Go Back   EcoModder Forum > EcoModding > EcoModding Central
Register Now
 Register Now
 

Reply  Post New Thread
 
Submit Tools LinkBack Thread Tools
Old 09-18-2017, 01:38 PM   #1 (permalink)
Batman Junior
 
MetroMPG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: 1000 Islands, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 22,513

Blackfly - '98 Geo Metro
Team Metro
Last 3: 70.09 mpg (US)

MPGiata - '90 Mazda Miata
90 day: 52.71 mpg (US)

Even Fancier Metro - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage top spec
90 day: 70.75 mpg (US)

Appliance car - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage ES (base)
90 day: 60.16 mpg (US)
Thanks: 4,058
Thanked 6,957 Times in 3,602 Posts
"MPGiata" modding thread: aiming for 50 MPG with a 1990 Miata. Update: success, 55 MPG!



You may have already seen my initial Miata thread, which documents the saga of buying and repairing this fun old turd bucket to make it road legal. Time for a fresh thread that focuses on the ecomodding!


The car:
  • 1990 Mazda Miata MX-5
  • Engine/trans: 1.6L (116 hp), 5-speed
  • Drag coefficient (random search result): 0.38 top up; 0.40 top down
  • Frontal area:
  • Curb weight: ~2k lbs, depending on options
  • Odometer: 216k kilometres (134k miles)

MPG potential:

EPA says: 22 city / 28 highway / 24 combined

AntiochOG did a 50 mpg fill using pulse & glide (but P&G is not my plan): 50 mpg! (1990 Mazda Miata)

The top 3 Miatas in EM's garage:
Fuelly shows a couple hundred owners of the early 1.6L cars are averaging 27 mpg US. Half a dozen owners of the 1.6L "NA" model report averages of 40-45 mpg.


The goal:

50 MPG (US) / 4.7 L/100 km, in my typical summer driving environment:
  • relaxed cruising, almost always taking the scenic route or back roads;
  • but fun DWB ("driving without brakes") in the twisties!
  • 80 km/h (50 mph) max. posted limit most roads
  • primary driving techniqe = driving with load (when not affecting traffic)
  • but also engine-off coasting toward some turns & stops, or on steep enough descents that allow me to keep speed.
  • top will be down most of the time (despite worse aero), since that's one of the main reasons I got it!

Results so far:
1) 37.5 mpg US = 6.1 L/100 km: first fill last year, cool autumn driving (10-15 C = 50-60 F) with no mods other than tire pressure;

2) 43.6 mpg US = 5.3 L/100 km: 2nd fill (1st fill of this year); warm summer driving with some mods in place;

3) 44.2 mpg US = 5.2 L/100 km: warm summer driving with even more mods in place;

4) 49.9 mpg US = 4.7 L/100 km: so close! Continuing ideal warm weather, still more mods!

5) 51.0 mpg US = 4.6 L/100 km: Success!! 2/3 ideal warm weather, still more mods.

Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	miata-mods-thread-title-no-plate.jpg
Views:	7226
Size:	60.7 KB
ID:	22700  
__________________
Project MPGiata! Mods for getting 50+ MPG from a 1990 Miata
Honda mods: Ecomodding my $800 Honda Fit 5-speed beater
Mitsu mods: 70 MPG in my ecomodded, dirt cheap, 3-cylinder Mirage.
Ecodriving test: Manual vs. automatic transmission MPG showdown



EcoModder
has launched a forum for the efficient new Mitsubishi Mirage
www.MetroMPG.com - fuel efficiency info for Geo Metro owners
www.ForkenSwift.com - electric car conversion on a beer budget
  Reply With Quote
The Following 8 Users Say Thank You to MetroMPG For This Useful Post:
Cd (05-07-2021), Christian (10-24-2022), Daox (09-18-2017), fusion210 (09-19-2017), Gasoline Fumes (09-19-2017), slowmover (10-07-2017), Titanium (12-26-2017), UltArc (03-19-2022)
Alt Today
Popular topics

Other popular topics in this forum...

