2003 Corolla

[idtent]

Well i am pretty new to "hypermiling"(sg says my current mpg is around 33, last "long" run was 51) and i would like to get better. i currently have 215/45/17s which i would like to switch to something i could fit hubcabs onto along with adding a front grill block/air dam, rear wheel fairings, and maybe a belly pan. i would have access to coroplast. Give me some suggestions.

[thebrad]

Auto or manual?
I am assuming manual because of the 51.
You should be doing far better than 33 either way, I averaged 35-36 on my 04 auto without really trying.

First things that come to mind would be
1) Buy a Scangauge II
2) Over inflate your tires
3) When you need new tires go back to 15s (they weigh less, if you want you can even spring for some Motegi traklites if you've got the money)
4) Keep your RPMs low and cruise on the freeway at 55-65 if you are not comfortable P&G.
5) Don't use A/C

Grille blocks would be difficult because you have A/C and I wouldn't want to compromise engine cooling and A/C

[Ryland]

I agree, get some narrower, lighter wheels and tires, take one of those 17" rims off and weigh it, if you can manage to lift it!
if you have the "S" model I would say sell it, and get the base model, if you are lucky you will make a few bucks, and the "S" trim level gets enough lower mileage that it's totally worth the trade to the lighter weight car that has a tranny with better gearing.

[Lazarus]

Welcome to the site. You have a good platform for FE. The commute makes the MPG. What kind do you have? That will make a difference in what direction to go with. It's sounds like it must be mostly city. Dig around, lots of usefull information. Your SG will lead you down the right path. Have fun with the new adventure.

[thebrad]

Originally Posted by Ryland

I agree, get some narrower, lighter wheels and tires, take one of those 17" rims off and weigh it, if you can manage to lift it!
if you have the "S" model I would say sell it, and get the base model, if you are lucky you will make a few bucks, and the "S" trim level gets enough lower mileage that it's totally worth the trade to the lighter weight car that has a tranny with better gearing.

S is just the base model with a factory body kit.
Front and rear spoiler, charcoal/black interior.
CE/S/LE all share the 1ZZ-FE

XRS has the 2ZZ-GE found in the Celica GTS/Lotus Elise

[idtent]

my car is a CE w/ the S Style body kit and is manual. as far as the 33mpg goes i think the reason for that is because i live on top of a hill and the place i work is just at the bottom so im gonna start driving my little ttr125 dirt bike up and down, my commute is mostly back country roads, if you were ever here in Lancaster, pa you would know what it is like. i was hoping i could put wheels like this on http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2007-...spagenameZWDVW and what would happen to my FE if i would put a turbo on http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...link:middle:us

[thebrad]

Originally Posted by idtent

my car is a CE w/ the S Style body kit and is manual. as far as the 33mpg goes i think the reason for that is because i live on top of a hill and the place i work is just at the bottom so im gonna start driving my little ttr125 dirt bike up and down, my commute is mostly back country roads, if you were ever here in Lancaster, pa you would know what it is like. i was hoping i could put wheels like this on http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2007-...spagenameZWDVW and what would happen to my FE if i would put a turbo on http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...link:middle:us

Don't ever pay more than $30 for steelies and $50 for S alloys.
The steelies will probably weight as much as your current rims, but they will be thinner... mixed feelings on that. If you do get the steelies you should buy some racing disc hubcaps for added aero benefits.

The turbo is probably not worth it, but that's just me.

[idtent]

well i thought id update. Today i went and picked a 4x8 sheet of gray coroplast (got it for $11). The first i think i'll do is wheel skirts, but i need to get a metal to mount it on. Now that school is out I will prolly have more time to work on it. I was averaging 40mpg today on the highway. I also still want to get new wheels, but till then i'll work with my coroplast.