Build Thread: Ecomodding my 2003 CR-V EX 4WD (Auto)
 

After my last fill-up in the Dodge Ram QC 1500 4x4 netting a terrible 12.8mpg I decided to start looking for an alternative second vehicle with better FE.

Requirements:
-Safe/Dependable
-Small turn radius (parking the Dodge anywhere in Nashville was a pain!)
-AWD/4WD (for in-climate weather)
-Automatic (so mama-bear can drive it when needed)
-Room for 4 (pets for now, kids in the (hopefully) distant future.)
-Cargo Capacity (I'm a mechanic on duty, and an enthusiast off duty)
-Decent Fuel Economy

This slimmed my pickings substantially, down to about 4 choices within my budget:
-Subaru Forester AWD
-Toyota Matrix AWD
-Toyota Rav4
-Honda CR-V

After a few test-drives and some (what mama-bear would call extensive) research, I decided upon a CR-V.

Scale tipping factors:
-Familiarity of Honda d/f/h/k series engines (lots of aftermarket/used sources)
-Realtime 4WD (less to break, mama-bear friendly)
-Class Leading FE
-Largest utilizable space

So Mid-December I found one that I liked, traded the truck in, and left with not only a new-to-me vehicle, but extra cash in my pocket, a lower insurance payment, and double the FE to boot!

I will be updating this as the eco-build progresses.

Plans include:
-WAI (either modify the existing airbox, or go with 3" aluminum/cone filter)
-upper grill block (will be ordering an extra factory one to make it removable)
-Partial lower grill block (temporary $4 one installed today! (30DEC2012)
-Full belly pan (I'll have to snap a picture, the underside is atrocious!
-2" Suspension drop (more for stability then aero)
-k20a3 Head (if I can find enough data supporting FE gains)

$4 Partial Lower Grill Block
 

I went to the local hardware store to pick up a few items for the house and came across a "Make your own" Coroplast Sign kit for $3.83 (like this:)

http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/pro...7df3f1_300.jpg

I cut it into two pieces in order to fit in the lower grill area, utilizing the metal post as a divider, reinforcement to the outer edges, and allowed me an easy means of secure attachment (zip ties) to the inner grill.

I have a 200mi mixed city/hwy trip that I will be making tomorrow, where I will be monitoring the engine temps, and provided that it stays within reason, I will finish it off with 100mph tape around the edges to fill in the slight gaps and make the outer edges more securely fastened.

Wow - that's quite a change.

Was Mama-bear driving the retired pickup too?

It is, indeed!

And, no, she has maybe driven it once in the past year.

any update on this.