   
Old 09-18-2017, 01:38 PM   #2 (permalink)
Batman Junior
 
MetroMPG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: 1000 Islands, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 22,513

Blackfly - '98 Geo Metro
Team Metro
Last 3: 70.09 mpg (US)

MPGiata - '90 Mazda Miata
90 day: 52.71 mpg (US)

Even Fancier Metro - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage top spec
90 day: 70.75 mpg (US)

Appliance car - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage ES (base)
90 day: 60.16 mpg (US)
Thanks: 4,058
Thanked 6,957 Times in 3,602 Posts
Mods

Completed mods:

(in no particular order)

- MPGuino fuel economy computer


See: http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...vss-35550.html
- 50 PSI
- zero-toe alignment

- cleaned & regapped spark plugs (the gap was 0.010 wider than spec!)
- air conditioning delete (removed components)
- power steering delete (belt removed)
- ignition timing advance
- air dam, with...
- partial grille block
- half size radiator, and...
- one of two factory cooling fans deleted

- smooth wheel discs

- taller gearing (larger diameter rear wheels/tires)

- side mirrors delete/relocated inside
- LRR tires on the front, narrower than stock: 165/64R14 Dunlop Enasave

- wiper delete
- synthetic motor oil: 66% 5w30 + 33% 10w30
- weight reduction (goal: 100 lbs / 45 kg is attainable)
- MAF / open loop AFR adjustment
- synthetic lighter weight transmission oil (50% lightweight GM Syncromesh + synth 75w90)
- synthetic differential oil

- WAI - warm air intake

(More info & pics to come.)

Future mods:

- engine kill switch (been using the key)
- coolant/block heater
- reduce disc brake drag (springs are missing; service calipers)
- rear fender skirts
- fairing ahead of rear tires
- fairing behind rear wheels

- fairing behind front wheels
- belly pan
- decklid extension/spoiler?

- weight reduction: power steering pump delete
- lower it a bit?

Dream mods (but probably not)

- targa style aero bodywork aft of the seats
- mini boat tail!
- ???
__________________
Project MPGiata! Mods for getting 50+ MPG from a 1990 Miata
Honda mods: Ecomodding my $800 Honda Fit 5-speed beater
Mitsu mods: 70 MPG in my ecomodded, dirt cheap, 3-cylinder Mirage.
Ecodriving test: Manual vs. automatic transmission MPG showdown



EcoModder
has launched a forum for the efficient new Mitsubishi Mirage
www.MetroMPG.com - fuel efficiency info for Geo Metro owners
www.ForkenSwift.com - electric car conversion on a beer budget
  Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to MetroMPG For This Useful Post:
pquijal (10-27-2017)
Old 09-18-2017, 01:42 PM   #3 (permalink)
Batman Junior
 
MetroMPG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: 1000 Islands, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 22,513

Blackfly - '98 Geo Metro
Team Metro
Last 3: 70.09 mpg (US)

MPGiata - '90 Mazda Miata
90 day: 52.71 mpg (US)

Even Fancier Metro - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage top spec
90 day: 70.75 mpg (US)

Appliance car - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage ES (base)
90 day: 60.16 mpg (US)
Thanks: 4,058
Thanked 6,957 Times in 3,602 Posts
(post reserved)
__________________
Project MPGiata! Mods for getting 50+ MPG from a 1990 Miata
Honda mods: Ecomodding my $800 Honda Fit 5-speed beater
Mitsu mods: 70 MPG in my ecomodded, dirt cheap, 3-cylinder Mirage.
Ecodriving test: Manual vs. automatic transmission MPG showdown



EcoModder
has launched a forum for the efficient new Mitsubishi Mirage
www.MetroMPG.com - fuel efficiency info for Geo Metro owners
www.ForkenSwift.com - electric car conversion on a beer budget
  Reply With Quote
Old 09-18-2017, 03:33 PM   #4 (permalink)
Batman Junior
 
MetroMPG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: 1000 Islands, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 22,513

Blackfly - '98 Geo Metro
Team Metro
Last 3: 70.09 mpg (US)

MPGiata - '90 Mazda Miata
90 day: 52.71 mpg (US)

Even Fancier Metro - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage top spec
90 day: 70.75 mpg (US)

Appliance car - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage ES (base)
90 day: 60.16 mpg (US)
Thanks: 4,058
Thanked 6,957 Times in 3,602 Posts
possible parts car

My mechanic says he's buying a 1990 Miata for its drivetrain (to swap into an MG). The body is shot (rust).

