New here; 1991 Volkswagen Golf 1.3
 

Hey Guys,

I m new here. Had roamed the forum previously, and have now decided to become a member. I find it very nice to see what people can accomplish here by modifying their vehicles.

I've just gotten a 1991 VW Golf mark 2. It's a 1.3L with fuel injection. The 1.6 of that age had a carburetted engine. I'm willing to try and do some modifications and see how fuel efficient we can get her.

So far I did one fuel load, comparing the liters at the gas station with the odometer in the car. On about 42 liters I got 16.1 KM/l or 37.87 MPG. Think that is a descent baseline for a car of her age.

I noticed I will have to change the tires soon. Anything specific you guys can recommend? Now it has 185/60 on 14 inch alloys. There is room in the wheel wells to go a little bit higher to get the RPM down. Also I think I can get away with 175 width on the same rims. I was looking at Continental EcoContact 5's because they got descent reviews here in Europe. Any suggestions??

Also, if I may ask, what kind of modifications whould you guys recommend to do first. If d want to get the biggest increase in MPG for the least effort first... I ll probably have to try and get a 5 speed box instead of the 4-speed it has now. Im getting about 3100 RPM @ 62 MPH.

Kind regards!

Welcome to EM
The first few mods normal people try are:
- Fuel economy gauge being pre-obdII the mpguino would be the one
- Grill block
- air dam
- smooth wheel covers
- passenger mirror delete

65+ Vehicle modifications for better fuel economy - EcoModder.com

Thanks! I ll look into it and post some results!

Definitely get lrr tires and take the junk out of the trunk as they say lol

Nice Golf!

Sweet little Euro-spec Golf, nice ride.

Some fender skirts on the rear wheel wells, obv. I think you can do a lot with a belly pan but I don't know what European inspection restrictions will allow. When inspection time comes, remove them? But definitely some kind of air control under the car is a great place to start.

Welcome! Be sure to read through these threads to help you get started:

100+ Hypermiling / ecodriving tips & tactics for better mpg - EcoModder.com
65+ Vehicle modifications for better fuel economy - EcoModder.com

Also: For extreme mpg tires look into Bridgestone Potenza RE92 165/65/14

I'd look at getting the 4+E gearbox. I had a MK2 golf driver (GT in mainland europe) 1.6carb and it's 5th gear ('E' gear )would let me sit a 3,000rpm at 75mph. for economy I'd switch down to the 165 width tires (that will also help with the effort you put into the steering at low speed!)

other than that drop it on the floor! to improve frontal area! and remember if it ain't rubbin' you aint Dubbin'!

I run on Michelin Energy savers