Another oil burner - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

Two_Weeks · 09-20-2009, 09:08 AM

Hi People,
I have been reading and consuming advice on this website for several months now, and when offered a free

small car, made the decision to put some theory into practice.
I am now the proud(?!) owner of a '94 Fiat Uno 1700 na diesel. For anyone who hasn't heard of the Uno, here's a basic description:

1700cc non turbo indirect injection diesel
Classed as a supermini/ citycar.
Available with a 900cc petrol engine
FIAT (Fix It Again Tomorrow) known for being unreliable and rusty.
In 2006, it was quoted as the 10th most scrapped car in Britain.
Cd 0.30
No power steering
No A/C
Standard tyres 155/70x13.
Previous owner says he got around 50mpg (imperial) I have been unable to determine the official figure.

Things I have done already -

Replaced all tyres with taller 155/80x13
Increased tyre pressures to sidewall max
Purchased lowering springs (£20 ebay bargain) not yet fitted.
Weight saving - removed all rear trim/ rear seats/ spare wheel/ rear wiper motor. May possibly remove passenger seat as will only really be used for commuting.
Started using some hypermiling techniques

Future plans -

Grille Block, possibly a front air dam
Heated Fuel Filter allowing use of WVO/ SVO
Smooth Body (Side Repeaters, Antenna, Centralise the single wiper)
Wing mirrors replaced with cameras
Mirror tint
Modify existing wheel trims to be smoother.
Rear Wheel skirts
Front wheel arch gap fillers (shouldn't be too bad with lowering and oversize tyres)
Synthetic Oil for engine and gbox.

I would have liked to have a baseline to compare the mods, but when I have a mission, I have to get on and do it, so I cannot say for sure if the mods will have a huge impact or not.
I still haven't even put any fuel in it yet, I'm running on the half tank that was in it when I was given it.

Thanks for the useful advice so far guys.

Two_Weeks · 09-20-2009, 09:59 AM

Here's a few pics>

IsaacCarlson · 09-20-2009, 07:35 PM

I think you would do well with a kamm back, and rear wheel covers.

NICE FIND!!!!!

99LeCouch · 09-20-2009, 08:17 PM

Sweetness! Light, small, and giant engine! That'll make pulse-and-glide go really well!

damo · 09-20-2009, 08:48 PM

This style of spoiler may help your aero slightly:

Although you would never see enough gain to make up for the cost of buying one, unless you get it really cheap.

Better pic but I think this is from a mk 1:

Two_Weeks · 11-12-2009, 10:04 AM

First mpg estimate following a complete tank of fuel - 53.68 UK mpg (44.69 US mpg)

Generous use of coasting and low rpm gear changes (does 30mph in 5th no problemmo)

Of course having the taller tyres gives me 5% diameter increase which adjusts the mpg in my favour. I am doing a grill block and removing the passenger seat next and possibly swap to my lowered springs at the weekend if it's dry.

Two_Weeks · 11-12-2009, 10:05 AM

btw - handy tyre size calculator -

http://www.kouki.co.uk/utilities/vis...ize-calculator

Piwoslaw · 11-12-2009, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Two_Weeks

1700cc non turbo indirect injection diesel
Classed as a supermini/ citycar.
Cd 0.30
No power steering
No A/C
Standard tyres 155/70x13.
Previous owner says he got around 50mpg (imperial) I have been unable to determine the official figure.

That sounds like an ecomodder's wishlist

Here's a quick GIMPed image of Luigi:

I added a Kammback (which could be longer), rear wheelskirts, and deflectors for the front wheelwells. The car looks like it sits pretty high, so lowering will give an even better effect. I didn't add smooth hubcaps, since the one's you already have aren't too bad. Those mods, along with the mirror delete and a bellypan, could probably reduce your Cd by 5%-10%, which would let you coast forever