New Guy with Wagon - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

sustainable sam · 01-05-2011, 11:58 PM

Just wanted to introduce myself. I am very interested in fuel efficiency and sustainability. Of course I would prefer to be driving a hybrid but this is what I have right now, so I am trying to make the best of it. The vehicle is a 1992 Ford Taurus Wagon (I will post pics once my post count is up). As you can see I have been averaging 24.77 mpg on a fairly similar commute.

I am going to be driving about 80 miles per day 5-6 days per week so I figured I would see if anyone had any specific suggestions for me. My route is almost all highway and has a few really large up and downs. I have taken off the rear mudflaps and will be taking off the fronts tomorrow, along with the roof rack. I am considering the purchase of an MPGuino so that I will be better able to monitor my habits as this car doesn't even have a tachometer.

Anyone have any suggestions where I should begin? THANKS!

JasonG · 01-06-2011, 12:57 AM

Wagons are a good start.
You have removed the roof rack I assume ?
Work from the back forward.
A Kamm back and belly pan would be excellent.

Oh, welcome to EM !

SVOboy · 01-06-2011, 04:26 AM

Welcome to EcoModder

Be sure to check out the EcoMod and Hypermiling tips pages in the forum navigation bar!

01-06-2011, 07:17 AM

Hello..great find, i haven't seen many of these threads recently though.

1.9SDI · 01-06-2011, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JasonG

Wagons are a good start.

Hello all. Jason, you said wagon's are good - why is this? Is it aerodynamics?
Cheers, Steve

sustainable sam · 01-08-2011, 02:26 AM

Thanks for the welcome! I have been reading a lot and am considering purchasing a vacuum gauge as I am worried about installing the mpguino. Any thoughts? I am going to try and work on a belly pan this coming week.

jcp123 · 01-08-2011, 05:37 AM

A few thoughts - on the highway, keep your speed down if you can (I cruise at 60, some will say 55), and use the hills. Unless you're on good flat ground, don't even bother with cruise control. Bleed some speed on the uphill, coast or gain speed on the way down. Also keep the tyres aired up and the mechanicals well-maintained.

Weather Spotter · 01-08-2011, 12:17 PM

Here is a page you might like:
Car MPG Efficiency Modifications Main - EcoModder

Its our wiki on all the mods people have tried and we have data for. Look through it and you will get a feel for what each mod can help you with.