hi all noobie looking for some advice

[chize]

hi I've been lurking around for a while and finally decided to make an account. I'm running a 03 toyota camry automatic (wish it was a stick). I've been keeping track of my millage since i got the car and trying to implement some hypermilling tricks. anyway the only aero mods i've done so far are using synth oil, increasing the tire pressure (was running 6 over recommended but found uneven tire wear so i dropped it back to 3 over) and i just did clear tape over the front grill (looks really clean, almost unnoticeable) so i'll see how that works. I'm looking for mods which can be done on a college student budget aka. cheap. I've been thinking about getting a PLX kiwi mpg gauge but i was wondering if a vacuum gauge would be almost as effective(and alot cheaper)? what would you all advise?


ps. sorry about my terrible 90day average i had to make a high speed trip which destroyed my mpg.

[UfoTofU]

Welcome, you can convert your automatic to a stick

[Daox]

Welcome to the site. I honestly think if you found uneven tire wear, you probably need an alignment. I have yet to see any cars that wear faster with higher pressure tires (unless they are not steel belted which I believe pretty much everything is today).

For instrumentation you'll want an mpguino to keep things cheap.

[Bicycle Bob]

Personally, I'd be inclined to trade for a 3-cyl car ten years older to get a stick shift. Transmission type swaps involve so many parts a donor car is recommended. Welcome to the land of many opinions.

[chize]

a transmission swap is out of the question because of cost, difficulty and because i have no where i can do major work on a car.

Daxo- can a mpguino be easily removed? i may have to give this car back to the parents because they are moving back from overseas.

I have been thinking about doing some under-body paneling. What is the best way to attach it to the bottom of the car? i've done a search but havent found any answers to this.

[theunchosen]

A vac gauge is somewhat useful depending on how aware you are of your driving. You have to be completely honest with yourself also. If you are extremely aware of what you are doing a vac gauge won't help, but since you're relatively new here I think it would help alot.

the other devices people here recommend allow more useful data for modding. They can tell engine load and fuel consumption so its immediate feed back and it can provide useful data about aero improvements and tests to see if one method is better than another.

Depends on the car for what you want to use to attach a belly pan. some short screws into the side skirts/front bumper are usually pretty easy

[Daox]

Chize, the mpguino is simply running four wires. As long as you don't make a big mess of your wiring, its very easy to remove.

[LeanBurninating]

welcome! I too am on a college student budget. I just got my MPGuino all hooked up. I don't know how long I will have my car so I did not want to make any permanent changes ya know. My install looks fairly clean I think, and it is not permanent at all. I HIGHLY recommend the MPGuino, $55 preassembled, just gotta wire it up. If you are not so great with wiring or working on cars, maybe the PLX thing is better for you.

For me, the MPGuino was my only option, and I couldn't be happier.

As far as auto/stick ... the cheapest car is the one you already have. Learn to drive what you've got is my advice, it will make you a better and more versatile driver. If and when you get the opportunity to get another car, just be sure to get exactly what you want.

For undertray stuff, I would just check out the different posts, use the search, and find the ones you like and if its not obvious from the pictures try messaging those people to see what worked for them. I am getting ready to do mine, and I plan on using self tapping screws for most of it... hopefully I get it up here soon so you can check out what worked for me.

[MetroMPG]

I know I'm a broken record in these intro threads, but I'll strongly second (third?) the recommendation to get MPG instrumentation before spending time/money on mods.

You can go the Kiwi route, or pre-assembled MPGuino if you're comfortable discreetly splicing wires. Or a super inexpensive MPGuino kit if you're competant with a soldering iron & following instructions.

Or keep an eye on eBay for a ScanGauge. The older first versions have sold for as little as $50.

MPG instrumentation is a must have, IMO, if you're serious about improving fuel economy. It'll help both with your driving, and potentially to evaluate future mods you may do. Also, they're portable and re-sellable. Consider it a liquid, high return investment!