I did the math..

[UltArc]

I spent about 8 dollars on my antenna delete- if I only used the plasti-dip for that, and never used the extra washers (why can't they sell a one pack?!?!).

The improvement probably couldn't be calculated in a wind tunnel lol

But as you said it might be a hobby...it is one for me! I don't spend money on alcohol- so what some friends spend in a night can pay for a 4x10 aluminum sheet

[jedi_sol]

I also look at it differently. Instead of looking at $ saved per mod...I look at it as $ saved over EPA.

I save about $50/month in gas vs EPA, so I see that as an extra $50/month allowance to ecomod.

As long as I don't spend more than $50/month on eco mods...I'm good!

[spacemanspif]

Originally Posted by UltArc

But as you said it might be a hobby...it is one for me! I don't spend money on alcohol- so what some friends spend in a night can pay for a 4x10 aluminum sheet

Expanding on that thought; plenty of racers spend thousands of dollars grasping for that extra tenth, +1 bump in HP, or 1 more foot on the tractor pull. I've spent plenty on my other car so I'm willing to spends tens of dollars for another 0.5mpg for my other "performance" car

[ecomodded]

Even a meager 1 mpg improvement will add up and re pay material cost

1 mpg x 25gal a month = 25 miles x 12 months is 300 miles of extra driving.

or about a half tank of gas year for most commuters.

[ecomodded]

And...driving smart saves gas money that can be used to drive smarter with by installing mods. Making it a self supporting hobby that can make/save you money at the same time.
Most of us need to drive so its a hobby within a requirement , multitasking at its finest.

[serialk11r]

Originally Posted by jedi_sol

I also look at it differently. Instead of looking at $ saved per mod...I look at it as $ saved over EPA.

I save about $50/month in gas vs EPA, so I see that as an extra $50/month allowance to ecomod.

As long as I don't spend more than $50/month on eco mods...I'm good!

Alternatively, you can think of it in comparison to options or aftermarket parts for your car. Often times mods to increase power end up costing 50-100 dollars per hp, sometimes more. Bling bling spoilers, wheels, skirts, bumpers, lips, etc. all run hundreds to thousands each.

If you can make some lawn edging look like it belongs there for 20 bucks, then aside from any possible benefits to your car it is already worth it

A bellypan that has secure mounting probably doesn't pay for itself either, but looking at the belly of your car and seeing no gaping holes and exposed frame/suspension/drivetrain is priceless. A nice exhaust would run an even higher bill, it's all in good fun and for the love of engineering and cars.

[Baltothewolf]

Also, to add to everything everyone has said, don't we do this because we ENJOY it? Personally, I enjoy eco-driving, I find it, especially with how much I drive, it gives me something to keep my mind busy at all times. I can't recall the last time I was 'bored' driving and mind you, I drive 5-700 miles a week.

[niky]

Should do accounting LeMons style... anything you take off for economy's sake can be sold to redress the balance.

Selling stock big wheels and tires for 13's with skinny LRRs? Cha-ching!

[dirtydave]

Sell your passenger mirror! Pay for a kill switch!

[elhigh]

I thought the general consensus here was that an airdam was good for 2-5%; even the modest 2% improvement would be good for about another mile per gallon. So while you're being conservative with your numbers, I daresay you're being TOO conservative.

Don't forget the savings snowball: if you don't need as much power to push your car down the road, then you're running the engine at a lighter load, less stress on moving parts, longer service life etc.

In terms of dollars per year, I think making the car go an extra few years is a savings that is both very real and very difficult to quantify.