Newb: 1993 dodge spirit
 

Hey guys and gals,

I am new to the ecomodding world, but not to the automotive world. I am a motor head who has just bought my first car that i am going to mod for the sake of economy.

It's a 1993 Dodge Spirit Base Sedan. It has the 2.5L 4 cylinder and a 5 speed transmission. While it would not have been my first choice for my project, the deal fell in my lap, so I am going to run with it. The car has 164k on the ticker and is ready for some more. I got the hooptie from my sister who is known to be hell on wheels. I believe that my best and most beneficial mods will be just catching up on the maintenance that is long overdue.

I ran my first tank of petrol through her over the last week and just got my first economy results today. I am starting a list of catch up maintenance items that need to be done, and am going to try to work some eco-mods into those repairs.

I would like to ask your opinion about the first mods I should do to the car. Say, a list of 5 mods. Assuming the car is in tip-top stock condition, where should I start? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

I think I have said enough for now. Thanks for having an awesome website.

--bob

Hi Bob - welcome to the forum. So maybe a Spirit wouldn't have been the #1 choice for economy, but the 5-speed is its saving grace. Gives you options in driving that the automatic just doesn't.

After basic maintenance, I'd go for:

1) fuel economy instrumentation - you'll need to build / buy an MPGuino since your car is older than 1996

2) block heater

3) partial grille block

What type of driving do you do most? The next tips would depend on the answer.

my driving is mixed. i have a 7 mile drive to work and a 14 mile drive to school, most of which is 35mph through town. about 7 miles of the 14 mile commute to school is 45 and 55mph zones. 2 miles of my drive to work is 55 mph, the rest being 35 and 40 mph. i drive around 250 miles per week.