Got a new Yaris yesterday

[NeilBlanchard]

The Yaris is decent in the drag department: Cd is 0.29 if I am not mistaken; but I'm sure that you can improve upon it! The upper grill is already relatively small (going from memory), so you can gain a little by blocking it off all the way. The wheels and the air departure on the back are also probably areas that can be improved. And a belly pan...

At least with the automatic, you get a decent final drive ratio. Is the instrument cluster in the center, or in front of the driver?

[ex-x-fire]

The cluster is in the middle. Funny thing I noticed today on the cluster, there is a symbol for the coolant & the word ''cold'' next to it, both in the same color. As the engine heats up, the light goes out. I wonder if you had a bad t-stat (stuck open) would this light stay on.
A couple of weeks ago I was working on a newer Malibu, checking the check eng. light, it had a code about insuffienent coolant temp(can't remember the code #), replaced the t-stat b/c with the old one it would only get up to 170* w/ air going through the rad. Atleast they have a code for that, people don't realize a cold runnig engine guzzles gas. I see alot of cars w/ lazy temp gauges, the owners don't want to fix them b/c they think everything is ok. Only time they want to fix a cool running car is when they have no heat.

[NeilBlanchard]

Yes, an there is a Hot light in red, I think. My xA is based on the same platform, I think. I have a ScanGauge II and the steady temp is 182F, and the Cold light goes off at ~134F, I think?

[robbiewt]

I'm also a big fan of my Yaris. I've gotten as high as 48.43 mpg, but that tank was mostly a road trip to DelMarVa.

On my SGII I typically watch my instant and trip mpg, engine load, and coolant temperature. I used to watch the RPMs but the refresh rate didn't compare to a real tachometer. The "cool" light turns of at 128 degrees consistently.

As for the rear seat room, I once stuffed my dad back there. He is 6'4" and has arthritis in his knees. I know. I'm a horrible person. He said he was comfortable.

[Dave's Civic Duty]

The wheels and the air departure on the back are also probably areas that can be improved. And a belly pan...

Where can I buy some of the wheel covers that you have Neil? Or did you make them. I saw a post on here where guys were making them out of Pizza pans.

Good luck on the Yaris, I do like the design shape of them, you should do well in the Green Grand Prix!

Thanks,
Dave

[NeilBlanchard]

Hi Dave,

For smooth wheel covers, you have to have the mechanically fastened. I.E. mine have been coming loose and falling off -- the spring steel grips are not adequate. I got them from Hubcap Mike, and they do also sell a screw-on style. They look great, but they require drilling and taping through the rim:

Screw-On Racing Disc Wheel Cover Installation Instructions

I'm thinking that "coupe" style aluminum pizza pans would be better, and do something like tack weld nuts onto the rim?

[gasstingy]

My mother bought a new Corolla in 2007 without cruise. She had the dealer put it on shortly thereafter. I didn't ask how much since I didn't pay for it. In case you don't want to drill a hole in your steering wheel cover.

[ranterc]

congrats on the new buy.. i just bought a 2009 Yaris myself about 3 weeks ago(4dr sedan).. so far i've gotten about 29 mpg on my first fill up about mostly city.. no mods
i want to do the lower grill block , but i wonder if it would be to much benefit since i dont do muc hwy driving ..
any way good luck with yours

[SentraSE-R]

Congratulations on the new Yaris. I rented an AT Yaris in New England last Summer and got 41 or 42 mpg avg over three tanks from Boston to northeast ME, NH, VT, CT, and back to MA.

I get much better mpg with my .35 Cd MT no mods xB, even with its engine buzzing at 3000 rpm at 60 mph. The nut behind the wheel makes a lot more difference than any mods.

[daring4]

Originally Posted by SentraSE-R

Congratulations on the new Yaris. I rented an AT Yaris in New England last Summer and got 41 or 42 mpg avg over three tanks from Boston to northeast ME, NH, VT, CT, and back to MA.

I get much better mpg with my .35 Cd MT no mods xB, even with its engine buzzing at 3000 rpm at 60 mph. The nut behind the wheel makes a lot more difference than any mods.

I had an xb before my fiero, poor thing got totaled in a police chase! The stolen car they were chasing t-boned it at about 40mph. That was before I found this site and got a best trip of 38 mpg without trying(275 mile trip). Wish I still had it!

Darin