15 mods = 15% MPG improvement: A-B test, 2007 Honda Civic 1.8L, 5-speed

[California98Civic]

Okay. The zip tie coroplast bundles as mounting points for screws through the smooth wheel covers is a very clever solution. Nice hacking, that.

[samwichse]

That result seems pretty good... about 65 mpg is what I see on my first gen civic hybrid on level ground at about 50 mph.

It's already got some of the aero mods you did from factory (decklid spoiler, underbody smoothing panels, upper grille block, sort of aero wheels) and a smaller engine (1.3L), so that seems about right.

Also, manual transmission .

Sam

[Cobb]

Err, how do you know they are not needed? When you get home and not having them on you avoided an accident? In that case how about a switch for the SRS and the brake actuators that are responsible for trac, skid, abs and the brake force thingie.

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

[LIST][*] Daytime running lights switch (DRL's off when not needed)

[MetroMPG]

Samwichse: I'm guessing that when the ScanGauge is calibrated, my numbers will be revised down some. Even with all the mods, I doubt this car is as efficient as a 1st gen Civic 1.3 with lean burn.

Cobb: DRL's are next to useless on a limited access, divided highway. In town or on a 2-lane highway is a different story. So I like to have the option to choose when they're on or off, depending on the driving situation/environment.

[gone-ot]

That's called "Operator Prerogative"

[MetroMPG]

Also worth mentioning:

The cost of these mods was about 2/3 of a sheet of coroplast, a bit of duct tape, a couple of convex mirrors and 5 feet of lawn edging (had some laying around). So let's say, generously, $20. *

Reasonable payback time!

(* Not counting the $150 used set of winter tires on steelies, which I needed and would have bought anyway.)

[Chrysler kid]

Good improvement! I like how most of these modifications are minor and subtle. The lip under the front bumper looks nearly factory, those mirrors I think you might have been able to get away with double sided autmotive adhesive (same thing used to hold the side door trim panels on the exterior of the car) instead of drilling holes. The covers look factory too and actually give the car some flair over those factory alloys

I know you mentioned it in the other thread but why are you only keeping it for winter?

[Fat Charlie]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Daytime running lights switch (DRL's off when not needed)

Originally Posted by Cobb

Err, how do you know they are not needed?

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

... I like to have the option to choose when they're on or off, depending on the driving situation/environment.

Originally Posted by Old Tele man

That's called "Operator Prerogative"

DRLs have been one of my pet peeves since they came out. Before we realized how vital lights were for safety, we had these things called switches that could turn our lights on and off. Call me a rebel, but I still like to operate my lights on my own.

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by Chrysler kid

those mirrors I think you might have been able to get away with double sided autmotive adhesive (same thing used to hold the side door trim panels on the exterior of the car) instead of drilling holes.

Possibly, though it'd be sticking a flat disc on a compound-curved surface. Not much contact area for something that has to resist hurricane force winds.

Also, the holes are on the bottom of the mirror housing. Can't see 'em when the mirror's deployed in its normal position, so it didn't bother me to drill there.

I know you mentioned it in the other thread but why are you only keeping it for winter?

Couple of reasons:

1) Mostly because I got a pretty good deal on the car, and should be able to sell next year and recover all my costs (inspections, repairs, gas, registration & insurance) and maybe even make a few bucks on top.

2) I think I've discovered it's fun looking for winter beaters. I'll hunt down something different next year. Maybe even make it an annual tradition.

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by brucey

Oh come on Metro, you should know without proper A-B-A testing this belongs in the Unicorn Corral. (;

The chastising is strong with this one...