help ecomodding a saturn ion - Page 2 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

Weather Spotter · 09-09-2010, 03:31 PM

As for over heating issues, my matrix has a belly pan just past the front axle, upper grill block and an movable lower grill block. I watch the scangauge temps and have not had any issues. The belly pan should help force air going through the grill to go into the radiator.

As for colorplast, look for used election signs (free) or find a sign shop (you can buy whole sheets).

2007 ion2 · 09-09-2010, 03:52 PM

I have a 2007, so I only have 30K on the clock. I have the same trans as you, because your car was built off my car's platform. I rather like my 5th gear, and do not feel like digging into a barely broken in transmission. I also hear our clutches should be good well past 100k, since they are actually meant for more like 300HP (fact).

these cars seem pretty aerodynamically sound from the factory, so I am wondering what I can get, but even the prius has gains to be had, so I have hopes of 50-55MPG driving conservatively.

Weather Spotter · 09-09-2010, 03:55 PM

[QUOTE=

these cars seem pretty aerodynamically sound from the factory, so I am wondering what I can get, but even the prius has gains to be had, so I have hopes of 50-55MPG driving conservatively.[/QUOTE]

There is always room for improvement! .32 is not bad, but the aero civic can get it down to .17 so we have a ways to go

Ecobalt · 09-09-2010, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2007 ion2

I have a 2007, so I only have 30K on the clock. ... I also hear our clutches should be good well past 100k, since they are actually meant for more like 300HP (fact).

I would infer that it is the same Getrag transmission that is used in the 260 horsepower Cobalt-SS.

I don't have any experience with aeromodding, yet. On the last time I change oil, I did it myself and used Mobil 0w-30. ($25 / 5 quarts) Mobil says you can save a few tens of dollars per year with the high efficiency synthetic oil.

I bought 12.6 pound aluminum alloy wheels at Discount Tire Direct for $100 each. Saved 5 pounds/wheel and saw an immediate 2 mpg difference. I had to buy TPMS modules, too. Maybe you want new low rolling resistance tires. There are some new designs out there, including one by Goodyear.

2007 ion2 · 09-09-2010, 11:15 PM

nope, that transmission is much more capable, a that car makes over 350hp with just a tune. 0w30 improves cold weather starts, but I don't live in the cold anymore. I do run full synthetic oil and transmission fluid, though

Ecobalt · 09-10-2010, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2007 ion2

nope, that transmission is much more capable, a that car makes over 350hp with just a tune. 0w30 improves cold weather starts, but I don't live in the cold anymore. I do run full synthetic oil and transmission fluid, though

Does that mean the clutch lasts longer?

2007 ion2 · 09-10-2010, 08:16 AM

it lasts the same. it's appropriate to the output of the engine. and no, the transmission and clutch cannot be put in our cars.

Ecobalt · 09-10-2010, 11:31 AM

What transmission?

2007 ion2 · 09-10-2010, 01:47 PM

so, found a place to get the plastic (at $25-$30 per 4x8 sheet), and even thought up how to mount my skirts in the rear, now I just need some aluminum brackets and lots of cardboard to mock all this up.

SEDesigns · 09-10-2010, 03:20 PM

Lurker, My '96 Saturn SL1 with premium gas, tires at 40 psi and no mods maxed out at 45 mpg driving a few mph under whatever speed limit was posted. In the last 6 months, I've added a K&N filter and an air dam and am up to 49.9 mpg on the freeway keeping it under 65 mph. The air dam is made of black plastic landscape border ( $.50 a foot at Home Depot) and is pop riveted to the small chin spoiler. It does get scraped up on speed bumps but it is cheap. SEDesigns