Greetings from East TN

[Detail Man]

It's time to emerge from the shadows and quit lurking. Last week I purchased what I hope will be a good gas saver (2002 Honda Civic LX, 5sp). Now I can just use my truck (2005 Chevy 2500HD Duramax diesel) for truck stuff rather than my daily driver.

I've been reading about hypermiling, aeromodding, etc for a while on here and have learned a lot already. A few years ago I got interested in fuel economy, adjusted my driving habits, and saw some improvement. Since I've found Ecomodder, I've been bit by the fuel efficiency bug. Now that I have my Civic, I can start really saving the fuel.

I'm not sure how much I can contribute to the discussions just yet. I'll still be reading and asking questions for a while. Ya'll seem like a good bunch of folks. I will say thanks to all the folks who have posted pics of mods, and kept up with the fuel logs for the vehicles in the "garage". Those have been helpful and inspiring. Thank you.

The Civic is in the "Garage" and I entered my first fuel log. That was going to be a spreadsheet on my computer, but I figured I'd post it here in hopes that someone else can learn from my experience like I've already learned from many of you. I was very encouraged today when I put in 11.6 gallons after driving 423 miles. A big 36.4 mpg, and I was doing my best NOT to hypermile so I could establish a baseline for future ecomods. You guys are already wearing off on me with the testing thing.

Looking forward to a good time on here.

[ecoTex]

Welcome Detail man! Do you have a scan gage or any other similar setup? The MPGuino is the best mod I've made by a lot, I can see if I'm doing it right, instantly! I would highly suggest the scangage

[Detail Man]

Thanks. No gauge yet, but it's high on the list. I've been reading about the Scan Gauge, Ultra Gauge, and the MPGuino. Kinda leaning toward the UG for the price. First "mod" is to take care of an oil leak and replace the water pump and timing belt which are long overdue for attention. The prior owner I think sold it so she wouldn't have to deal with it. For now I'm going old school and writing mileage on the gas receipt.

[ecoTex]

gotcha.
Yeah, if I had OBD2, i would go with the UG. MPGuino is all that is available. I still write mine on paper too. But without the instant feedback I know I wouldn't be getting the results I am now.

[elhigh]

Welcome,
I live and work in E TN. I see from your fillup details you're estimating 85% city? That's crazy great mileage for city.

Considering we're in a pretty deep freeze (for these parts, no northeasterners or prairie dwellers flame me, please) right now I'm thinking my next mod will be a WAI and maybe a serious grille block for my little hybrid. When temps go too low, it won't go into auto-stop at lights and the engine never seems to get to full operating temperature; getting auto-stop back is a goal for me but it's almost a more important consideration to get the car warm for my wife. She hates being cold.

[MetroMPG]

Detail Man: definitely go for a gauge. Instant & trip-resettable feedback is what turns the "fuel efficiency bug" into productive entertainment.

And congrats on the purchase: a 5MT Civic is a great platform for getting good results.

Welcome to the forum!

[gone-ot]

+2 on guage...and "Welcome aboard."

[Detail Man]

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone. The gauge will happen. I spent all my money on the car!!! Got a save up again. About 350 of those miles were delivering pizza, so lots of idling at lights and driveways. I'm not sure what the technical difference is between city and hwy. Some of my runs I can go 2-5 miles at 45mph. Most are main road to subdivision and rural roads. This tank, I'm doing my best to hypermile when I can, coasting in neutral, shifting around 2000rpm, timing lights, etc. I'm curious what this how far I'll get on this tank.

[MetroMPG]

No need to be idling in driveways and at long stops. 0 mpg is rapidly dragging down your average when you do.

You're not going to wear out your starter (hot restarts are the least stressful kind to the starter/battery).