Hello everyone - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

abpdc5jake · 04-28-2016, 02:48 PM

I'm new here but I've been lurking for a little. I'm a college student just trying to pinch pennies basically. My car is a 2002 acura rsx type s. When I first bought the car my plans were a little more performance oriented I guess... But my plans have changed and I'm going to see what I can get out of my car in terms of mpg. The most mpg I've gotten so far was 40mpg on a trip that was all highway. I currently average about 27mpg on my daily commute which is a mix of highway and city driving. Current mods include: fiberglass airbox intake, short shifter, about 1.5 inch drop on new shocks/struts, stickier tires, cruise control delete, subwoofer delete, spoiler delete. But like I said my plans have changed. So, soon I'll be going back to the stock intake and getting different tires when mine wear down. I would like to get a scan gauge too but I have a hard time justifying the cost. Anyways, I'm sure I'll learn a few things from you guys here so thanks in advance!

Any other rsx's on here?

Fat Charlie · 04-28-2016, 03:25 PM

Welcome!

The only way a ScanGauge's cost is high is if you compare it to an UltraGauge- they'll both pay for themselves really quickly. If it's still too much and you've got a smartphone, get a Bluetooth OBD plug and download Torque.

MetroMPG · 04-28-2016, 04:40 PM

Agreed: get a gauge ASAP. Most people underestimate how helpful instant & resettable trip MPG feedback will be.

It's equivalent to lap times or drag times -- you want & need the instant feedback to be able to up your game. (Which is why some call them "game gauges".)

I assume the car is hobbled somewhat by low gearing, if it's like other sport model Hondas. But having the stick will go a long way to letting you get the most MPG from it for sure.

You can search the garage to see what else is in there...
EcoModder Fleet list - EcoModder.com

And welcome to the site!

MobilOne · 04-28-2016, 05:24 PM

Hi,
If you can find one, a vacuum gauge will be a big help in getting you to drive gently.
Coasting is good.
Engine off coasting is phenomenal.

Best of luck.

California98Civic · 05-03-2016, 09:24 PM

Congrats on comingmout of the ranks of the lurkers... one thing I would add as a future purchase suggestion: when it is time to buy new tires, don't buy "sticky" again. Instead, look for low rolling resistance (LRR) tires. The difference with the stickies will be significant once the new tires are broken in. I love Acuras.

UltArc · 05-03-2016, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by California98Civic

Congrats on comingmout of the ranks of the lurkers... one thing I would add as a future purchase suggestion: when it is time to buy new tires, don't buy "sticky" again. Instead, look for low rolling resistance (LRR) tires. The difference with the stickies will be significant once the new tires are broken in. I love Acuras.

And much, much, cheaper.

elhigh · 05-04-2016, 09:36 AM

^^ Word.

In addition to costing more than "regular" tires, performance oriented ones wear out faster due to the softer compound. They get you coming and going. So you'll save money two ways by switching to an LRR tire.

Seconded (thirded, fourthed) on the gauge. Save up and get something. Moment-to-moment feedback has a bigger effect on your mileage than almost anything else you can do, because of everything it's the one thing that makes it possible to really effectively adjust the nut behind the wheel. Even a plain ol' vacuum gauge is better than nothing.

Your RSX is nice and light compared to a lot of newer cars, and you have a manual. XLNT. There are fertile fields to reap, there.

Welcome. This is the other side of performance driving, and a lot of what you learned can be applied in this kind of driving too - it just has to be applied differently.

Daox · 05-04-2016, 10:10 AM

Welcome to the site. I've always wanted to take an RSX for a spin. It seems like a fun car. It'll be interesting to see what kind of mpg you can pull out of it.