He asked me: "Need any parts?"

What stuff would you grab from an ecomodding angle? Off the top of my head, I couldn't think of anything.

What stuff should I grab purely to have spare parts on hand?

---

Edit: I need a driver's side sun visor!
__________________
Project MPGiata! Mods for getting 50+ MPG from a 1990 Miata
Honda mods: Ecomodding my $800 Honda Fit 5-speed beater
Mitsu mods: 70 MPG in my ecomodded, dirt cheap, 3-cylinder Mirage.
Ecodriving test: Manual vs. automatic transmission MPG showdown



EcoModder
has launched a forum for the efficient new Mitsubishi Mirage
www.MetroMPG.com - fuel efficiency info for Geo Metro owners
www.ForkenSwift.com - electric car conversion on a beer budget
  Reply With Quote
Old 09-18-2017, 03:58 PM   #5 (permalink)
Batman Junior
 
MetroMPG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: 1000 Islands, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 22,513

Blackfly - '98 Geo Metro
Team Metro
Last 3: 70.09 mpg (US)

MPGiata - '90 Mazda Miata
90 day: 52.71 mpg (US)

Even Fancier Metro - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage top spec
90 day: 70.75 mpg (US)

Appliance car - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage ES (base)
90 day: 60.16 mpg (US)
Thanks: 4,058
Thanked 6,957 Times in 3,602 Posts
He's keeping the water pump, but the radiator is a possibility. I already replaced mine, though.

Unfortunately, the rear end was the same for all of this generation. A taller diff would be fantastic. Plus it'd let me run the slightly smaller diameter & narrower LRR tires on the back too.
__________________
Project MPGiata! Mods for getting 50+ MPG from a 1990 Miata
Honda mods: Ecomodding my $800 Honda Fit 5-speed beater
Mitsu mods: 70 MPG in my ecomodded, dirt cheap, 3-cylinder Mirage.
Ecodriving test: Manual vs. automatic transmission MPG showdown



EcoModder
has launched a forum for the efficient new Mitsubishi Mirage
www.MetroMPG.com - fuel efficiency info for Geo Metro owners
www.ForkenSwift.com - electric car conversion on a beer budget
  Reply With Quote
Old 09-18-2017, 04:43 PM   #6 (permalink)
EcoModding flying lizard
 
Daschicken's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Georgia
Posts: 742

Cibbie - '88 Honda CBR 250R
Motorcycle
90 day: 48.49 mpg (US)

Rarity - '06 Honda Accord EX V6
Team Honda
90 day: 29.88 mpg (US)

Baby viff - '86 Honda VFR 400R
Motorcycle
90 day: 42.15 mpg (US)

Latios - '08 Suzuki SV650SF
Motorcycle
90 day: 64.56 mpg (US)

Mazda 3 - '14 Mazda 3 i Sport
90 day: 43.25 mpg (US)
Thanks: 618
Thanked 261 Times in 174 Posts
You should also be able to adjust the idle speed on that NA miata. The bros NB miata is too new for that. AND we can't adjust the ignition advance! Enjoy the adjustability of your old miata! His NB miata idles at 900-1000 rpm.
__________________
-Kaze o tatakaimasen-

Best trip in V6: 52.0
Best tank in V6: 46.0
Best tank in Mazda: 49.9
Best tank in CBR: 61.3
Best tank in SV: 83.9

Quote:
Originally Posted by MetroMPG View Post
You can lead a fashion-conscious horse to unusual-looking water...

