starting out - b14 sentra

[jkw]

hi everyone i just purchased a 98 sentra gxe wth a 1.6l and 4spd auto and had a couple questios

it seems like blocking the grill and bumper would be fairly easy to do, but my concern is engine temps. does the scangauge monitor engine temps on a car without a temperature gauge, and if so how?

also, does anyone know other model cars i can use alloy wheels from? it has 14" steel wheels atm and im sure thats not helping. id like to keep it at 14" so i can use the tires on it now, but i might get taller tires anyways because i do mostly highway driving(being a 4x4 guy i know i can run taller tires and lower gears in my jeep to lower the highway rpms

thanks

[MetroMPG]

The ScanGauge does monitor coolant temperature via the OBD-II port. There are multiple sensors that can be read which may not have a dash display.

ScanGauge manuals online: User Manuals : Linear Logic - Home of the ScanGauge

Welcome to the forum.

[larrybuck]

Welcome here! I wish I could give you an answer on the wheel issue, but what you drive is so much newer than mine, that I'm out of that info loop.

I recommend that you pose precisely that question on a new thread that you start
in one of the other sections. Some of the diehard Mr. Goodwrench's may not visit
intro's much.

Keeping those highway rpm's down is sure a good idea!

[Gone2]

I wish I had seen this posting a little earlier, I've been out of the loop for a while. I have a '97 Sentra with the 1.6/auto combo. I blocked everything but a little sliver right above the front bumper, and have absolutely no trouble with keeping the car cool, even in 90 some degree heat. We'll test that theory this summer. Also, these cars can run a 195/75r14 tire without rubbing, yes I've done the measurements. If you have steelies (which are hard as can be to find for an appropriate price) you can run a hubcap and close the openings, packing tape or pizza pans for example, and help out. Completely blocking the front end and adding a front spoiler, has gained me about 15 mpg. I easily get 38-43 without even trying. Alloy wheels may not gain you any improvement due to the style and weight. Just my two cents. Also, coast in neutral whenever possible. I have spots that I can coast for over a mile.

[Cd]

Originally Posted by Sentraguy

I wish I had seen this posting a little earlier, I've been out of the loop for a while. I have a '97 Sentra with the 1.6/auto combo. I blocked everything but a little sliver right above the front bumper, and have absolutely no trouble with keeping the car cool, even in 90 some degree heat. We'll test that theory this summer. Also, these cars can run a 195/75r14 tire without rubbing, yes I've done the measurements. If you have steelies (which are hard as can be to find for an appropriate price) you can run a hubcap and close the openings, packing tape or pizza pans for example, and help out. Completely blocking the front end and adding a front spoiler, has gained me about 15 mpg. I easily get 38-43 without even trying. Alloy wheels may not gain you any improvement due to the style and weight. Just my two cents. Also, coast in neutral whenever possible. I have spots that I can coast for over a mile.

" Completely blocking the front end and adding a front spoiler has gained me about 15 MPG "

Is that supposed to read 5 MPG ? ;-)

[Gone2]

Sorry, typo. Yes, between 5 and 7 mpg. Driving style made the biggest change. I am currently testing to see how much difference the side mirrors really make. Thus far no difference on the driver side only. The only thing about cooling is I made sure not to block off the bottom side of the engine bay, so there is still airflow. Thus far no issues at all with overheating.

[Gone2]

Oh, and late '90s Ford Escorts ran the same pattern wheels and are a dime a dozen in junk yards. Most for $20 something a piece.