2003 Chevy Cavalier build thread
 

My 1st try at this crazy game...

First picture is side mirror delete. I had a role of black tape in my hand so that is what I used. I also bought some metal hub caps with chrome finish from thehotrodgirl.com for $70.

The second picture showcases my skills with black tape. Right now with average air temp around 30F in Iowa, I did a 100% grill block on upper and lower. The upper actually has the hood taped down. So if I need to pop the hood I have to cut the tape. I did this right after I changed by oil so I shouldn't have to cut if for a while. The lower block covers recessed holes for fog lights. I used 2" black tape and did a 50% overlap to make it more rigid.

When the air temp warms up, I can use a box cutter to cut whatever size opening I think I will need in the grill tape. The engine temp holds steady now with no increase since taping off. The tape has help us surprisingly well in snow, rain, wind and general cold temperatures.

I am working now on rear wheel skirts. I will be using 1/8" PTFE with industrial strength velcro to attach to wheel well. We'll see how that goes...

mpg
 

Returning home from a job,from Jackson Hole,Wyoming to Dallas,Texas in a rented Cavalier ( they were out of Metros) the car returned 39-mpg at extra-legal speeds ( 80 mph ).I didn't do any driving and my protests rang hollow.
Does this sound like a familiar figure for the Cavalier?

I wouldn't think I would get 39 mpg above 70 mph. I don't have a "ScanGaugeII" though. It's on next year's xmas list. I can cruise at 70 mph with 2500 RPM. Going around 80 gets me almost 3000 RPM with current gearing.

I do about 80% highway and 20% city for 32.5 mpg / tank. Best guess from asymmetric tank and odometer is about 40 mpg driving 65 mph.

Good job! I like the Wheel "Mirrors" :). The grille block in duct tape, I know about this hehe... Nice work there it is pretty neat and clean. I think you will result in better FE.

Hi Aerohead,

I had a 1996 Chevy Cavalier with a Scangauge installed, and got the best mpg at 35 to 38 mph in fifth gear.

Best tank was 44 mpg at that speed.

Jim.

Welcome to ecomodder !


Make sure the mirror gap is sealed up well.
Water has the nasty tendency to try and get into the door if the sealing isn't good.