Newb with a 2002 Saturn SL SOHC 5-speed
 

Hello all,
Just wanted to introduce myself. I've been checking out this site for a while now. Lot's of good information here.
I purchased this car new and have always been impressed with the mileage it got. Usually 36 to 38 mpgs or better average. Lately I've been using some of the driving techniques from this site and some modifications to the vehicle to bring the average up to at least 40 mpgs or better consistently. The car has newer Michilen tires which I've bumped the pressure up to maximum of 44psi. I've also changed the trans lube to Mobil 1 synthetic ATF.
I am a Machinist / Tig welder / metal fabricator. Some of the things you guys are doing to your cars interest me. I am already planning a few other mods to the car but doing it in such a way as to not detract too drastically from it's appearence. This includes smoothing the underside, grill mods, rear wheel well skirts, smooth wheel covers, and lightening the vehicle where possible.
This could be fun. I hope to share some of my mods with you guys as I progress with this. I've always been an efficiency freak whether it is with bicycles, motorcycles, RC planes and cars, or any other hobbies of mine over the years.
Peace, VIN

Welcome to the site!

2002SL -

Welcome to EM! With your skillzzz, I'll bet you could do some excellent aero-mods.

CarloSW2

Thank you for the warm welcome you guys.
This push for better mileage hobby is starting to pay off lately with this Saturn. Last tank: 42MPG. At this time of year here in Michigan this is very encouraging.
cfg83-Yes my skill set opens up some cool possibilties. I am planning some things already for this car and some of these mods are aerodynamic in nature. It's challenging and fun to try and continually improve the mileage score. VIN

The last three fill ups on this car have netted 44.5, 44.8, and 45.5 MPG's respectively!
2002 Saturn SL 5-speed. 80% highway. Driving slower than I used to. Usually not over 65 and drafting when feasible. Tire pressure bumped up to the posted sidewall max of 44 psi. Coasting in neutral when traffic allows. Basically, just using some of the fuel saving techniques learned on this site and allowing myself a bit more time to get somewhere. The window sticker for this car shows 40 MPG highway so I'm doing alright.
I just had to tell somebody and I knew you guys were the ones to tell.
Interestingly, it still amazes me that most and I do mean MOST drivers on the X-way still drive at least 80 and many are faster than this. I guess gasoline is not that expensive yet.
VIN

Time to add even more hypermiling tricks to your driving ;)

Are those 40mpg the old or new EPA rating ?
If it's the old one, you'd be doing pretty good !

I've got a 99' SL. I've been right around the 45-48mpg range since i've bought the car. I've got a vacuum gauge installed and do a lot of EOC, not so much pulse and glide though.

Make sure you keep this guy's ebay page saved.

Saturn Shifter Bushing Cable Replacement End Loop | eBay

These saturns are NOTORIOUS for faulty shifter cables. Specifically, connection between the metal cable and the plastic eyelet is a horrible design. The connection is so weak that it breaks very easily. Don't waste your money on buying a new shift cable, because it will do the same thing 2 weeks after you install it (the dorman cables are worse than the OEM ones).