Never thought I would be on here.
 

Well, Ive poked around ecomodder for a little while now mostly because of curiosity but never took anything too seriously. Coming from someone who is a speed freak/car nut, I never thought I'd join a site like this. But we all change.

Currently I am driving a 93.5 G20 and averaging about 30mpg city and 36mpg highway. I will be leaving on a two month long trip around the United States so I'm looking to up that 36mpg to 40mpg while retaining all functionality, reliability, and remaining sane (pulse and glide for 8hrs.. I don't think so).

Any simple changes that can make my car more efficient? (I already read the 65+ and 100+ mod lists). I just went from 195/60/14 tires on the stock alloy wheels to 185/65/15 tires on steelies from a Versa which is about 7% larger. I haven't filled up since I put the new wheels and tires on, but I assume it will increase my mileage slightly as it did with my 95 Impreza.

Welcome to the site. With a cross country trip any aeromod will suite you well.

I think lowering the car is simple to do and also improves your fuel economy, if you have long winters then it is not a smart idea. Lowering the car will also make it less prone to cross winds.

Welcome! Pump those tires up. Install a reversible and LOW airdam (it can look good and is effective). Install a belly pan (nobody can see it). Your car probably is only MAP equipped, not MAF, so a warm air intake would probably help. YMMV.

Thanks everyone!

Lowering the car is something that I plan on doing but not before my trip because I will need the ground clearance in the mountains and can't afford it right now.

I have been looking for a good looking and functional air dam as well, California98Civic, do you have any pictures of yours?

A belly pan is something I'd be interested in.. protection and efficiency in one mod. I'll have to look into it.

I have the tires at 40psi and 41psi (tires rated at 40psi max).

Make sure you account for the tire size change in your odometer readings. Use a GPS or mile markers to double check the 7% change.

With a current EPA highway of 27 (auto) and 29 (manual) thats good mileage right now.
I don't think the 2.0 engine is really designed for mileage, it originalted in the Sentra SER and is short stroke and high RPM.

You mention mountains which are a great opportunity for coasting (engine on) on the downhillk stretches. You might better your highway average and carrying additional passengers will extend your glides if you do any mountain coasting.

Pretty sure the AF meter is a hot wire type.

Welcome
Mech

pics
 

If you click over to my profile and look at my photo album, you'll see a pic of my current airdam. Just inexpensive black plastic lawn edging from my local Denault's Tru-Value hardware store. It has good stiffness under wind when you install it with a curve. Mine is on there with four screws and two twisted-up black paperclips where I could possibly need to remove part of the dam on the side of the road for a tow one day, not that my car would ever breakdown, of course. ;) Been on there a couple months now, and no sign of any troubles. I trimmed the edging with a box cutter to a shorter ledge, for better clearance on speed-bumps and driveways. I also made side skirts with the extra edging, but I dislike them and will probably replace them.

Don't forget the basics...drive slow and accelerate like your granny did in her '63 Buick. Nobody will think anything of it. You have out of state plates and everyone will presume you're a tourist (which you are). Stay in the right lane and let those in a hurry go by you.

The aero drag goes up ~20% from 55 mph to 70 mph. Rolling drag goes up, too, tho not as much. Your fe won't go up by 20% at the lower speed, but I'll bet it goes up by at least 5 mpg. Driving at 55 also leaves you more time to enjoy the scenery compared to having to watch the road like a hawk at 70 and above.

Have a good trip!

I would recommend against that.