What to do First

[Frank Lee]

90 mph?!?

That's within spitting distance of a FELONY in my state!

[2000mc]

Originally Posted by RedMetro

Since I live in Florida and A/C is something I am not willing to give up...
If I find a 1L with A/C and push it down the hwy at 75 mph, how much better off will I likely be?

It would seem that I need a 1.3L to use the A/C and still be able to get up and go. I understand I will get better mpg if I slow down but I am not willing to spend that much time on the road.

Don't tell me it isn't that much more time. I made the run in my pickup at 85-90 before the metro and dearly wish I could get the commute time that short again. Looking like crazy for a job closer to home is the key!

Thanks for the input

just to be clear, the 8mpg increase was with a 1.3

epa ratings for 96 metros
1.0 manual 37city 44hwy
1.3 manual 33city 39hwy
1.3 auto 26city 31hwy

as far using the a/c and still having some get up and go, i'm sure the 1.3 manual is the speedy version of the metros. but dropping down to a 1L might not be as bad as you'd think because you'll also be ditching that auto trans.

anyone know which is faster (less slow) 1L manual or 1.3auto?

[SentraSE-R]

If the OP insists on driving 75 mph, he might as well get something larger and more comfortable, instead of thrashing a 1L or 1.3L. According to my own personal data, my wife's Hyundai Elantra should get about 30 mpg at 75 mph, as good as the OP's Metro.

[Frank Lee]

I think Opie could use a pilot's license.

[2000mc]

maybe he'll aero mod the hell out of it

basjoos's wingless plane gets like 50mpg @ 90mph doesnt it?

[RedMetro]

I would like to spend some time making many mods.
I am a bit stumped at the moment in finding large sheets of ABS or Coro though. Shipping seems to be the biggest problem.

I had thought about using vinyl fencing parts attached across the bottom of the car to give me a smooth surface to attach a belly pan to. It would also (I hope) drop the belly pan below the control arms.

I also want to try putting a vinyl post in between the front & rear wheels. In theory, using a heat gun to form the post to the car.

No need to rent a place in the city I work, I have an empty house there. I used to sleep there most nights but missed the kids. In the pickup I made it home in time to tuck them in bed.

Trying 93 Octane for a few days, Guppy grill block and Wheel skirts as soon as I can fiind something to use.

[Clev]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

I think Opie could use a pilot's license.

Hey, there's an idea. Somebody mentioned a model of aircraft on another forum, which I later looked up and calculated the gas mileage at 18 mpg @ 250 mph cruise speed. I bet you there are some Sport-Light aircraft with good range and speed, and the license is a lot easier to get.

[2000mc]

Originally Posted by RedMetro

I would like to spend some time making many mods.
I am a bit stumped at the moment in finding large sheets of ABS or Coro though. Shipping seems to be the biggest problem.....

find some yellow pages online, put in where youre from, type in signs, then call down the list

[Turk182]

Clev - which of those 3 cars do you put 135 miles/day on?

[Johnny Mullet]

Aeromods will be your best bet. You can get 40+ MPG from an auto, but you have to keep it at 55 MPH or less and depending on your route, that may be out of the question. A 1.3L with A/C and a 5 speed would be your best bet! The 4cyl has a lot more power to run the A/C and will get good mileage. They are hard to find with A/C, a 1.3L and a Manual trans.