Natchez Trace Eco run: Memorial Day Weekend 2014

[The donkey CRX]

Yes that would have been informative to switch cars and drivers. Actually the white VX belongs to my brother and I frequently used it to compare the performance of the red VX to a nearly stock one.
I believe that all of the aero mods I made to the red VX are good for at least 10 MPG compared to the stock VX.

His only aero mods are mirror deletes and an almost invisible adjustable grill block. We are trying to make all aero changes to the white VX while leaving it looking mostly stock. A "show" car so to speak.

Before I added all the current aero mods to the red VX, I would never try to EOC on the interstate because it would slow down too quickly (no really steep hills in this area). Now there are 4 hills that are steep enough for me to coast without losing any or even gaining speed as I descend. So I have also experienced this. This added over 4 miles of EOC miles to my 54 mile commute.

[The donkey CRX]

Sorry NoD, We did not get any video of our fun, but here is a visual for you.

Since all three competitors were in VX's with lead burn, we were all very keen to try and stay in "lean burn" at all times. Because there were many steep hills on this 160 mile run, staying in lean burn meant only going between 30 and 40 MPH as we reached the top of the hills. It reminded me of the 18 wheelers climbing the high passes in Colorado. We would all be almost nose to tail, straining to get over the peak where we could EOC down the other side at up to 63 MPH!

As an example of how important lean burn is for great mileage on a VX, I would get a MPG reading on my MPGuino gauge of between 50 and 65 MPG even when climbing hills, but if I ever "dropped out" of lead burn the MPG would instantly drop to between 18 and 26 MPG.

[snakester]

This is great stuff. I do live in Colorado and the climbs kill me in my Yaris. I am experimenting with different speeds/gears to get the best mpg. If I can get 30 or more climbing a hill, I think I'm doing good. My daily elevation loss/gain is 1500 feet. Any suggestions?

[The donkey CRX]

Hi Snakester, I'm not familiar with the gearing and torque of the Yaris, but the magic of the lean burn Hondas (92 to 95 VX being the best) is the 23:1 air fuel ratio ( normal being 14:1) which is all but outlawed now due to too much NOX emissions. Without lean burn we would be lucky to match your 30 MPG climbing steep hills.

Your best bet would be to use a scan gauge with instant MPG function to find your sweet spot while climbing.

[MetroMPG]

Hey guys -

I was contacted by a writer interested in interviewing someone who has done both "old school" (mechanical/aero) ecomods and "new school" ones too -- they specifically mentioned electronic/computer mods as examples.

I think the MPGuino qualifies as a really good example of a "new school" eco-mod, and you VX owners probably all run them.

Did you build your own or buy a kit? Either way, are any of you interested in talking about your mods?

Darin

[The donkey CRX]

Hi Darin, I would be willing to be interviewed, but must add I am not technically knowledgeable. I bought my MPGuino and rely on it to tell me when I am maximizing my MPG potential.

[MetroMPG]

Thanks! I suspect they want someone who dipped their toes into constructing their 'guino, but I'll let you know. I haven't heard back since suggesting the topic anyway.