Hey guys, I'm new to EcoModder. How ya doing?
 

Just wanted to say Hi to everybody. I currently own 3 Metros; a white 1990 standard hatchback 3 cyl 5 speed with 35k miles, a red 1992 3 cyl auto with 200k miles, and a green 1994 4-door 3 cyl auto with 88k miles on the engine. The 1994 is pathetically rusted, but has a great motor in her. So I'm going to swap it out with the 1992, which has a decent body.

My 1990 is my pride and joy. I drive 78 miles a day roundtrip for work, and refuse to buy new cars these days because I always seem to get screwed on warranties. I've been averaging 50 mpg as most of my driving is highway miles. However, recently I've been averaging about 47 mpg because I've been caught up in traffic going 70 mph or faster and I'll forget to get in the center lane. But when I'm religious about it I get 50. My highest mpg was 52.1 when I was experimenting with hypermiling. I also carpool with a buddy. I weigh 240 and he weighs 250, and I drop my boys off at daycare (they add another 100 pounds) so that's probably holding me down a bit as well.

I would love to hear from everybody and will be visiting the threads for pointers as needed. Take care. David Sells

Welcome aboard! You'll be in good company with those cars, :)

200K is pretty impressive, I think. Did you have to do the valves yet? I just started rebuilding an engine that probably only needed valves, the valves always seem to go at around 130k. Welcome to the forum!

1990 with 35k miles?? Wow! I saw a convertible that looked in pristine original condition near my place about a week ago. I'm betting it's similar to yours.

Since you're doing mostly freeway driving, aero mods are going to be your friend. I'd also brush up on the driving with load (DWL) technique (see the driving tips: 100+ hypermiling / ecodriving tips to increase gas mileage - EcoModder.com ).

Since these cars are low on power, they don't do well at high speed Pulse and Glide (the pulse takes too long relative to the glide). But they kill at low & medium speed P&G.

Welcome to the forum!

Edit: OH - and look into installing an MPGuino for instrumentation.

Welcome.
I've got four, two that were bought for parts, but might be restored if I find some rusty ones. Rusty suspension mounts are about the only thing that isn't easy to fix, or so I hear. Gotta get wrenching myself.