EcoModder.com

EcoModder.com (https://ecomodder.com/forum/)
-   Introductions (https://ecomodder.com/forum/introductions.html)
-   -   New here another Honda Civic guy (https://ecomodder.com/forum/showthread.php/new-here-another-honda-civic-guy-26444.html)

alex16 07-21-2013 11:02 AM

New here another Honda Civic guy
 
I have a lot of experience working on cars, including Honda's. This will be my 30th one I believe lol. I bought it from my friend not too long ago, its a 1999 Civic EX coupe automatic with 217k. We have card boarded and masking taped the front end and the door/hood gaps before and cruised at 55mph achieving 54+ mpg. I have a few plans for my civic but I am not going to go to extreme...or least no monster tail fins.

Things I want to do,,,


Aluminum sheet metal riveted to the front end with a opening for the radiator.

I want to have that opening have a linear actuated shutter to close off that opening until it reaches a little under operating temperature (override for winter)

Moon flying saucer hubcaps on steel wheels, stock 14's.

Mirror removal/replacement.

More to come as I learn more from this board :thumbup:

MetroMPG 07-21-2013 12:33 PM

Welcome to the forum!

Lots of Honda guys around here doing fun things with their cars and getting great results. You're in good company.

Too bad about the slushbox though... condolences.

jedi_sol 07-22-2013 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex16 (Post 381416)
I have a few plans for my civic but I am not going to go to extreme...or least no monster tail fins.

We dont do monster tail fins here...we do kaambacks!

you can also consider doing underbelly tray to smooth out airflow under the car.

Rear wheel skirts to smooth out air flow over the back wheels.

lookup user California98civic for more mod ideas.

alex16 07-23-2013 09:41 AM

awesome. I will do. I do want to make a underside aero soon as well, but simple things first lol.

I really like the idea of covering the wheel arches, I saw a Probe prototype on here and I can't believe we had a car like that in 1983. I had the idea to have front wheel arch covers that have hinges and springs to hold it in place while driving straight, and rollers to come in contact with the tire and allow them to push out for wheel turning. I also would like side skirts and maybe a way to make the airflow for the tires better?

jedi_sol 07-23-2013 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex16 (Post 381698)
I had the idea to have front wheel arch covers that have hinges and springs to hold it in place while driving straight, and rollers to come in contact with the tire and allow them to push out for wheel turning.

Here you go :thumbup:...hinged front wheel covers

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...1-0-a-290.html

California98Civic 07-23-2013 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex16 (Post 381698)
I also would like side skirts and maybe a way to make the airflow for the tires better?

Welcome! I have lots of notes no my garage page (linked in my signature file below). But on the ideas you list in this quote above: you're looking for "tire spats" it seems, and they're easy. My side skirts are cut rain gutter attached to the running boards.

-james

alex16 07-23-2013 07:02 PM

A lot of stuff I am going to duplicate from your Civic to mine for sure! I have dreams of putting a CX transmission in mine when my autotragic bites the bullet.

I also thought about the possibility of spare donuts for the rear with performance scooter tires for the rear.
...these alloys are too expensive but if cheap aluminum donuts could be found it would be nice

ebay item number 281138681065?


item number 161058787335

I doubt I could get away with that mod though. People so eager to sue one another... my luck I'd be rear ended and sued over having narrow rear tires lol.

cbaber 07-23-2013 07:45 PM

Welcome!

I wouldn't go putting motorcycle tires on your car. The load ratings for those tires are not designed for a car, and a tire that was designed to corner sideways wasn't designed for a cars suspension. The potential for less friction and lighter weight is not worth the the safety risks. Also, motorcycle tires wear quickly. It's a lose-lose.

But for the aero mods you seem to be on the right track. I would also suggest deleting your power steering and alternator as a future goal. As mentioned, California98Civic has provided lots of valuable information about our civics.

What kind of driving do you do mostly?

alex16 07-25-2013 08:23 AM

Most of my driving currently is terrible for mpg, 45mph and under up hill down hill mountain trails to and from work. The worst is a 3 mile 9% grade that the civic does not like. Even my Lincoln has to hold onto 3rd gear for the climb, the instant mpg gauge on the lincoln shows 8-9mpg on the grade. I have tried down grade without the engine but I don't feel safe without my brake power booster, so I neutral coast down it.

alex16 07-30-2013 04:10 PM

First mod was installed today.

APC Vacuum Gauge 107168 Black Bezel New | eBay

$14.00 vacuum gauge to show instant engine load.

I am curious if anyone has a wind speed gauge to monitor how much wind they are fighting.

mikeyjd 07-30-2013 08:32 PM

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

alex16 08-07-2013 06:56 AM

Few pictures... (Its not a pretty civic....yet, she has been smashed a few times but nothing too bad, I will be replacing the fenders soon)

(I just recently painted the front bumper, 13.00 worth of spray paint and clear coat spray paint)

http://i42.tinypic.com/166hxch.jpg

civic+F150

http://i44.tinypic.com/1hqlix.jpg

civic vacuum gauge (not mounted yet)
http://i44.tinypic.com/20tfbpe.jpg

The move from Texas to Pennsylvania, averaged 16.2 MPG over 1600 miles, 1995 F150 XLT crew cab 4x4 5.8L V8 E40D (big transmission) 3.55 front/rear posi diffs. Only currently is electric fan. Best mpg 17.2 (while pulling the civic on tow dolly and carrying 1200lbs+ of stuff in the bed), speedometer is GPS verified as well.

http://i42.tinypic.com/4slao1.jpg



Picture of my 1997 Lincoln towncar signature. Currently averages 17.0 mpg over the last 3 tanks of fuel, avg speed 23mph. (Has a built in computer like a scan gauge 2). I can average 24-25mpg on the highway with the a/c on and level terrain.
http://i42.tinypic.com/vwpspc.jpg

alex16 08-07-2013 07:00 AM

4x4 comes in handy on days like these...

http://i48.tinypic.com/30a6dlg.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/2j47v43.jpg

darcane 08-07-2013 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex16 (Post 383922)
4x4 comes in handy on days like these...

http://i48.tinypic.com/30a6dlg.jpg

With that little snow, I wouldn't think twice about taking the Civic...

alex16 08-07-2013 03:38 PM

They don't plow often enough and my street is a sharp turn with a incline. I tried bridgestone blizzards and studded tires and it has a hard time. I barely made it up some of the unplowed hills with only 3 inches. I only have to use the truck till the plows make it all around and no more snow forcasted ( I am forced to use it about 12 to 20 days which I don't mind)


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:17 AM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.5.2
All content copyright EcoModder.com