I just bought Canada's cheapest 3-cylinder Mitsubishi Mirage. EcoMods now in progress... - Page 7 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

MetroMPG · 02-20-2020, 11:18 AM

Know what? Overall, it's been a milder than usual winter. We've just had a handful of really cold days.

And we supposedly have volume-corrected-to-temp metering on our pumps.

Xist · 02-20-2020, 11:31 AM

Fluids held in underground tanks shouldn't vary in temperature as much as the surface does.

MetroMPG · 02-20-2020, 11:47 AM

That's true. The main potential wrinkle I can see is during bulk deliveries - the temp in the train tankers & trucks probably varies a lot more. It'd be interesting to see a plot of fuel temp in the underground tank vs. delivery schedules.

cr45 · 02-22-2020, 09:01 PM

Here is an image of the nameplate on a UK spec Mirage gearbox.

These can be bought for £300.00 from UK breakers.

I assume that the number F5MBD-1-ABZ represents the euro spec 5 speed but what number is used on the N.American spec 5 speed?

Xist · 02-22-2020, 09:19 PM

How many good cars are sold in Canada, but not the U.S.? This indicates that it would cost about $500 to import a $20,000 car to the U.S., but it cost this guy three times as much, and was far more of a hassle, to mess with Texas: https://www.hagerty.com/articles-vid...nada-to-the-us

MetroMPG · 02-23-2020, 01:35 PM

As far as cheap non-US eco cars go, the only one people here might be interested in that I can think of is the 1st gen diesel Smart Fortwo. Incredibly efficient. I got a chance to drive one...

First test drive: Smart Fortwo diesel cabriolet - saw 67 mpg US (100% city)

MetroMPG · 02-23-2020, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cr45

Here is an image of the nameplate on a UK spec Mirage gearbox.

These can be bought for £300.00 from UK breakers.

I assume that the number F5MBD-1-ABZ represents the euro spec 5 speed but what number is used on the N.American spec 5 speed?

Thanks, cr45!!

I just snapped this pic of the label on my gearbox (located on top... the accordion-looking thing in the pic is on the clutch cable):

Note my different part number F5MBD-1-BAZ vs the Euro spec F5MBD-1-ABZ .

If memory serves, the only difference between the two is in the final drive ratio. So people on this side of the pond wanting the taller gearing need only have those gears sent over, not the whole gearbox. (Saving a ton on shipping cost, I'd assume.)

Edit... I'm wrong. Ratios for 4th and 5th are also different:

https://mirageforum.com/forum/showth...d-vs-RPM-chart)

But in fact, looking at the 4th/5th differences, the tallest possible top gear combo would be with the Euro f.d. and the non-Euro 5th. So obtaining just the f.d. gears would be the best eco approach.

cr45 · 02-23-2020, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Thanks, cr45!!

I just snapped this pic of the label on my gearbox (located on top... the accordion-looking thing in the pic is on the clutch cable):

Note my different part number F5MBD-1-BAZ vs the Euro spec F5MBD-1-ABZ .

If memory serves, the only difference between the two is in the final drive ratio. So people on this side of the pond wanting the taller gearing need only have those gears sent over, not the whole gearbox. (Saving a ton on shipping cost, I'd assume.)

The 4th and 5th gears are also different for Europe.

The Euro 4th and 5th gears are actually lowered geared than the NA gearbox but the Euro has a higher geared diff and hence the Euro Mirage is effectively higher geared in all 5 gears. It is particular noticable in 2nd gear as the car is capable of doing 100 km/hr in 2nd gear.

The perfect gearbox would have the Euro diff combined with the NA 5 spd box.

For a European, the cheapest method to making their Mirage higher geared would be to use the NA 5th gear and just live with the bigger 4th to 5th rpm drop when changing gear.

MetroMPG · 02-23-2020, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cr45

The perfect gearbox would have the Euro diff combined with the NA 5 spd box.

Right you are. I was correcting my post while you weRe adding that info. I'd love to do it. Unfortunately, the cost doesn't make sense.

MetroMPG · 03-17-2020, 10:36 AM

Latest fill: 58 MPG US = 4.0 L/100 km.

The usual driving patterns: secondary highways/scenic routes at or near the posted limit (80 km/h = 50 mph max.) Typical late winter temperatures.

Interestingly, the onboard MPG computer was 9% optimistic compared to actual distance/fuel volume calculations, its worst ever. Not sure why. The previous tanks were 3-4% optimistic, which is what I've seen in the other Mirages I've driven.