Greetings from Denmark
 

Hi

I´m just an ordinary guy that likes to mess with things - preferably mechanics, but I do take an interest in eletronics and software as well :)

In our household we got two Skoda Fabia 1.9 TDI PD, which "out of the box" performs an annual average of 49,4 mpg even though both have crossed the 250.000 miles mark :)

As I´m rather inquisitive of nature, and like to learn and experiment, I´m in the midst of doing a very low cost FE optimization of my "own" car (my wifes car is stock except for a remap). I got mine for the scrap price with a split timing belt, and replaced the head with another one I had stashed away, so this is really just part of my keep-it-cheap project :D
I thought it could be fun to see, how much I can improve the MPG´s, with just cheap DIY modifications (I do the mechanical work myself), and every penny saved on fuel will count just as much as any other penny saved in this project!

As of now I have done the following:

• Skinnier tiers with a slightly larger circumference (1,6%: 165/70-14 in contrast to the stock 185/60-14), same as the newer ECO-models use.
• Increased the tire pressure from 33 PSI to 44 PSI
• A set of lowering springs (1.6 inches)
• Torsion value set to 0
• Fresh oil on the gearbox (and differential)

I intend to modify the front bumper to reduce drag as well as to get the engine up to temperature faster.
I´m also playing with the idea of getting a MPPS cable, and tinker a little with the maps in the ECU (EDC15P, seems to be a rather straight forward, if you know what you are doing, which I to not yet) :)
I´m sure that the ecomodder site will help me in getting even more MPG´s out of my car, and hope that there may be others in here that have knowledge in regards to eco-tuning the ECU on a diesel (preferable the TDI PD).
Information relating to remapping for for increased power seems abundant on the WWW, while remapping for pure fuel economy seems a lot more scarce (at least on the TDI´s).
But I guess the possible gains most be tangible in this area, as both (car)manufactures and consumers claims that remapping the ECU has the potential of improving the MPG ceteris paribus.

So I looking forward to learning a lot, and hopefully also be able to give something back in return to the community :)

Welcome !!
Your off to a great start!!
Do the free stuff first.... Smart!
Of course having a TDI to start with always helps!

Welcome, Lindahl -

Congrats on being financially efficient too. :)

What year? Photo?

Does your Skoda have a fuel consumption display? That's a key ingredient to helping adjust your own driving technique as well as testing modifications (and keeping you focused on the whole business).

Also, considering your location, I'd definitely be looking for a coolant/block heater. Maybe you've already got one.

Hi, welcome!

I saw some Fabia's with an upper grille block like this.

http://www.superskoda.com/images/Plasty/f1-fgcr3.jpg

Maybe something for you? ;)