Mullet's Metro Project - Page 26 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

Hacksaw · 09-28-2008, 06:30 AM

I would have to recommend Delta Cam (800-562-5500) because I was a testbed for his grind. He was professional, friendly, and generous to deal with. Shipping was very timely as well...

As for 3tech, I'm sure his grind is equally effective from what I've read on teamswift

Here's how I came to know of Jon Bodwell, owner of Delta Cam:
View topic - XFI CAMSHAFTS • 3Cylinders.com

Johnny Mullet · 10-13-2008, 10:30 PM

I recently was introduced to a Throttle Bridge mod that was posted on my Metro Forum and I decided to try it out. I simply removed the air filter assy and removed the 2 10 MM bolts holding the 2 piece bridge that secures the air filter housing and wingnut mount. I then used 2 left over pieces from a universal battery tie-down kit and used them to secure the air filter housing instead of the wingnut. This mod is supposed to let more air into the TB since the bridge actually blocks about 25% of the airflow.

Here is a pic..............

I did not notice any changes in performance or fuel economy, but decided to keep the mod in place. Since I drive slowly, this mod really does nothing for me until recently. I made another trip to Central, PA in the Metro and last time this poor car could not climb the Mt. Cresson Summit without dropping to 4th gear and holding it to the wood. It was embarrasing to get passed by fully loaded semis. This time the car made it up in 5th gear with 3/4 throttle

I seriously think the aerodynamic mods and the throttle bridge mod made a difference this time around.

mfor4x4 · 11-20-2008, 12:38 AM

Hey I really like these posts. I used to have a 1994 GEO Metro when I was going to tech school and loved it for the fuel mileage. I unfortunately hit a deer with it and it went to auto graveyard in the sky.

I am buying a 1998 Metro, so am quite pumped. I commute 84 kilometers per day on average on the highway so am looking forward to saving some big $$$ on fuel.

I really like seeing the progress pictures johnny! I am thinking of making many of the same mods to my future Metro also. I am lucky in that I work at an Auto Salvage yard so am able to source out my parts very cheeply from other salvage yards.

I curious why you haven't put on the rear wheel opening covers, from all the posts I have seen about this mod is that it improved FE by 5%. I am curious if anyone has played around with a rear bumper diffuser, I know that these are used to increase downforce on racecars but wouldn't it also increase aerodynamic flow under the rear of the car?

I am also curious if anyone has tried making a sonically tuned header for a 1.0L engine, or just a normal header for that matter?

Johnny Mullet · 11-20-2008, 06:51 AM

Performance guys use headers and beat the crap out of them and still knock ot over 40 MPG, so not sure. I have actually done some things to this car, but not posted yet. I will update.

Fender skirts? My wife will not allow me to make any drastic visual changes since she drives the car now and then also. She does like the look of my bumper mod however. When I find another Metro for dirt cheap, I will then consider "Nerding it up".

MetroMPG · 11-20-2008, 10:48 PM

Nerd it up, Mullet! Come over to the dark side...

Johnny Mullet · 11-22-2008, 07:36 PM

Just an update.....................

I installed a block heater for the cold weather. The info is all right here on how it works............
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...-how-5682.html

This gave me a few problems at first. The 5/8" heater hose is a tad larger than the metric sized factory hoses, but the clamps that come with the kit are good quality. Make sure you tighten the clamps with a 1/4" socket set to ensure they are tight! I had to re-tighten all my connections since the install when a couple leaks appeared. Now that it is working right, the car is nice and warm when I get in on a cold morning. I can actually unplug the heater, get in the car, turn the key on, and heat will already be blowing from the heat controls. If the car is outside in the cold, I leave the heat control on "Defrost" and you can actually see it defrost the windshield! Here are pics.........