Best mods for city driving? - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

Baltothewolf · 08-13-2014, 06:40 AM

So I finally got a full time job way closer to home (5 mile commute each way instead of 38). Only problem is, it's not all city/highway, consisting of 2 stop signs and 7 stop lights. What are the best mods for cruising anywhere from 35-50mph? I got my VX tranny that's going in tomorrow, along with an alignment and new passenger side axle. I'm guessing that a kill switch is probably the next mod I should get on? I would like some input from you guys.

Current mods:
Mud flap delete.
Full upper grill block.
Front air dam (scrapes on everything LOL!).
44psi in all tires.

Also guys, I really want to find that black honda civic (I think it was a '01, or that generation) that someone posted here a while back, it had some form of kamback on it that went from the roof to the edge of the trunk, it looked so cool. I have searched using the search button, but can't remember where I saw it. It was right around the time that the Donkey CRX was discovered.

Fat Charlie · 08-13-2014, 09:17 AM

Kill switch.

dirtydave · 08-13-2014, 09:39 AM

Ac and power steering delete maybe even an alternator delete or you could probably leave the belt off if you only drive 5 miles to work.

basjoos · 08-13-2014, 11:32 AM

Engine block heater
Full grill block that can be partially or completely opened by the driver as they are driving
Engine blanket/insulation around the engine compartment (make it easily removable for when you need to make a long trip).

Since you have a short, stop and go, low speed commute, anything you can do to reduce weight, decrease rolling resistance, and reduce the time it takes for your engine to heat up to normal operating temps will help. Aerodynamic improvements will help but are less dominant at those speeds.

Baltothewolf · 08-13-2014, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirtydave

Ac and power steering delete maybe even an alternator delete or you could probably leave the belt off if you only drive 5 miles to work.

Alternator is out of the question as I want to be able to charge my phone and flashlight at work, I may invest in other ways to do this but not right now. Power steering is already deleted forgot to mention that. A/C isn't an option either, although would taking the belt off the A/C so I could put it on when I do drive in the daytime an option? Or would that not do anything.

Quote:

Originally Posted by basjoos

Engine block heater
Full grill block that can be partially or completely opened by the driver as they are driving
Engine blanket/insulation around the engine compartment (make it easily removable for when you need to make a long trip).

Since you have a short, stop and go, low speed commute, anything you can do to reduce weight, decrease rolling resistance, and reduce the time it takes for your engine to heat up to normal operating temps will help. Aerodynamic improvements will help but are less dominant at those speeds.

Aren't engine block heaters 200$+? I never thought about the full adjustable grill block, I'll definitely be doing that. I thought about buying a big heating blanket (like one you use for a human to sleep) and putting it under the hood but I'm not sure if that would even be effective.

cRiPpLe_rOoStEr · 08-13-2014, 12:57 PM

Since you'll be adding some weight with stuff like the air dams, the grille block and the kill-switch, you could look for some random spots to do some weight-savings to counterbalance the weight add-on from the other mods.

Baltothewolf · 08-13-2014, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

Since you'll be adding some weight with stuff like the air dams, the grille block and the kill-switch, you could look for some random spots to do some weight-savings to counterbalance the weight add-on from the other mods.

Air dam was made with 2.5 inch lawn edging so it weights less than a pound. I still plan on removing the rear seats out of my car along with the spare tire, jack, and all the mounting hardware for the seats.

cRiPpLe_rOoStEr · 08-13-2014, 01:15 PM

I was thinking about your idea to use a domestic heating blanket as an engine block heater? I wouldn't feel so confident to do so, since I'm not so sure that it wouldn't damage some rubber or plastic hose in the engine compartment. Anyway, some thermal insulation around the engine head and the sump may help it to retain the heat more effectively.