OG's VX Build: HyperMile Driving with some JDM Styling

[OG VX]

Originally Posted by jedi_sol

The drop in MPG is most likely due to combinations of colder weather and gas switching over the winter blend.

on my Sti...same commute to work, same driving techniques...i can barely muster 29-30 mpg in the winter.

Then when spring/summer rolls around....i can get 32-33 mpg easy.

I see. Thanks. What is this "winter blend" gas you speak of?

Originally Posted by bluesteel93

Awesome build! Just read through the whole thing in one sitting. I recently picked up a 94 VX and plan on some of the same eco-mods that you have done to yours. Thanks for the inspiration and keep up the good work!

Thanks so much sir! Glad my stumbling/ramblings on this build could be of inspiration! These cars are a blast to mod and drive around. Please start a build thread and share your progress ...and get an MPGuino as fast as you can!

[jedi_sol]

What is the Difference between Summer- and Winter-Blend Gasoline? | AAA NewsRoom


The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says conventional summer-blend gasoline contains 1.7 percent more energy than winter-blend gas, which is one reason why gas mileage is slightly better in the summer. However, the summer-blend is also more expensive to produce, and that cost is passed on to the motorist.

The switch between the two fuels happens twice a year, once in the fall (to winter-blend) and again in the spring (to summer-blend). The changeover requires significant work at refineries, so oil companies schedule their maintenance for those times when they will already be “down” for the blend switches.]

[OG VX]

Update 10/17/2014: Eibach Sportline Springs

After a month long search for quality used springs at a great price, I drove up to Lexington, NC on Saturday morning and picked up a set of used Eibach Sportline Springs.

The springs came bolted up to OEM shocks that were in fair condition. I went ahead and installed them them as-is, as I really didn’t want to fool with renting a spring compressor. Removal of the shocks and suspension bolts was a breeze on my car. I’m very fortunate to have such a clean chassis to work with.

The finished drop came out to be a solid 1.80” front and 1.70” rear. I’m very happy with the stance. Two finger gap in front; 2 ½ finger gap in the rear. The ride is good, though I think I’ll end up renting a spring compressor in the near future and pairing the springs with my OEM shocks, as the OEM shocks that were on my car are in better condition and are newer than the OEM shocks that the springs came with.

I picked everything up for $75, and sold my OEM mudflaps on Ebay for a $50 profit. So, the springs ended up costing about $25 + some gas and Saturday morning sleep.

While in the area, I lucked out and picked up a sweet head unit at a Lexington Salvage yard for an absolute steal. Online specs say it should have an amber light-up option. More on that in a future post...







Thanks for EcoTuning in!

[jedi_sol]

Night and day difference with the drop!

I know i could just google it, but iirc, the sportlines are stiffer/lower than the prokits?

Would oem shocks hold up to sportlines?

[OG VX]

Originally Posted by jedi_sol

Night and day difference with the drop!

I know i could just google it, but iirc, the sportlines are stiffer/lower than the prokits?

Would oem shocks hold up to sportlines?

Thanks Jedi! Yes, you can run the OEM shocks

Here's my posts on the subject today on Krohns27's thread:

I just installed some Eibach Sportline springs on the car this weekend. They came with used OEM shocks that were not in as good of condition as mine. I went ahead and ran them anyway, as I didn't want to fool with a spring compressor. They ride surprisingly well, even with the aged shocks. I plan to swap on my OEM shocks this coming weekend. Hoping that fixes the slightly bumpy ride and few rattles here in there. It is my understanding that with the Sportline's, you CAN run the OEM shocks, though aftermarkets are recommended, solely because they will wear out the OEM shocks over time. But, if I can eek out 15K or so out of them, while riding nice, I'll do that.

With the "pro kit", OEM shocks and suspension geometry is not affected severe enough to justify new shocks and an alignment kit.

But, the "sportline kit" is more aggressive. I'm glad I went with it though, as I believe the Pro Kit would have been too subtle of a change to really do much of anything... Being that the VX is the lightest Civic trim, I don't think it drops as much as, say an EX model.

[bluesteel93]

Interesting. The car definetly looks better sitting a little lower. I might have to look into this kit for mine although I'm sure it will likely depend more on what local craigslist deals I can find.

Need more pics of the car with the drop!

[OG VX]

Thanks BlueSteel93. I'll get some more pics up asap. I would like to do a little "State of the Build" shoot pretty soon, with a nice camera. A lot of the entry phases of the build are done, so it would be a nice cap to them, I think.

Man, I'm a good bit frustrated with the car over the last few days. I have been dealing with a good bit of loss in power/bogging, and a corresponding (intermittent) check engine light. The light, unfortunately, resets itself every time I turn off the engine. So, I can't pull a code to find out what is causing this issue.

Basically, car feels like it's operating at 80% of it's power potential. As a result, mileage is at 54.4 for this tank, and that's with me EOC'ing and using every bit of my still-novice hypermiling technique in my arsenal. Just last week I was getting 60+mpg trips nearly every outing, and now this...

I replaced the fuel pump with a known-good unit, coupled with a new sock filter. This helped a good bit, but has not completely solved the issue. The power is still not 100%. At this point, I"m leaning towards a plug or two may have been fouled from when the old fuel pump was performing at a sub-par level. I'll check them when I get home tonight.

Made 54.4 coming in this morning. No bueno. It's frustrating, as a month ago my engine was performing tip-top, but the aero was lacking. Now, a month later, I feel like I have the aero really coming along, but the engine is now lagging.

Ha! The drama of owning an older vehicle continues...

[jedi_sol]

I thought Honda ECU's store all codes until you unhook the battery?

[OG VX]

not for pre-OBDII cars. Atleast, it appears not...with this code. ha!

[The donkey CRX]

OG, your lack of performance and MPG could be due to colder weather or wind and rain. Don't panic until you are able to do a commute in clear weather with temps around 50 degrees. Every time I get stuck in heavy rains and wind, I always think something must have gone wrong with the motor because of the lower performance.