free/cheap beneficial to car eco mods actually worth doing

[johnathanf1lm]

Hi I was just try to make a list of free cheap eco mods that have some benefit like saving MPG and money without making your car look like a joke (sorry boat tails). Mods that pay off or increase handling/power of the car while saving fuel. I noticed half the mods on here people are spending more then they will ever save with the mod notably the alternator delete which is a high loss for a couple of bucks.

[echo-francis]

just look at the mod list here Car MPG Efficiency Modifications Main - EcoModder
and chose what you like

[wmjinman]

In the short time I've been doing this, I've found the biggest (cheap or free) improvements from what I've tried so far to be:

1) a grille block
2) increasing the air in my tires

Each of these things raised my mileage by approxiamtely 1.5 miles per gallon in conscientious testing. Now, my first grille block, made out of cardboard and attached to the OUTSIDE of the car with duct tape probably qualifies for the "makes my car look like a joke" status. However, because the cardboard got wet in the rain and fell apart, I'm doing a second one out of clear plexiglass taped on. Though still somewhat "obvious", it is far less - "redneck" - looking than the cardboard. I believe others on here have done INTERNAL grille blocks (behind the grille) that are practically invisible, but I have no experience with that, or the results.

The over-inflated tires are, of course, "invisible" to anyone looking for ugly ecomodder looking stuff, too.

If your car has a roof rack you seldom or never use, I found that removing mine gave a small improvement (just under 1/2 MPG), and I like the "cleaner" look without it, anyway. And it didn't cost anything to do that, either.

So that's what I have for you.

[radioranger]

I 'm pretty sure synthetic trans oil will help also , anyone done a decent test of oils.

[YeahPete]

1.)You all forgot the nut behind the wheel! Best mod ever!
2.) Lower the vehicle.
3.) Underbody tray.
4.) Wheel Covers.
5.) Tire Spatz

[Slow_s10]

Lowering your ride (especially if it's a truck), it doesn't have to be a lot but, it looks good, it improves the vehicle's handling and stability, and it improves aero. It's a Win-win-win. It may not be free and it may not always be cheap but it is worth it... although depending on the vehicle sometimes it actually can be pretty cheap. For example I lowered my Bravada 2 inches for $25 and it is completely reversable (no cut springs). On the other hand I have about $600 worth of parts in my S10. And I will probably be throwing another $$$~$$$$ into the suspension in the near future. But that's just me.

I want to echo the other sugestions too, raise your tire pressure, it's free and it works, and if you have a roof rack, ditch it. Also Grill blocks can look good if you take a little time to make them nice. I mean obviously if you make it of duct tape and cardboard (no offense to those who do) it's going to look like duct tape and cardboard. But for example there is a thread about someone building a block for a prius that is nicly bodyworked and painted to match his car and so far it looks fantastic.

[johnathanf1lm]

Tire pressure and partial grill block are done. Under body tray in my option is more of a danger than anything no offence

[Daox]

Tell that to the OEMs that are doing it more and more...

[mcrews]

Originally Posted by johnathanf1lm

Tire pressure and partial grill block are done. Under body tray in my option is more of a danger than anything no offence

none taken... as long as you explain.

audi seem to disagree.....

[mcrews]

Originally Posted by radioranger

I 'm pretty sure synthetic trans oil will help also , anyone done a decent test of oils.

not enough increase to measure.