49.7mpg in an xB on a 190-mile fillup!

[NeilBlanchard]

Hello,

Since the upper grill is already blocked -- it might help to make it smooth? I can't think that all those grooves would be anything but drag inducing?

What about fashioning a wedge, that would slope from the top edge of the bumper back to the leading edge of the hood? That would certainly reduce drag!

[digitaldissent]

Neil,

So exciting huh? great work!

quick questions as I need tires, what ones do you have and what size?

[whokilledthejams]

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

Hello,

Since the upper grill is already blocked -- it might help to make it smooth? I can't think that all those grooves would be anything but drag inducing?

What about fashioning a wedge, that would slope from the top edge of the bumper back to the leading edge of the hood? That would certainly reduce drag!

I've thought about smoothing out the grille, and smoothing out the entire front end.

Today, I conceived of a one-piece front end (like a semi) that in no way resembles the original, shaped roughly like the CRX that there's a thread about. It would be a beast of project, though, but potentially quite effective. It would even be reasonable to make the hood a deeper angle, and form something of a cowl over the bottom edge of the windshield.

However, I'm still making payments, so not just yet.

[NeilBlanchard]

Hello,

Originally Posted by digitaldissent

quick questions as I need tires, what ones do you have and what size?

I bought Yokohama Avid TRZ 185 60 15's (from TireRack.com). Their selection has greatly expanded since I got them. They were the same mileage rating (~80K?) as the Michelin's, and they were about $36 less per tire.

[Edit: the Tire Rack link should take you to all the 185/60/15's they carry...the 2nd page showing the tires I got. Check the previous page, too.]

[digitaldissent]

thanks, I have 185/60 15s also and have been going crazy trying to get the best tire

[NeilBlanchard]

Hello,

I am reasonably happy with the Yokohama Avid TRZ's. They are pretty quiet, they ride well, they are very good in wet conditions -- very good indeed, and traction is plenty good; even if things get a little spirited. I have not had them long enough to judge their longevity, on my car. My in-laws have them on their Sienna -- that van chews through tires, and I don't think these are going to fair much better than the stock run-flats...

[Edit: They shipped my xA with Goodyear's OEM's: they had decent RR, but they were onion skins! They wore out quickly, and they were pretty awful in the wet -- I could spin them at will, and they slipped in turns and aquaplaned on damp pavement; or it sure seemed like it...]

[JJW]

Does that thing have a 1NZ-FE? It's amazing something so boxy can get mileage like that.. almost disheartening for me with the more "aero friendly" yaris coming in in the mid 40s (hopefully when I can skip using the AC I'll be back up near 50 where it was on my first few tanks)

[Blue07CivicEX]

Two things,

1. If you buy a new civic replace the stock tires around 18-20k miles if you live in snowy climate or 22-24k if you're in a dry climate. These tires caused me to get in an accident in inclement weather due to the TERRIBLE tread life (dealer is replacing them between 19k and 30k).

2. I also have the Yoko Avid TRZ's on the website it doesn't show them made for my car but the dealer was able to get them, great tire, reasonable traction and tons of tread. I am at around 2500 miles on them and they seem to be performing nicely.

[NeilBlanchard]

Hello,

Originally Posted by brickinthewind

I think the wind may have been with me on the way south. Going north takes more pedal pressure and only getting 39.1 - same techniques only midday and hotter. I am stopped and getting a breeze from the N so I am fighting that.

So, the approximate two-way average was 44mpg? Still very good, but the wind was giving you an aero push -- maybe the boxy shape was actually helping?

[digitaldissent]

@JJW

the Xa and Xb should have identical drive-train as our Yaris' but the Yaris has less drag and a higher final drive (should be better freeway MPG)

I have gotten almost the same mileage as you with my sedan. I think things have a allot to do with your specific commute and what part of the country you are in. I am in SoCal so 10% ethanol, hot climate(A/C on), lots of traffic and San Diego for me which has lots of hills.

signed quest for 50