New Member / New Hampshire - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

lgtech · 08-04-2008, 09:49 PM

Hi all,

I have to say that I'm quickly becoming addicted to this site! I read all of Andy's 5th gen civic project in one sitting (where did he get that cool vid of the fluid flow for his boat tail???). Now, when I look at my 2000 accord coupe, all I can think of is the mods! Advertised drag coefficient of .33 (yuk)

I just started a new job that's 80 miles round trip, but luckily I can work from home a couple days a week. So, it's the perfect time to start this.... I'll start with what everyone suggests: measure, measure, measure.

#1) The ScanGuage

#2) tune up with better spark plugs and air intake

#3) I thought I'd lower the car, getting some low rolling resistance tires and aero hub caps: I want to get the ride height right before I start any underbody or airdam mods.

Thoughts?

Lgtech

sohl · 08-05-2008, 01:44 PM

Welcome! Lowering your car could have a long pay-back time if you only count the fuel economy benefit, dependeing of course on how much labor you can do for yourself and how expensive any replacement parts are, as well as how much highway driving you do. There was a good thread about this elsewhere in the forum. Then again, you might want to do it for other reasons, so the FE benefit would be essentially free. Assuming you get decent prices, the other things on your list seem worthwhile.

Another thread on lowering.

lgtech · 08-05-2008, 03:15 PM

I appreciate the links to threads - I'll consider those before I pull the trigger. But I digress.... the scanguage comes first!

Lawrence

Johnny Mullet · 08-05-2008, 11:18 PM

The Scangauge will pay for itself in no time. You will enjoy using it! Welcome to the site.

MetroMPG · 08-09-2008, 12:40 AM

It's hard not to get motivated by Andrew's build. Welcome to EcoModder.

SVOboy · 08-09-2008, 01:31 AM

Where are you in NH?

lgtech · 08-11-2008, 07:59 PM

I'm over on the seacoast by Exeter. Here are some pics of the virgin accord. I love the side view... it already looks like an airfoil.

lgtech · 08-11-2008, 08:14 PM

By the way guys, thanks for the welcome! It's going to be a ton of fun to tinker on this throughout the coming year (or more).

However, I gotta get the attic EcoModded first. Apparently, air leaks weren't a big deal back when the house was built in '72. ~1200 gallons of heating oil last year and this year's price is @ $4.50/gal. Yes, that's $5400 to heat the house this winter. *gulp* Perhaps every buck I save in home heating oil, goes into the accord.

Speaking of savings... do most folks do ROI analysis on their car investments? I haven't seen too much, but then again, this is a deep site.