70mpg @ -13F

[AlaricD]

Originally Posted by Ecky

I have a smart power strip which I used as a timer until I moved most recently, but my internet service is so unreliable that there hasn't been a single morning that it's still connected when I got up, and it's not quite smart enough to resync itself.

Bummer. And no firmware updates available for it, or some sort of "offline mode"?

For the heater, I picked up a 3-setting cheapo from Walmart and ran a power cord through the firewall, to provide an outlet in the hatch area without needing to run a second cord to the car. I use it for my grid charger too, sometimes.

It makes me a bit nervous thinking about drilling through the firewall or trying to push a good-size power cord alongside something else going through the firewall, but it does make the installation a lot cleaner.

[Ecky]

Originally Posted by AlaricD

Bummer. And no firmware updates available for it, or some sort of "offline mode"?

It syncs with Wink, which has only limited offline capabilities. I'd probably need to buy a Samsung SmartThings box, but it's low on my list of priorities. I might well get a cheap timer instead.

Originally Posted by AlaricD

It makes me a bit nervous thinking about drilling through the firewall or trying to push a good-size power cord alongside something else going through the firewall, but it does make the installation a lot cleaner.

I cut the end off to push it through the grommey in the firewall, and added a new end once inside. This was a fairly small power cord, your standard white or brown 2 wire indoor cord.

[Ecky]

Temperature was up to 30F today. The roads were wet but clear of slush, and the sun was shining. Driving home from Burlington I managed just shy of 85mpg, with a net elevation change of +500ft and a target speed of 50mph. Pic taken just as I was pulling into my driveway.

[AlaricD]

Originally Posted by Ecky

Driving home from Burlington I managed just shy of 85mpg, with a net elevation change of +500ft and a target speed of 50mph.

That's just BONKERS!

[teoman]

Could you not hack the wire for the cabin fan? Since you are already heating the coolant it would also heat the cabin a bit.

[Ecky]

I have an electric heater permanently installed in the cabin on a timer. When it's the cold outside, I can hardly get the coolant above 60F regardless of how long I run my block heater.

[Magician]

Yes... WAI is a huge contributor to getting big MPG's... especially in the Winter. I'm just curious if it will provide much help in the Summer or if I'll need to remove it then... Time will tell.

[stovie]

If you could insulate the engine and bypass the radiator you could probably get better economy!! It would also make it easier to heat the engine with your block heaters in the end also!! Considering the low temperature where you live I would suggest taking out the thermostat and plug the bleed hole in it with a small weld or something.

[Daox]

Originally Posted by stovie

Considering the low temperature where you live I would suggest taking out the thermostat and plug the hole in it with a small weld or something.

Considering this was in the middle of winter, that would not be a wise idea. No offense, but vehicle design has a lot more variables than one trip in cold weather. What happens come summer time?

[stovie]

Originally Posted by Daox

Considering this was in the middle of winter, that would not be a wise idea. No offense, but vehicle design has a lot more variables than one trip in cold weather. What happens come summer time?

I think you misunderstood what I meant! I was only talking about plugging the bleed hole in the thermostat so that it doesn't let any coolant by tell it opens! You'd be surprised how much cooling a 1/16 hole can provide at wintertime!!