  Reply With Quote
Old 09-18-2017, 07:34 PM   #7 (permalink)
Master EcoModder
 
freebeard's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: northwest of normal
Posts: 27,547
Thanks: 7,731
Thanked 8,546 Times in 7,035 Posts
That's an ambitious goal.

It needs to be aerodynamically perfect. The killer is the top down driving enjoyment. Maybe chop the windshield and add a metal tonneau cover and headrest fairing?

That said, your list doesn't include a rear diverter.



For the rear wheel fairings, I like what I call the Bonnevette:



Starting just inside the tire they flair out to flush with the outer tire face at the back. Wheelwell turbulence is separated from the underbody flow and thrown outward into the ambient airstream. They would also form the outer fences of a diverter bell with a 4° angle roof.
  Reply With Quote
Old 09-18-2017, 07:44 PM   #8 (permalink)
Batman Junior
 
MetroMPG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: 1000 Islands, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 22,513

Blackfly - '98 Geo Metro
Team Metro
Last 3: 70.09 mpg (US)

MPGiata - '90 Mazda Miata
90 day: 52.71 mpg (US)

Even Fancier Metro - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage top spec
90 day: 70.75 mpg (US)

Appliance car - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage ES (base)
90 day: 60.16 mpg (US)
Thanks: 4,058
Thanked 6,957 Times in 3,602 Posts
48!

Diverter bell!

---

4th fill-up tonight: 48 MPG. [Correction! 49.9 mpg! -- see post #18]

I would like to be able to cruise a little faster than I have been, though. Mods will continue! Average speed may (will probably) increase.

And it looks like another week of warm weather coming, so the cold won't mess with my progress just yet.
__________________
Project MPGiata! Mods for getting 50+ MPG from a 1990 Miata
Honda mods: Ecomodding my $800 Honda Fit 5-speed beater
Mitsu mods: 70 MPG in my ecomodded, dirt cheap, 3-cylinder Mirage.
Ecodriving test: Manual vs. automatic transmission MPG showdown



EcoModder
has launched a forum for the efficient new Mitsubishi Mirage
www.MetroMPG.com - fuel efficiency info for Geo Metro owners
www.ForkenSwift.com - electric car conversion on a beer budget
  Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2017, 03:38 AM   #9 (permalink)
EcoModding Apprentice
 
kurzer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Germany
Posts: 104

Knut - '07 Toyota Prius
90 day: 50.9 mpg (US)

Santa - '00 Hyundai Santamo
90 day: 29.07 mpg (US)
Thanks: 62
Thanked 44 Times in 31 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by Daschicken View Post
You should also be able to adjust the idle speed on that NA miata. The bros NB miata is too new for that. AND we can't adjust the ignition advance! Enjoy the adjustability of your old miata! His NB miata idles at 900-1000 rpm.
to do the idle, u have to connect 2 pins in the engine bay. this will show the real setting. but there is a trick. if the rev is falling to slow while shifting, u can reduce the idle air. drops it to fast, rise it a bit.

i hope u will set the mixture somewhat leaner, as i suggested in the the other thread. u will love it, i promise. miatas running verry rich in open loop.
__________________
kurzer Gruß

Prius II
Hyundai Santamo
  Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to kurzer For This Useful Post:
MetroMPG (09-19-2017)
Old 09-19-2017, 06:31 AM   #10 (permalink)
Furry Furfag
 
Baltothewolf's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Apple Valley
Posts: 2,084

Winsight - '00 Honda Insight
90 day: 56.69 mpg (US)

Miaderp - '95 Mazda Miata
90 day: 28.53 mpg (US)
Thanks: 67
Thanked 409 Times in 313 Posts
Metro, see if you can get your hands on a 4.1 rear diff from a 94-99 car, it will lower your RPM by like 5%. They can be had for cheap. You may he able to trade someone for free who wants your 4.3 for track use.

__________________

  Reply With Quote
Reply  Post New Thread


Thread Tools




Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.5.2
All content copyright EcoModder.com