New to hypermiling - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

Bakerboy · 07-09-2008, 11:02 PM

Hello to all. I'm new to hypermiling, but with gas prices like they are I'm sure there have been new people coming in everyday.

I currently drive a 1990 Mustang LX with the 2.3 liter and 5 speed standard. I'm interested in some ideas for modding my vehicle to increase efficiency. I was getting about 23 mpg with a mix of city and highway. I have been lurking for a little while now so I already increased my tire pressure to 44psi and have really been watching how I accelerate. I try to keep my highway speeds down to 60 mph. I have already seen an increase in mpg. I normally only get about 145 miles on half a tank, but with these few changes I'm up to 164.

I look forward to your ideas and saving gas.

Bakerboy

mush3gan · 07-10-2008, 02:04 PM

before mods you might wanna try change of driving habits. i haven't modded anything in my car (besides pumping up the air in my tires!) and i've already seen an increase in efficiency just by changing my mindset and my driving techniques. good luck and welcome to ecomodder!

btw, i'm new too and just started hypermiling about a month and a half ago

Daox · 07-10-2008, 02:32 PM

Welcome to EM. mush3gan hit it on the head. Not much can beat driving technique (especially considering cost). Start your journey there. I'd bet you can hit high 20s fairly easily, and with a bit more work low 30s could be in your grasp without any modifications at all.

As for modifications, they definitly don't hurt when done right. Look into a grill block and/or other aerodynamic modifications that are listed in a sticky in the aero forum. They usually give you a good bang for your buck.

Johnny Mullet · 07-10-2008, 10:03 PM

Welcome here. Like stated, driving habits will develop better as you progress and this will save you the most.

For that Mustang, I would make sure it's well-tuned and running good first, then start reducing weight some and eventually progress into some aero modifications. All depends on how addicted you get to hypermiling.

Bakerboy · 07-13-2008, 01:52 AM

Thanks for the replies.

I already made a lot of the driving habit mods. I pumped up the tires, started accelerating much slower, and kept the speed down to 60 on my commutes to work. I went from 22.4 to 26.3. It's always good to see results! My goal is to crack the 30 mpg barrier. I'm going to tune up the car and change to 5w-20 mastercraft oil, new plugs and wires, and a new oxygen sensor. We'll see what kind of changes that makes. Thanks again.

Bakerboy