Master list of 65+ proven mods for increasing MPG

[ThermionicScott]

*bump*

This isn't about one of the 65+ ecomodding tips directly. I notice when viewing the page, the "topic" icons and some of the thread links don't work. I wasn't around for it, but I gather there was a forum software migration that changed all the paths from "forum.ecomodder.com/" to "ecomodder.com/forum".

The topic icons are coded as "http://forum.ecomodder.com/images/em-skin/statusicon/forum_new.gif" but changing the path to "http://ecomodder.com/forum/images/em-skin/statusicon/forum_new.gif" works. I think the same issue is at work in the 100+ hypermiling/ecodriving tips page.

Meddlesome software engineer signing off...
- Scott

[ASV]

Ok so a mod that has been well documented and tested and can bed done in a backyard.
How about replacing smooth v belts with cogged or notched v belts
There is well documented efficiency gains to be made
And if not done yet is really lo hanging plum

[EcoCivic]

I suggest adding converting to LED lighting for headlights, taillights, reverse lights, turn signals, brake lights, licence plate lights, dash lights, etc to the list of 65+ mods for improved efficiency under the electrical section. When I converted my headlights, taillights, license plate lights and parking lights on my 2005 Civic to LED, I noticed that turning on the headlights no longer bogs down the engine at idle. I then converted to all LED lighting. As for a mileage increase, not sure, but it definitely didn't hurt

[YukonCornelius]

Another free mod. Disabling Day Time Running Lights. On some cars it's as simple as pulling a fuse. I know on my GM's they run the high beam halogens at reduced power for this.

[Stubby79]

Originally Posted by YukonCornelius

Another free mod. Disabling Day Time Running Lights. On some cars it's as simple as pulling a fuse. I know on my GM's they run the high beam halogens at reduced power for this.

Check your local laws first, though.

[YukonCornelius]

Originally Posted by Stubby79

Check your local laws first, though.

Sorry, I was only considering the United States. Very American of me.

https://www.quora.com/Why-arent-day-...s-in-the-world


"As recently as 2008, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration concluded there is no evidence that DRLs provide enough of a safety benefit to require federal regulation. And there’s no sign it will change its mind in the future."

[rob.e]

here's one i didn't see on the 65+list: set wheel alignment to factory (or zero/ straight ahead).

my honda had wheel alignment way out of spec when i bought it (3 yrs old, used car). re-set to factory alignment improved economy.

i would expect going to a zero toe set up might improve economy even more.


Also, what about re-mapping? Is that on the list? My honda get better mpg with an aftermarket engine map.

I'm also going to look at the potential for some economy gains in re-designing factory exhaust systems - maybe removing some of the restrictions there might give me some gain for not much $£.

[Xist]

There are zero-toe discussions on here, but I have not seen them in years. I asked for one when I took my car for an alignment, but they refused.

Should I have called around until I found a cooperative shop?

They say that with zero toe it takes much more effort to keep your car centered.

[rob.e]

Originally Posted by Xist

They say that with zero toe it takes much more effort to keep your car centered.

yes that's why i put mine to factory (correct) settings first to see if that improved things.. i have the option if i want to go for zero in the future. tbh car is lovely in a cruise right now, tracks perfectly straight with no input so i don't really want to mess that up

[Daschicken]

Originally Posted by rob.e

here's one i didn't see on the 65+list: set wheel alignment to factory (or zero/ straight ahead).

my honda had wheel alignment way out of spec when i bought it (3 yrs old, used car). re-set to factory alignment improved economy.

i would expect going to a zero toe set up might improve economy even more.

I have seen discussions on this, and have some of my own personal experience in this subject. A forum member suggested a slight toe in for both front and rear wheels, as the suspension is not completely rigid. So I did my own alignment at a shop and set all 4 wheels at 0.01" toe in. I really have to stay on top of steering on the highway as the car will easily change direction. On the highway when I accelerate, the car tends to wander, which tells me that the very small toe in turns to zero or toe out. A slight amount of tire scrubbing from toe in is probably a better choice than having zero toe and a car that constantly needs to be corrected. Those corrections aren't free either.

Knowing what I know now, I will get my next alignment done with 0.02" toe in on the front, and 0.01" toe in on the rear.

Originally Posted by Xist

There are zero-toe discussions on here, but I have not seen them in years. I asked for one when I took my car for an alignment, but they refused.

Should I have called around until I found a cooperative shop?

They say that with zero toe it takes much more effort to keep your car centered.

Depends on the car, but yes you should have. My car had a range of 0.08 to -0.08" of toe, so zero toe is already in spec. Yes it does take more effort to keep the car centered.