Lurker posting my ZX2 mods so far. - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

moorecomp · 09-03-2008, 10:23 PM

Hello all,

At the request of a fellow ZX2 fan, here are some pictures of the grill block and my 1999 ZX2. Thanks to all here for a wealth of great information. I have increased my FE from 36 to 43 so far. Next are some more aero mods, but they will probably have to wait until after winter. Wheel covers and skirts don't go well with the snow we get here.

My 1999 ZX2 MTX with 42psi in the tires, Keman intake mod, knocker mod, full grill block.

The grill block is made from 1/16" thick fiberglass sign panel I bought from the local sign shop for $6.00. I will have it painted to match eventually. For now it is just attached with black ty-wraps and covered with black duct tape.

The required ecomodder.com mpg sign.

Johnny Mullet · 09-03-2008, 11:30 PM

Very good numbers! Does the engine seem to run any warmer with the entire block? I also did a complete block, but noticed my fan kicking on sooner than normal, so I redid the job to allow some airflow.

I do like the fact that the car warms up way faster now with the block!

moorecomp · 09-04-2008, 09:24 AM

Johnny,

Yes, it does run warmer, but it is still on the low side of middle and I can tell when the temp gauge peaks and thens goes down a little, as when the fan kicks in. I know that is a vague statement, but I am not in a position to purchase a Scangauge at this time. There are small openings just inboard of the turn signals that do let in some airflow. I do plan on installing an LED light to show when the fan comes on so I can make adjustments to the grill block. Anybody know where the relay is for the cooling fan on a 99 ZX2? All I can find is the 40amp fan fuse under the hood. I am fortunate to live where it is not real hot very often, so it has not been to much of a concern.

Best regards

Joe_Bloe · 09-04-2008, 11:03 AM

Had to do a little googling to find out what Keman intake mod and knocker mod are. So you removed your intake resonators and knock sensor. Notice any difference?

moorecomp · 09-04-2008, 11:33 AM

Joe,

As you found out by Googling, the intake modification entails cutting the lower air intake box around the air filter so better airflow is obtained. I also removed the lower resonator completely (save any weight we can - right?). The upper resonator caused restriction also, so instead of removing it and putting in a piece of pipe as most people do, I simply cut off the box on the side of the inlet tube and covered the opening with an external reinforcement, aluminum duct tape and black duct tape over that. I keep an eye on it and it has not had any issues so far. The knock sensor on the 98 and 99 model ZETEC engines was prone to falsely detecting knock and would retard the timing when it should not. It is simply disconnected and the ECM does not care and does not put up any CEL. When I performed the Keman mod, I could really tell the difference on the bottom end of the rpm range. Seemed like it could pull much better (breath better). The Knocker mod smoothed out things and stopped a lot of the hesitations I would experience. I am very happy with the ZX2 so far. Fun little car.

Best regards,

SeeSRgo · 09-04-2008, 04:36 PM

I'm glad to see other ZX2's on the forum. I have also done the knocker mod. With the S/R there is no need for the Keman mod.

I think we had about 20 days in a row with 100+ deg temperature. I don't think I will try blocking my grill in the summer, but maybe when winter gets here.