50 mpg in an auto ZX2!

[BabyDiesel]

Here is some photos of the new star of Ecomodder



Not shown is the front and rear belly pans.

I really need to make a new spreadsheet showing my speed vs. Mpg. So far it is:
25 mph - 80-82 mpg
30 mph - 75 mpg
35 mph - 68-71 mpg
40 mph - 60-63 mpg
45 mph - 54-57 mpg
50 mph - 49-52 mpg
55 mph - 44-47 mpg
60 mph - 40-42 mpg

[dirtydave]

looks really really good buddy. I'm surprised you get good mpg under 35 super impressive!!

automatic trans no longer means low mpg!

[BabyDiesel]

Originally Posted by dirtydave

looks really really good buddy. I'm surprised you get good mpg under 35 super impressive!!

automatic trans no longer means low mpg!

It is still surprising to me as well! The car can maintain speed decently well at those speeds!

All speeds below 35 are with the TCC unlocked too. The high mpgs are on level ground and smooth asphalt. ANYTHING reduces the mpgs quickly when you're turning 1000 rpm througha slushbox

I think a lot of people discredit autos right from the get go and don't try to figure out how to use them to the best. Having to live with mine, I have learned its quirks and its ability to get high mpgs at city speeds. And it is pretty efficient at higher speed cruise, a lot more than the manual that came with the ZX2s (deep gearing for quick acceleration).

I will go manual eventually so i can have a deeper overdrive 5th gear designed that will lower revs more than my auto now. Hopefully the auto will hold up to see 75 mpg eclipsed!

[Frank Lee]

Good job *jealous*

I have a '99 Tracer, 2.0 a/t that I've been trying to hit 50 mpg with. My last few tanks have been 47 to 48 so... it'll happen in time. You beat me to it!

The T-Racer sees mostly highway where I generally cruise at 47 mph. Lately some factors keeping 50 mpg out of reach are using a/c and filling with E85. And at times, going faster.

I just got some low r.r. used Prius tires and am deciding if they should go on the T-Racer or the Tempo. Putting them on the 'Racer might help it over the half-century mark.

[whatmaycome14]

Fantastic news!! I'm very happy for you. and the car looks great too!

[BabyDiesel]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

Good job *jealous*

I have a '99 Tracer, 2.0 a/t that I've been trying to hit 50 mpg with. My last few tanks have been 47 to 48 so... it'll happen in time. You beat me to it!

The T-Racer sees mostly highway where I generally cruise at 47 mph. Lately some factors keeping 50 mpg out of reach are using a/c and filling with E85. And at times, going faster.

I just got some low r.r. used Prius tires and am deciding if they should go on the T-Racer or the Tempo. Putting them on the 'Racer might help it over the half-century mark.

You should make a garage entry for your T-racer Frank! Those are great mpgs. A slight boost is all it will take for you to cross 50, and those LRR tires should do it. It will improve coasting for sure.

I had 3 out of my last 7 tanks that were between 49 & 50! Talk about being delightfully disappointed!

If your Tracer is similar to my Escort, then try slowing down to 44-45 mph. Idk if the same applies to you, but I lose ~1 mpg for every mph over 40.

Originally Posted by whatmaycome14

Fantastic news!! I'm very happy for you. and the car looks great too!

Thank you Zach! I'm loving the car's new look and all the attention it gets I've working on another 50+ this tank. I'm about 320 miles in and just reached 1/2 tank of a 12.7 gallon tank. SG says I'm at 50.6 mpg for the tank!

[Frank Lee]

Yeah, pretty sure going even slower would net over 50 mpg but even for me there's a limit.

The T-Racer has a frontal area disadvantage vs ZX2 and maybe a Cd disadvantage as well.

[BabyDiesel]

From looking on the intranet, it looks like the Tracer is a ZX2 with a different look. Most everything with the specs is the same, so it can get 50 with a lil more work

The stock Cd is 0.34, which is a hundredth worse than the ZX2. Frontal area should be around 21-22 ft squared.

I had trips of 55.9 and 52.5 last night and this morning, so my last tank before lean burn should be a 50

[Frank Lee]

Tracer = Escort sedan.

ZX2: 67.4"W x 52.3"H- about 20.81 sq ft; .33 Cd
Tracer: 67.0"W x 53.3"H- about 21.08 sq ft; .34 or .35 Cd depending on online source :/

So there are both frontal area and Cd disadvantages. The chassis should be nearly identical.

I would have sworn just by looking at them (and getting in and out of them) there was a greater difference in height!

[drainoil]

So impressive!! Your in vx and hybrid territory now.