03-05-2013, 11:52 AM
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#131 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Syracuse, NY USA
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All of these small engined cars need wider gears in the manual trans. The Stick Spark and the stick Fiesta are over 3,000 rpm by 60 mph. My auto Fit is only turning 2,000 at 60 and will stay in top gear lock up down to a light throttle 1,800 up inclines.
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03-05-2013, 07:09 PM
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#132 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: NY state
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I drove an Aveo ... the transmission got very confused very easily. And don't get me started on the asinine "hold" feature that I accidentally bumped with my elbow ... making the car start out in OD and making me worry that the rental let me down!
The same with the AW-4 trans in my Jeep. It does some odd things, probably isn't the most efficient out there, but they last forever with little to no routine maintenance.
I think the little cars are geared low for a few reasons:
1) More "sporty"
2) People would roast the clutch trying to start out on hills if they were geared higher
3) People would complain that they are too slow off the line
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03-06-2013, 03:07 AM
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#133 (permalink)
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It's all about Diesel
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sendler
The Cash for clunkers program in 2009 took thousands of used cars off the market.
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I must confess I was not favorable to the Cash for Clunkers. Many of those "clunkerized" vehicles actually would be a good base for an ecomodding project. Large trucks are a good test mule for alternative fuels 
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There has also been a quantum leap forward in engine technology on all fronts.
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Nothing prevents the retrofit of a more modern and fuel-efficient engine and transmission setup into some older guzzler, such as the straight-5 out of a Chevy Colorado into a full-size from the 70's or 80's originally fitted with a carburettor-fed V8 or an early TBI... |
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03-06-2013, 02:36 PM
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#134 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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Location: NY state
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr
I must confess I was not favorable to the Cash for Clunkers. Many of those "clunkerized" vehicles actually would be a good base for an ecomodding project. Large trucks are a good test mule for alternative fuels
Nothing prevents the retrofit of a more modern and fuel-efficient engine and transmission setup into some older guzzler, such as the straight-5 out of a Chevy Colorado into a full-size from the 70's or 80's originally fitted with a carburettor-fed V8 or an early TBI... |
In this state, the older trucks are exempt from emissions. Which means biodiesel swap!
Actually, what it means is they're rusted into oblivion. |
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03-18-2013, 12:34 AM
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#135 (permalink)
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EcoModding Lurker
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Currently breaking in a chevy spark, and I can say I get a reliable 37 MPG or 6.4L/100km. this is at temperatures ranging from -10 to -25C depending on the time of day up here in Winnipeg.
The sound of the rubber band trying to break inside the engine is music to my ears.
Overall a very enjoyable car to drive. If my chevette, metro, and accent are any indication, I expect a 15-20% increase in fuel economy once it warms up.
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03-18-2013, 11:09 AM
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#136 (permalink)
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Batman Junior
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Did you buy the 5-speed or automatic?
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03-18-2013, 11:06 PM
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#137 (permalink)
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EcoModding Lurker
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I bought the standard 5-speed. at 100-105km/h the engine seems to be running at about 3000. This is about what I would expect from an engine this size though.
frankly if they made the top gear much taller it would be very difficult for your average joe to make use of it. It's short if you plan ahead. just right if you're like everyone else.
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03-19-2013, 05:28 AM
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#138 (permalink)
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The PRC.
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Small cars are about screaming engines My Aygo (1.0 3cyl) does 22/1000 in top which seems long enough to be a cruising gear. Hills need a change down sometimes.
__________________
[I]So long and thanks for all the fish.[/I]
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04-18-2013, 03:27 PM
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#139 (permalink)
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Batman Junior
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Chevy is replacing the Spark's automatic transmission: dropping the 4-speed auto for a CVT this year.
They also report a taller (numerically smaller) final drive ratio, but doesn't say whether that's for the manual transmission.
Meet Your 2014 Chevrolet Car Lineup |
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04-18-2013, 09:35 PM
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#140 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: NY state
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MetroMPG
Chevy is replacing the Spark's automatic transmission: dropping the 4-speed auto for a CVT this year.
They also report a taller (numerically smaller) final drive ratio, but doesn't say whether that's for the manual transmission.
Meet Your 2014 Chevrolet Car Lineup |
That's disappointing  I bet that will lead to the ultimate demise of the Spark.
CVTs don't work. End of story. EXCELLENT idea, but no one can make them reliable. Most of these will be sold with automatic, and when the CVT comes apart at 70K miles and the owners are not going to be happy with dropping $7,000 on a transmission ...
The higher final drive ratio is probably for the CVT ... There's only so much you can do with 4 (auto) or 5 (manual) gears.
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