New record distance!

[2003protege]

I need a trickle charger. Have any recommendations?

Also, how often do you actually key-start the engine? I've come to the realization that I should probably try to roll/bump start as often as possible when running the battery down to such low levels ('til I get the charger).

[VegasDude]

Amazing. Just amazing. Further proof the driver determines the mileage, not the car or the EPA. But it helps to have a Civic. I had a 5 speed '97 LX a few years ago. It had a few dents, I wanted something nicer, so I got the Altima. I'm wondering what my numbers would be like if I kept it. The extra 1.9 liters in the Altima don't get me to work any faster.

I just checked and I only saved one picture of it

My only concern is running the tank to empty, or near empty, may result in premature fuel pump failure. Without singling out any car builders in particular, I know it can be a major problem.

[PaleMelanesian]

Trickle charger: I got a cheap one at Harbor Freight for under $10. It does the job for what I need. Going alternatorless would require more charging, so you'd have to get a good one. Daox just tested a couple: http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...tml#post193639

Vegas: Great picture! That looks just like my car. Same engine and trans, too. (I don't have the sunroof, spoiler, clear taillights, backup lights, rims, etc) With what you're doing in that Altima, you'd be scaring me with your numbers.

About the fuel pump, I share your concern. I only run it low when I can get a distance record. That means I did so on the last three tanks. Now, however, I'll be filling sooner. Cooler weather and morning school dropoff duty are knocking my numbers down a notch. If I can't get a new record, why push it so far?

[HaiRuiDe]

Thats some good drivin there!!!

[HaiRuiDe]

Now why are you trickle charging? Are you running alternator less? I am new to this stuff and tryin to take it all in... thanks!

[PaleMelanesian]

When I do a lot of EOC (engine off coasting), the battery runs down a bit. All the time the engine is off, the alternator is not charging the battery, but the lights and ecu are still drawing power. I trickle charge to keep it topped off. A couple cents of electricity is cheaper than a couple dollars of gas to leave it idling for the coasting parts.

[wildfire8]

1.5 Watt Solar Battery Charger

I have one that is a 1 watt. And have never had any problem with low charge. Once left a light on in my car and went to start it and noticed it was on and turned the key and it started right up. I got mine for $10 - $15.

[AntiochOG]

Wow, I am truly impressed you can squeeze that kind of mileage out with so few mods. I'm going to have to start doing some engine off coasting.

[euromodder]

Originally Posted by AntiochOG

Wow, I am truly impressed you can squeeze that kind of mileage out with so few mods. I'm going to have to start doing some engine off coasting.

Start with the engine on

Before you go coasting with the engine-off, check out your car's remaining braking capacity.
Power steering quits right away.
Power brakes fall away more gradually, but the brakes can get very hard to operate unassisted.

The original Miata isn't too heavy, so braking unassisted might work.
On my car the brakes get rock-hard quite quickly and stopping distances are greatly increased - the reason I'm not even considering engine-off coasting.

[PaleMelanesian]

Good points. My power steering gives very minimal assist, so there's little difference between on and off. Brakes - I have about four good pumps available in mine, and I can still stop it without the boost too. It does take more effort from me, but the brakes stop the car just as well. I would advise testing it out so you know what to expect. If I know I've used the brakes three times (one more and it runs out), I'll do a quick bump-start then key off again, just to rebuild my vacuum boost.