Hello from Madison, WI

[drgonzo8000]

Hello everyone! I'm new to this site AND to the whole ecomodding/hypermiling community, and want to say that it's awesome to see people implementing mods for something more useful than the typical street racing crap.

Right now I'm driving a '93 Camry that needs work and gets about 18-25mpg while I search for a 90-95 Civic--which is MUCH harder than I thought! It seems that more people want to buy them than sell them. It's also hard to find a Civic that isn't modded for max hp. I was hoping I could ask a few questions to help get me started:

Does a particular body type get better mileage? I'm looking around for a hatchback (lighter?) or coupe (better aerodynamics?).

I found a really nice 1993 Civic SI hatchback (near mint, 173K), but was wondering if the "sportier" engine would significantly offset max fuel efficiency. I think the EPA gives it 25-33 mpg. Could the engine be swapped for a VX, CX, or DX (I have a couple mechanic friends)?

I also found a 1998 Civic DX coupe--would that be better than the '93 SI hatchback?

Does anyone know how many mpg's would be gained by converting power steering to manual on a civic hatchback?

Sorry if I'm asking questions that belong in another thread, I still haven't thoroughly explored the forums yet. I appreciate the help, and will let everyone know what I choose.

[SVOboy]

Welcome to ecomodder!

The car body is indeed important to fuel economy, and I think the coupe's tend to be the lightest (except for the vx/cx) and have the best Cd, but then again the hatchback is more utile, I think.

You can indeed swap the engine out, so I'd go for it if it's a real good deal, but otherwise, wait for something better (you can sell the Si stuff, too).

I'm sure the power steering delete will net you some gain, but how much is really hard to say.

Be sure to check out our hypermiling page!

[Daox]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I don't know much about the Hondas, but the are good cars.

[Arminius]

Welcome drgonzo8000! I'm from the Milwaukee area.