest post
Started Dec 30, 2017, by MetroMPG in General Efficiency Discussion

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15) What are the famous design failure cars?



For the first time, one of our most active topics was started by a spammer (who was subsequently banned)!

3802 views ... 132 replies ... latest post
Started Sep 13, 2018, by Coroplast in The Lounge


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16) Tire width impact on fuel economy / MPG



Westygo wonders: Has anyone quantified tire width impact on fuel economy?

6257 views ... 77 replies ... latest post
Started Mar 15, 2018, by westygo in Aerodynamics


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17) My How You Have Grown

A comparison of how car models have grown in size. Think of the efficiency increases if everything hadn't gotten so wide and tall.

6174 views ... 94 replies ... latest post
Started Nov 9, 2017, by Frank Lee in General Efficiency Discussion

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18) Writer seeking examples of tested DIY aero mods for book



Author and former Autospeed editor Julian Edgar has written a book about modifying aerodynamics for road vehicles, with lots of input from EcoModder members.

5918 views ... 68 replies ... latest post
Started Nov 19, 2017, by MetroMPG in Aerodynamics

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19) Ford to stop selling cars in North America



Soon it will be only trucks! Trucks! Trucks! For everybody!

5581 views ... 127 replies ... latest post
Started Apr 25, 2018, by samwichse in General Efficiency Discussion


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20) Found a 2011 Nissan Leaf for $5,900



EcoModders are waking up to the world of cheap, used EV's and their inherent efficiency advantages. Oil pan 4 shares his search & purchase of a used Leaf with a recently replaced battery.

Related topic: Cheap used electric cars (OEM & other EV's) you've seen for sale

5836 views ... 109 replies ... latest post
Started Jan 26, 2018, by oil pan 4 in Fossil Fuel Free


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21) Some deep thinking on getting Best MPG in a VAN



A phoenix from the ashes? The engine in Racprops' van siezed, and he is looking to build a more efficient drivetrain.

2857 views ... 123 replies ... latest post
Started Sep 21, 2018, by racprops in EcoModding Central

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22) Small / economy car deathwatch: we've passed "peak econobox" again



With trucks/SUV's reaching a record 69% of U.S. sales in 2018, auto makers are falling over themselves to cancel less popular, less profitable models. Traditional economy cars are over-represented among the victims.

5757 views ... 89 replies ... latest post
Started Jun 4, 2018, by MetroMPG in General Efficiency Discussion


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23) 2006 Honda Insight MT Build Thread



After months of searching, mpg_numbers_guy finally scored a good deal on an Insight. He lays out the good, the bad and the planned ecomods on his new set of wheels.

3188 views ... 111 replies ... latest post
Started Nov 22, 2018, by mpg_numbers_guy in EcoModding Central


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24) Angled tonneau cover questions



What do you do when a proper aero-cap isn't an option?

5563 views ... 86 replies ... latest post
Started Dec 5, 2017, by justinooo9 in Aerodynamics


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25) Finally gave in... bought an automatic


Stubby79 has gone over to the dark side! Read the details of the new-to-him automatic 2005 Toyota Echo, including the mechanical going-over it gets to put it in peak commuting form.

4927 views ... 104 replies ... latest post
Started Mar 31, 2018, by Stubby79 in Off-Topic Tech

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BONUS - 26) RWD cars with good MPG? (Looking for a highway commuter)



What would you do if you REALLY wanted to stick with RWD, but also wanted good MPG in a year-round commuter vehicle?

Bonus topic: 94 Caprice Wagon 5.7L project--46 MPG so far

4815 views ... 61 replies ... latest post
Started Feb 25, 2018, by Grinder74 in General Efficiency Discussion


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BONUS - 27) Honda NC700x Manual motorcycle... Incredible MPG (100.6 mpg personal best)



HHOTDI documents his increasing success with this new-to-him motorbike.

4449 views ... 62 replies ... latest post
Started May 6, 2018, by HHOTDI in Success Stories