Quote:
Originally Posted by redneck
.
Replace original 12” wheels with newer 13” Geo metro wheels for a better selection of tires and more importantly, a lower final drive ratio.
|
Thanks for the solid advice. I wonder which one did the most for you? As for tires/wheels, the car has the 3.79 final drive and I'm running 155/80-12 Nankang tires, with an OD of 21.8". With the ratios and diameters calculated, it is turning 2750 rpm in 5th at 62 MPH.
I get why you'd want to increase the OD of the tire, but would adding rotating weight also sap some of that savings? the 12" set I have are a combined tire/wheel weight of 20.5 lbs! I've never seen anything that light on a passenger car.
Lets say I ran the 13" Metro wheels with a 155/80-13 tire, the diameter would be 22.8" and the weight would be 5 lbs more, at 25.5 lbs. The RPM I now would be turning at 100 KPH (62 mph) is 2650 rpm.
Is reducing engine RPM from 2750 to 2650 RPM at 100 KPH going to offset the additional 20 lbs of rotating weight I will be adding to the car? Plus the expense of all that new stuff would probably not pay for itself during the life of the vehicle. Perhaps it's something I can play with when these tires have reached their expiration.
Quote:
Originally Posted by redneck
.
Inflate tires to the maximum pressure stamped on the tires sidewall. Drain transmission and fill with Valvoline™ Synchromesh Manual Transmission Fluid. Install brake pad return springs. Have a all wheel alignment done and set tow in to 0 degrees.
|
Good advice there - all that has been accomplished so far. I also added Motorkote friction reducer to the engine oil and the synchromesh. I've zeroed the alignment and cut the coils to lower the car about 1".
Quote:
Originally Posted by redneck
.
Install a remote engine kill & start switch. Install a partial grill block. Install a hot air intake. Make a cardboard engine blanket to retain heat. Remove side door mirror and relocate
|
Of that listed, I've completed the passenger mirror delete and inflated the tires to 40 psi. I was thinking of disabling the steering wheel lock so I can turn the car off with key at will and not worry about a potential calamity. Grill block and heated air intake tube are on my radar of things to try next. Right now, I've just removed the cold air fender snorkel and added a 1" lower lip made from landscape edging.