![]() |
Just starting out (looking to build a highway MPG machine - '88-91 honda CRX?)
Hey everyone, I just joined today and have a few questions. I will be building an eco car for my monthly trips from NC to NJ and also what ever other long drives I find myself taking. Right now I do them in my CTS-V which gets about 20 MPG on premium and costs $130-$150 to go to NJ and back which sucks when you do it constantly.
Please feel free to chime in and tell me I'm wrong or if there is a better/cheaper way... but here is my plan I'm think about starting with an '88-91 honda CRX (I dont have my heart set on this so if there is a better choice let me know) Completely gutting the car to reduce the weight as much as possible. replace the front bumper and side skirts with flat plastic. Fabricate flat hub caps fabricate rear wheel covers Lower the ride height "Boat Tail" Skid Plate Skinny, taller tires Seal all seams Remove power steering Over time I am also thinking about adding a hydrogen kit. I know it won't increase the MPG's by to much but it will reduce my cost per mile which is the main goal. Like I said before, any and all advise will be appreciated. Thank you, Brian |
Looks good except for the hydrogen B.S.
Check out the driving and mod tips at the top of the page. |
Why do you say the hydrogen kits are BS?
|
O M G. Search it here. Look in the Unicorn Corral too (that should be linked at the top of the page too).
|
Welcome to ecomodder.
Quote:
If not, try regular and see how much less MPG you get. It probably won't be worth the price. Quote:
Another one is the original Honda Insight, though they are relatively expensive to buy. Quote:
If they ever had a lean-burn CRX, try to grab one, or swap the engine for a lean burn Honda engine Quote:
While you do get a benefit due to better combustion when adding hydrogen to the fuel mixture, making that hydrogen on board is a very, very inefficient process, powered by a very inefficient power source - your engine. |
Welcome to the forums!
Just so you know, you don't have to get super fancy with a car to get better mileage. That is to say, driving technique has a lot to do with it. Aero mods are going to help you, sure, but a responsible eco driver in a stock car could probably surpass an irresponsible driver with an aeromodded car in MPGs. It all depends on what you want out of your vehicle, what your price range is, and what your level of mechanical inclination is. I don't have the time or money to invest into something that needs TLC. I needed something dependable and economic, and so bought the Yaris. Older cars aren't going to have airbags, CD players with MP3 hookups or electric steering (no power steering pump). They also will need a lot of miscellaneous service and are more at risk for needing head gasket or other pain-in-the-*** repair. Would I say "don't do the things on your laundry list?" Absolutely not. I would just say, keep these things in mind. For example, I haven't had the time to start aeromodding yet and I'm still satisfied with my improvement in MPGs from my old vehicle. Hydrogen is definitely exaggerated, by the way. I won't say that the members of this forum are perfect, but I highly doubt you will find a more realistic bunch. If you read up on it in this forum, you'll probably come to realize that seeing a "20% improvement in MPGs" is utter horse****. Anyway, good luck and again, welcome! EDIT: As for vehicle suggestions, everyone is in love with the Metro on here, and I can't say it's a bad vehicle for MPGs, but I personally don't trust them in crashes. Anything Toyota or Honda is going to treat you right, and if you get a Honda Civic from the 90s with Lean Burn, you are going to be hitting 40 MPG without much effort. |
I prefer crashing motorcycles, myself.
|
Quote:
|
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
|
Quote:
price range on a car is less than $2,000. I'm mechanically inclined so I'll be doing all the work my self. What ever I buy I actually plan on doing the head gasket on day 1, that way I can see the internals and make sure everything looks strong and clean the valves, valve seats and manifolds to ensure good air flow. Quote:
Quote:
Anyway, good luck and again, welcome! Quote:
|
All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:37 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.5.2
All content copyright EcoModder.com