Hello from Oklahoma
 

Hi, I am a Equipment mechanic for the Postal Service. I have been playing with cars and motorcycles for a long time, and have always wanted to conserve fuel or build an EV. My friend in Michigan worked closely with Ford engineers on EVs and was in on a lot of testing and building the Ecostar.

I've been on here reading a bunch and learned a lot. Thank you AndrewJ, you have inspired me. I work 42 miles away and 75% of the driving is I 40 Thru Oklahoma City. I have been driving around 2000 miles a month, with trips to the store and all. We live way out in the country.
I have been driving a 2002 Escort 4 door automatic with 118K on it now. I have been getting 35 mpg consistently, with some tanks a little better. If I drive 60mph or less, I sure make people mad. Once I had a bad alternator, and could only drive 50 or the light would come on and it would be discharging. I had people blow the horn, cut me off and give me the finger, and yell at me. Thanks a lot you friendly Okies.

Any way, I figured there must be a better way, and started reading a lot on ecomodder, and got hooked. I just yesterday bought a 2001 Echo, and I cant wait to see my mileage go up. Its like new with 41K, and I cant screw a sheet metal boat tail on it yet, but I would like to try the pizza pan wheel covers, maybe glue and screw them onto the Echos OEM covers. I also plan to coast whenever possible, and hook up a kill switch for the engine.
I took a motorcycle safety class and they do not like to use the term " Kill switch" but instead prefer "off switch"

I want to install a bush button momentary off switch somewhere. where in the wiring would I hook it up?


I read someone say they wish they could get factory finished skirts, I am all for that too. I am going to try to fabricate my own, when It warms up out side.
I also think the deep cycle battery in the trunk without an alternator would be cool, or a way to move the alternator off the belt would be great.
I still may drive it across the country, so a movable alternator would be very desirable.

And one other thing, I am thinking I should install a block heater or a radiator hose heater, so I don't have to start it and drive it stone cold.
Also, would a warm air intake help my mileage?

Sorry to go on and on, I am wanting to get going with this.

Thanks to all.

Welcome to ecomodder!

I would definitely suggest an EBH. The WAI can be a little hit or miss, but it should help warm your car up faster. Good luck :thumbup: