2006 Honda Insight MT Build Thread

[mpg_numbers_guy]

EDIT: My responses to the last posts are on the previous page. I'm always afraid when I double post and the second post is on a new page that people will feel like I'm ignoring their comments since my response is on a previous page....and who ever goes to the previous page to see if they missed anything?)

Deleted my passenger mirror today. Was going to replace it with a smaller exterior mirror but ran out of time before having to go to work. Didn't miss the mirror at all; thinking of just leaving it off now. Next is to remove the bondoed on driver's side mirror (previous owner ) and replace that one with a smaller mirror, and then I'll probably order internal convex mirrors for both sides for an extra safety precaution. Although with my new panoramic rear view mirror my visibility is much better than it was originally with the stock side mirrors. I can see both rear windows and side windows easily, and the view isn't distorted at all.

Things just keep getting better:



This was the same route that got me 84.3 MPG last time - from the local gas station to work). FCD actually underestimated the tank MPG this time by 0.8 MPG - FCD said 69.3 MPG while the pump calculated out to be just over 70.1 MPG. Same pump that I always use there, filled to the first click as always. FCD has been pretty accurate - within 1 MPG for both fill ups.

Might have time to finish up my mirror delete/replacement tomorrow, we'll see. I'll try to post pictures...along with that rear belly pan that I've never uploaded a picture of yet.

[Ecky]

One thing to consider is that LEDs light up far more quickly than incandescents. With brake lights it gives the driver behind you fractionally more time to react. I'm unsure if turn signals would have the same benefit, and they're on so rarely...

[Vman455]

Originally Posted by mpg_numbers_guy

Is it worth it though? I've heard that's fairly hard to access on the Insight. Especially since turn signals aren't on much so the electrical savings would be minimal compared to the cost of the LEDs.

For turn signals, probably not. I use them on my cars just because I think they look cool.

[mpg_numbers_guy]

I might consider LED tail lights. I'm really pleased with how my LED reverse lights turned out. I only got a daytime picture and you can already tell that they're brighter. At night though, they are like having headlights in the rear; my rearward visibility is significantly improved many times over. Bulbs fit fine and were a quick and easy installation. Can't speak on longevity yet, and I haven't tested other bulbs yet to compare, but I am greatly pleased with the light output and projection. Highly recommend. Here's the link in case anyone is interested: https://www.amazon.com/Rayhoo-lumens...dp/B074MWWWDP/



Original bulbs on the left and LED on the right. And yes, that's the rear belly pan there at the bottom. 2' wide and 3' long.

Finished my passenger rear mirror delete. Covered the area with a painted coroplast piece. Working on constructing a coroplast driver's side mirror mount for the replacement mirror. Also need to source some internal convex mirrors -- any recommendations?



A little wet today, but wanted to get a new picture of the car with its latest mods. Might have to get an Ecomodder sticker next!

[19bonestock88]

That’s pretty impressive so far! You’re getting the work done in record time!

[Vman455]

Originally Posted by mpg_numbers_guy

Also need to source some internal convex mirrors -- any recommendations?

Autozone, Napa, or any auto parts store cary towing mirrors that will work, or their are tons on Amazon. Find one that's relatively square; I had circular mirrors on my last car and the rectangular ones catch more field of view. Mirrors on their own mounts will sag; some sort of fixed mechanical attachment is best, but you'll have to make sure they're properly positioned first.

[mpg_numbers_guy]

Considering getting a couple of these: Fouring BL Car Wide Angle Rear View Multi Blind Spot Mirror 3M VHB Tape

[Ecky]

Looks promising. I'd err on the large side with mirrors interior to the car.

[mpg_numbers_guy]

Size seems to be decent. Only major complaint is that the mirror is stiff and hard to move, which seems more to be a good thing.

It snowed today. So now I have cold temps + snow, not just cold temps. Bye bye 70 + MPG. 61.1 MPG driving home today at 25-30 MPH still on the Bridgestones.....I have 2 more weeks of driving before returning to Virginia. By the time I get the Nokians, mounted and all I'll probably have about a week left. Is it even worth it to spend the $300 then? I think not but driving on the Bridgestones on icy roads...it didn't do bad or good, but then again I never went above 49 MPH.

I really want Nokian 155/80R13s on VX rims instead of 165/65R14s on HX rims for the weight savings (~3lbs per wheel+tire I think) + narrower tire, but so far I haven't found anyone willing to trade VX rims for HX rims. Not that I expected it, considering how rare VX rims are. Threw a post on InsightCentral, but who knows if it'll get any hits..

Still waiting on that belly pan to arrive.. Daox says he'll let me know when the shift knob is in the mail. Hoping it's before I return to college so I can figure out a clutch mod that works. I really don't want to be driving through the WV mountains with the IMA on and not be able to disable it on will to prevent it from draining and robbing me of what little power I have through forced regen. Climbing those grades will be crazy. Might just disable the battery for the trip, thoughts?

[Ecky]

General rule I follow is that when it drops and stays below 40F, the snow tires go on, regardless of whether there's any snow. Above that the all seasons go back on. I don't see snow tires as a bad expense (if you have a spare set of rims anyway) as they offset miles I'd be putting on my other tires.

Up to you. I know some interesting folks to drive in Vermont year-round with all seasons and manage to stay out of ditches.