Project: 2001 Nissan Sentra *pics inside*
 

Bought the car in '09 for super cheap with 105K miles on it. It's a 2001 Nissan Sentra SE, 5 speed, with the performance package, which included a rear spoiler, 16" wheels, strut bar, and a limited slip differential. This car has the SR20DE (2.0L inline 4) engine for any of you who are familiar with it. Car currently has 128K miles on it and I'm in the process of modifying and changing certain areas of the vehicle in order for it to become more fuel efficient.

I've done a small amount of weight reduction and streamlining that includes the following:

* removed rear speakers and supporting bracket
* removed spare tire and jack
* removed rear spoiler
* replaced the original battery with a lawn and tractor unit (15lbs.)
* replaced 16" wheels with 15" 240SX wheels (same offset), on 195-60-15 Falken Ziex ZE-512 tires at max psi

* Running synthetic diesel oil (5w40), new spark plugs ever other oil change
* Timing advanced to 17* on 93 octane fuel
* ES motor mount inserts
* Adjusted driving style

Most of my driving is in the city with air conditioning. The car is rated at 21 city/28 highway. Currently getting just under 27mpg. I just had the tires mounted yesterday, so we will see if a smaller/taller tire helps. Any suggestions or comments are appreciated.

Pictures below:

http://i.imgur.com/fuUdpJxl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/44ruIx4l.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/bqlSEAul.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/FTBynB5l.jpg

Got 29.95mpg, almost all city driving last tank. Things are looking up.

Is it hard to start with that much timing advance and the smaller battery? The 93 octane is to suppress knock of the timing advance? What's the compression on those cars out of curiosity?

No, the car fires right up. It was 38* F out a couple days ago and it fired right up as well. It's an Everstart Lawn & Tractor Battery from Walmart ($30). Timing is set at 15* from the factory. Yes, 93 octane is used to suppress knock. Honestly, on 17* I could easily get away with 91 octane. The motor is 9:5:1 compression and can handle up to around 20* on 93 octane. No more power is made beyond that on a stock motor. The reason I advanced the timing is it gives a nice boost of torque in the midrange. I don't have to work the motor as hard, hence better gas mileage.

I'm trying to decide what to do next. I think 30mpg city is about as good as it's going to get as it sits.

Air up tires, grill block, remove right side mirror, pizza pan wheelcovers.

Tires are at 45psi, which is close to maximum pressure. Do the other 3 help significantly?

No - but togehter it helps. Every little mod adds to the overall result.

Today, I became a hypermiler. I just crossed 30mpg last tank.

Now bring your average past 30!
Now wait for the thrill you get when you manage to get 40 MPG.

had one of these i recently sold, im not sure what motor was in it but took it to charleston for a trip and im wanting to say i got 34ish all highway driving easy?