75+ mpg (Want to get Geo Metro to this goal)

[Georgboy]

Installed the XFI cam last night so we will see what improvement we will see in a week or so... Torque is more noticeable down low for sure.... I can get into 5 th gear by 30 mph with the tires I have now..

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by Georgboy

I was told this cam would bet me around 8-12 mpg improvement, and the guy at the regrind shop told me I should see around 15-20 mpg improvement based on what I was getting with the "stock" cam. I know better atleast I think I do about the 15-20 improvement. I would like to know if you guys with the XFI cam swap would do it again if they had the option . Just uncertain I want to install this cam.. Suggestions??? Thanks guys sorry for the long post...

I would do it again. The torque curve is noticeably shifted to lower RPM. Permits you to short shift, and get into top gear at a lower road speed. If you have taller gearing from either wheels/tires or a different final drive, it makes the car more driveable at lower RPM.

I can't tell you what the MPG difference is, though. I didn't bother trying to check it because it'd be incredibly difficult to get reliable A-B-A test data without using a dyno.

We know it's not 15-20 mpg. We know it can't be 8-12 mpg either.

How?

Well, we know the difference in highway mpg between the garden variety Metro (44) and the Metro XFi (52) is 8 mpg. But only a fractionof that can be due to the cam specs, because the XFi had a number of other mods as well: gearing, weight, aero (no pass. mirror), ECU, 1 less piston ring.

So a 2-3 mpg gain for the camshaft by itself seems a lot more in the ball park.

[Frederick]

Go for a final drive unit from a 4 cyl. also.
You shall be surprised!

[87octane]

The XFI factory cam gear is advanced 6 deg from the factory regular cam gear (non XFI cam). The regular cam timing is actually retarded 10 deg at the crank, dirty little secret. That puts the XFI gear at only 4 deg retarded. A worthwhile improvement is the 10 deg adv gear from 3Tech, effectively getting the cam straight up, regardless of which cam you run.

Another improvement over the XFI grind is the 3Tech "econo grind" with similar duration but a little more lift. Both pieces together will set you back around $200 plus shipping from Canada. The resident B'ville salt flats racer at Teamswift.net documented +15% hp and +22% torque over stock (non XFI) with that "econo" cam and gear and mildly ported head in a mk4 chassis. Check in with Mike Cove : 3tech at teamswift.net

Now on to the best mod ever for the 3 banger, any lightened alum or steel flywheel from a 4 cyl swift GTI. go big and pair it with the aluminum underdrive pulley to remove rotational mass, the throttle response is unbelievable at cruising speeds and everywhere in the rpm range. Bucks up, but eye opening.

[Sp`ange]

Originally Posted by JasonG

Wow, hypermiling in ATL traffic.
And ITP at that !

seriously.. Buckhead is pretty bad in itself.

[dfix9]

Hello,

I just purchased a 2000 Geo Metro Hatchback with 3 cyl 1.0L engine and 5 Speed. I would like to achieve maximum MPG too.
Once I figure what's wrong with and fix my Alternator, I plan on these mods:

1. Remove both side view mirrors and install rear-view camera/monitor.

2. Design & install front wheel fender wind deflectors.

3. Design & install rear wheel fender shirts.

4. Design & install underbelly covering so wind flows only underneath vehicle in a straight path.

5. Design & install rear spoiler.

I have yet to think about a front hood air dam. but, it sounds promising.

Request photo & info about your Geo.
Hope to hear from you.

dfix9
02-01-12.

[senormechanico]

Originally Posted by Sven7

This has a how-to (you have to take the alt apart): Alternator Disable Switch - EcoModder

However I was told you could just wire a switch in line with the power cable. Why wouldn't that worK?

The alternator diodes might blow up with out a load.
$$$$$$$$$$ to fix.

[Gasoline Fumes]

Originally Posted by 87octane

The XFI factory cam gear is advanced 6 deg from the factory regular cam gear (non XFI cam). The regular cam timing is actually retarded 10 deg at the crank, dirty little secret. That puts the XFI gear at only 4 deg retarded. A worthwhile improvement is the 10 deg adv gear from 3Tech, effectively getting the cam straight up, regardless of which cam you run.

Are you sure about that? I thought the XFi cam was ground 6 degrees advanced and the gears were the same. Mike told me not to advance the XFi cam more than 4 degrees.

[orange4boy]

Do the delete!
All you need is a deep cycle battery and a decent automatic charger. Keep a wrench and the belt handy for emergencies. Go with an optima if you want to get the best value for money. Mine are ten years old and still juicy.

Nice work so far...

[orange4boy]

The alternator diodes might blow up with out a load.

That does not sound plausible. Please explain. If it were true then everyone's diodes would explode when the ignition was turned on.