02 Pontiac Sunfire Build.

[backpacker3]

Thanks aerohead! I'm hoping it could hit 50 mpg which seems to be a pretty simple goal considering it can do 40 right now but we'll see. I'm looking around at some Arduino stuff right now I'll probably make one of the projects on here the OBDuino or something I want to get the instant mileage, but I want to also have a digital temperature readout to monitor for when the grille block goes in.

Since the block will be manually activated I want to try and either use LEDs or maybe something arduino powered that will let me know which shutters are open or closed and maybe even a light that will come on at a certain temp so I'm looking at some stuff for that.

[EchoTech]

I had a 2004 Sunfire (loaded: 2.2 Ecotec, auto, power windows and mirrors, sunroof, AC) purchased new. I replaced it in 2012 when it had 477,000 kilometers (about 300,000 miles) on it. The mechanic at the garage I get my work done bought it and he is approaching 550,000 km (343,000 miles)on it and it runs as good as ever.

The only problem I ever had was the transmission (no TC lockup) at 96,000km (60,000 miles) which was replaced under warranty.

I used synthetic oil, changed every 10,000km (6,250 miles), and synthetic transmission fluid changed per user manual.

Short story: Very reliable, never let me down and as Aerohead said any trip would always get in the 35+mpg range.

[backpacker3]

Wow 300k miles is something! You have a bit higher up model though mine as manual locks, crank windows, manual mirrors but the drivers side does have a little stick so you can adjust it from the inside lol. about the only power thing I have is a radio.

[Rick323]

I'll be following this thread. I'd like to be able to get 40mpg easily; I'd be thrilled at 50mpg.

[backpacker3]

Yeah I would think that you should be able to get 50 even easier than I can considering you have a manual. Is yours a sedan or coupe? And guessing off the name if it's blue and a sedan I'll be super jealous since blue sunfire sedans are my absolute favorite style of j body.
I wish I had a manual trans that alone could probably get me to 45 mpg.

Anyway I've got the material now and the stuff I found will work it's a nice big sheet of plexiglass. I bought some black spraypaint yesterday to paint the block and touch up some trim that needed it. Now I'm just waiting on the motor I did a bit of testing and the rc motors won't cut it but the good news is I can get a drill motor for free! I think that is an all around better choice for 2 reasons 1. the drill setup will be less delicate because it's designed for high torque and 2 it will be wayyyyyyy easier to wire.

EDIT: I found the OBDuino thread I was looking for I'm just going to drop the link here so I don't lose it

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...auge-2702.html
Thanks as always and any advice is appreciated

[backpacker3]

I got my plexiglass today so I'll be starting the grille block this week! I have my design finalized so now I just have to get going on it.

I kinda thinking of perhaps making a cheap coroplast block as well just to see if there's any difference between the active one and just a regular one. The design I'm using shouldn't let air through but there is the weight difference. In the end what will probably decide if I'll do that or not is if I puts the active one on first because I'll most likly be too lazy to take it off after that point.

The other big project I'm working on is a revamp of the OBDuino which is proving an interesting challenge but I'm enjoying it.

[backpacker3]

I just found some carbon fiber fenders. I need a new fender. Carbon fiber is light, metal is heavy. Perhaps some weight reduction is in order??? I guess I'll have to see what happens.....






To be continued

[Xist]

Originally Posted by backpacker3

I just found some carbon fiber fenders. I need a new fender. Carbon fiber is light, metal is heavy. Perhaps some weight reduction is in order??? I guess I'll have to see what happens.....

Are they real carbon fiber? Many aftermarket pieces are fake or carbon fiber on top of something else. I want to replace one of my fenders and OE-style fenders can be cheaper through other companies, but normally, they are both more expensive and heavier.

Even if they were lighter, I could not imagine a RoI, it would be far too expensive for too small a return.

[backpacker3]

The ad says they are and I know there were some CF fenders made for the sunfire. I'm not sure if I'll get them or not yet they're on Craigslist so they aren't too expensive, only $250 OBO I normally wouldn't consider it but one of my fenders is pretty messed up and the other one has a nice scratch and small ding in it. So the price wouldn't be horrible for me considering I have to fix at least the one side anyway. I am I bit concerned that it would look super tacky, you know very boy racerish.

[Daox]

I would imagine it would look very boy racerish, unless you paint them.