2011 Resolutions and Goals (ecomodding and other)

[Daox]

Here we go again.

I'm fairly happy with my current mileage in summer. The Prius gets a pretty steady 55 mpg with my wife driving and no PHEV and the Paseo gets 60+ all summer long. However, in winter the Prius takes a huge hit to mileage in the winter and I'd like to do something more about that. I'd very much like to see 45+ in the winter with the Prius.

As for specific mods, I don't have any solid plans. I have ideas, and they always change.

2011 Prius goals: Decrease the winter hit to mileage and get the PHEV kit working.

Mods I'm considering:
- get the dang PHEV working
- insulated engine
- bellypan
- automatically actuated grill block
- smooth wheel covers


2011 Paseo goals: The possibilities are kind of wide open at the moment. I'm looking at a job much closer to home which makes an EV conversion possible. I'm happy with the current mpg, but want to make the car easier to drive.

Mods I'm considering:
- 1.4L 1ND-TV (diesel) engine swap
- EV conversion
- hybrid conversion
- bellypan
- adding EGR
- something to help automate P&G, automatic start perhaps?


As I've mentioned, I'm fairly happy with my mileage at this point. This is true and somewhat not true. I've gotten to the point where I've looked at my energy usage and found that my cars are not the biggest chunk of energy I use now, my home is now a larger energy user. So, I am focusing more on conserving and increasing efficiency there. For others that are also interested in this I suggest checking out EcoRenovator.

[MetroMPG]

OK, since Shack Status: Operational is imminent, I will have more modding time in 2011.

So here are 3 new tasks that weren't on my 2010 list (which I never got to anyway). The first mod of 2011 will be...

• ... not actually a mod, but rust repair to the underbelly of the ForkenSwift. I'm not sure just how bad it is, but I have reason to be slightly nervous about what I'll find when I start poking at it.

• Next, I want to improve an existing mod on the Firefly/Metro: relocate the coolant heater tank. Its current location has never been good for convection circulation.

• I'd like to get the new-to-me convertible Firefly/Metro repaired & on the road for a couple of months of use by late summer.

And the 2010 mods I never got to:

Goals for the Firefly:

• good version of the removable boat tail
• lowered ride height & A-B-A test
• fix my cruise control for better A-B-A testing (this was on last year's list and I didn't get to it)

Goals for the ForkenSwift:

• basically I didn't do anything to it last year, so again everything on the 2009 list, plus...
• install tires with lower rolling resistance than the snows that are currently on it year-round

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by RobertSmalls

I electrified my garage for 2010

Does it get good range?

Sorry.

[euromodder]

Originally Posted by Arragonis

- And I will fill in my fuel logs dammit...

Including the backlog ?


For me it's getting the ECU remapped (I like easy mods ) and keep trying to drive FC down.

Serious aero mods (belly pan etc.) will have to wait until the car is garaged.
I really can't see me working on it in a public parking lot.

[SoobieOut]

Ecomods for the house:

Installing a radiant floor heating system using a solar heat source, also preheats the domestic hot water system.
Upgrading the controls for the house using a web accessable controller.
Solar PV DC system for lighting on the outside decks.

For DaCivic:

Upper and lower grill block, with a thermo operated lower damper.
Delete side mirrors if possible.

[Arragonis]

Originally Posted by euromodder

Including the backlog ?

Er, probably not

Originally Posted by euromodder

For me it's getting the ECU remapped (I like easy mods ) and keep trying to drive FC down.

If you do a remap get one of those boxes where you can revert back to default if you need to - just in case.

[redyaris]

For 2011 my plans are:
1. Resurect a 1989 Ford Aerostar mini cargo van that has a 2.3L 4 cylinder engine that is perfect for aeromodding in that it is underpowered. The plan is a 4 ft boat tail for the rear, a rounded front end, under tray... hopefully get to 50 mpg when all is said and done.
2. Get the Kawasaki KLR650 to 3.3L/100 km = 71 mpg with new aero cargo boxes, skid plate, and fairing.
3. Boat tail for the Yaris, to get to 3.9L/100 km = 60 mpg
4. All the rest of the unfinished projects from other years...

[CigaR007]

The Nut has been adjusted for the past 2 years. Santa brought me a ScangaugeII for Christmas. Should help in tweaking the Nut a bit more.

Planned mods for now :

Grille Block (upper and lower during Winter)
Lowering the car (hopefully this Spring)

My aim is 50 MPG by the Summer.

[bestclimb]

Working on dropping a bit of weight, not for the fuel efficiency but for payload in the plane.

As for modding...Kammi back and 60mpg.

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by CigaR007

Lowering the car (hopefully this Spring)

No pun intended?