My Attempt to reach 40mpg.
 

Unfortunately, as of now, I have no formal way to measure mpg. Being only 16, I'm going to have to wait until summer so I can afford a scan guage. However, I'm sure I'll be able to have a slight idea of whether or not my modifications are working. I always multiply the gallons of gas I get by 30, which is what I was getting about 1 1/2 months ago when I filled up fully. So I would assume, around the 3-5 mpg improvement mark I should be able to notice when I can go longer without the check gauge light coming on? Either way, I'm doing this more or less just to occupy my time. Well, besides trying to get some better mileage/saving money.

The Car; 1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Sport Automatic.

The Plans; Grill Block, Increased tire pressure, possibly rear wheel covers.

So Far, Today I put a grill block over the center 24 inches. ( That's as wide as the plastic is. It was also getting too cold for me to cut the other pieces.)

Yes, my car is leaking anti freeze. Just noticed today. Dad says it is also leaking oil. eek. However, neither of them were low, so it's a small leak.

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/4489/img1047vf3.jpg

I'm sure you can make 40 MPG. Why don't you just fill up fully to monitor fuel economy? It's not real time, but it's pretty accurate for a benchmark.

Welcome to the site!

Being 16, and my winter money fund virtually gone. It's rather hard for me to put 30-40 dollars in gas in my car at once. I guess I need to form the habit of just filling up when I get back at night on nights I drive more than 10 miles. I might do it tomorrow.

Try to fill up at least 300 miles at one time. I used to fill up at half tank in high school when I was broke (ironically I have even less money now), oh well, :)

Could you explain how I could use that to calculate mpg? When I would fill up before, check light was coming on around 340-360 (12.68 gallon tank). So 300 miles would pretty much be a full tank of gas.

Here's Darin's take on the situation: http://forum.ecomodder.com/showthread.php?t=352

Slight update.

Apparently, my thermostat gage started working. Before it would never go past the first marking on the gage and would stay between that and the C line. I'm wondering if it has anything to do with the fact that today was the first 50 degree day since I've had the car or with the antifreeze that was leaking out yesterday(which I don't think is leaking now).

Also, I'm about 100 percent sure I'm doing better than 30 mpg. Hopefully I'll be able to check soon.

I managed to get in a few good neutral shifts today. Had at least a mile roll though about 3 hills, and put the car right back into drive without the rpm's having to shift. Tried a few shut offs at lights/on the way to lights but I don't feel like I timed them well enough.

How long of a stop is worth shutting the car off? I've heard anywhere from 10 seconds to a whole minute...

It takes very little fuel to restart the motor. Anytime you can turn it off do so.

Just found a manual online for my car. Says my vehicle cannot be flat towed with all wheels on the ground. I probably should stop putting my car in neutral then. However, it did say putting the car in overdrive when driving at cruising speeds will increase fuel economy. Can anyone confirm this?

Edit: I'm not thinking today. I realize what it's saying now.

I plan on filling up today, and filling up again after about a 40-50 mile drive to find out what I'm getting on gas.

85.3 Miles filled back up at same gas station on same pump on same speed setting at 2.686 gallons = 31.76 mpg.

I never accelerated above 2000 rpm until I got into highest gear and I never passed 65 mph. Mostly highway driving. Maybe 10-15 miles of under 35-40 mph.

In addition to partial grill block.

I'm going to finish grill block tomorrow and see what this next fill up gets.