Mullet's Metro Project

[metromizer]

Originally Posted by akcapeco

I actually like the front end on the earlier Generation III Metro's: the guppy mouth 95-97
Geo models.

Mine is a 98 and it has the "Schick Quattro wide-mouth multi-blade" look... somehow it's too fussy for the rest of the car... I'm thinking it will look better in a bra.

I have one for you... came on my '96 but I didn't like it so I removed it. I'm moving and getting rid of stuff, pay the freight and it's yours

[RacerX]

[QUOTE=metromizer;40034]Maybe I should try slowing down to 55mph... I learned on one 200mile trip, if I drive 70 or 75mph, my mileage drops like a stone to about 36mpg. I live and commute through the SF Bay Area, anyone from here knows that while driving 55mph on the freeway, you get run over... I'll have to think about that. I think I may swap the crown gear or entire trans to get a taller final drive. Not sure I want to tackle that this summer, but we'll see. My goal is still 65mph commute, and 50mpg average, day in and day out (not just a magic tankful every now and again).QUOTE]



If you do slow down you'll be SSSSSOOOOOOOOOOOO Happy with the results. I too deal with the same issue. I have a 140 mile commute to and from work and I get pushed EVERY day! I try my best to keep it a 55 mph. I just put my metro on the road last week and my first mpg check was 59.4 mpg. I was the only guy at the pumps smiling. Since this is a long weekend for me and if I have time I'm going to put a swift trans in with the taller rear gear in it. Can't wait I'm also looking into an sequential LED light bar that will neatly fit in/on the rear bumper or hatch of my metro, so people know to get over before they come up on me at 80+ and then have to jamb on their brakes.

Johnny, The car is coming along GREAT!

[whatthe]

Originally Posted by metromizer

Seems to run good, but idles a lot rougher than any 4,6, or V8 I am used to (typical of a 3 cylinder?).

yep, believe it is a secondary moment unbalance that causes the special feel from the 3 cyls.

[Johnny Mullet]

My Metro does not idle perfectly either. After the rebuild, I even re-test the compression wet and dry and had 210 PSI across the board. I just basically got used to it. My newly installed vacuum gauge even picks up the flutter at idle. I can't complain otherwise.

[Hacksaw]

Nice thread Johnny...
Hello everybody,
I picked up a '95 Metro HB a couple weeks ago after being without a Metro for 9 years. The last one I had ('90 4-door HB) was totaled in a head-on but was a great car...I can't believe I went so long before replacing it. My first tank yielded 42mpg and was mostly running back and forth in the city running errands with a lot of stop and go. I am interested in rear fender skirts and a front air dam for aero mods but will hold off on the mirror delete (I like my mirrors for safety). I'm dropping a new (and I do mean new) engine into her tomorrow, weather permitting. It came out of a '96 Metro HB that had 60 miles on it when a high school auto shop dismantled it years ago. (I have the automatic transmission, egr valve for an auto trans, starter for auto trans, intake manifold, throttle body, A/C Compressor, wiring Harness w/computer, etc if anybody is interested) I'm putting in a new clutch and flywheel while I have her apart and replacing the manuals' fluids with Pennzoil Syncromesh when I change the half shafts. I'm planning to tow it behind another vehicle cross-country on occasion and things should be tight up front after all that and some wheel bearings.

@metromiser - I would be very interested in your bra if nobody else claimed it...I'm worried about stone chips when towing my metro and it would probably be a great idea to have one...

I'm so stoked about my Metro...I love these cars!

Hacksaw

[Katmandu]

Originally Posted by metromizer

My experience has been very consitant with what I have been reading on the forums with respect to advancing the lesser duration XFi cam or stock 1 liter cams.

So did you do the XFi/Economy Cam swap ? Superf1y has them with a 10+ degree cam gear VERY reasonably priced. Swapping to that cam/10+ degree gear is "supposed" to Net a 8 MPG improvement!

Also, I see no mention of a front air dam (below the bumper). I've read were some folks have used lawn/garden bed edging.



Anyone have pics of lawn edging used as an front air dam ?

[Chris D.]

Dam Johnny, You're doin it right brother!

any chance when you get a minute that you could take a quick measurment
bumper to bumper so I can see if I can get a Metro to fit in behind my truck in the garage?

mucho appreciato'd man

*Chris

[99metro]

I have an 8* and an economy cam in standby. Mike (Superf1y) didn't recommend the 10*/economy cam setup. My JDM engine has the older sprockets, and since I couldn't get the crank gear off teh JDM to swap everything, I can't use the 8*/economy cam just yet. Future rainy day weekend project.

I've been enjoying tips from Johnny here (nice dew), and Metrompg. I'm not going crazy with hypermiling to the point that I need professional help, but I really like it when I can get 60mpg one way commutes (anything over 55 is just "super").

Lately I have been playing with octanes. I'm on my second 91. Jury is still out...

[Katmandu]

Originally Posted by 99metro

I'm not going crazy with hypermiling to the point that I need professional help,...

Some folks may be suffering from OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). It would be way cheaper for them to seek medication and/or therapy than to keep modding there cars! I think most folks take modding as a hobby though! I hope they do anyways!

[Katmandu]

Originally Posted by 99metro

Lately I have been playing with octanes. I'm on my second 91. Jury is still out...

If your engine isn't detonating/pinging then there's no need from more Octane.