Slacker buys a Tercel - Page 2 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

Toby · 02-16-2010, 08:34 PM

I'm glad to hear there is consensus on the impact of aerodynamics.

busypaws · 02-16-2010, 09:41 PM

Doax,

Where did you get that chart? Please provide reference so I can get more details.

Thanks,

Daox · 02-17-2010, 08:12 AM

Click on "Tools" at the top of the page, then click on "Aerodynamic & rolling resistance, power & fuel consumption calculator". Here is a direct link:

Aerodynamic & rolling resistance, power & MPG calculator - EcoModder.com

For the Tercel, I used 2200 lbs (2000 lb curb weight + person and stuff) and .010 Crr since thats probably closer to reality. Cd is .32 for the car and I got the frontal area from the wiki page on CdA (also a link on the top of the page). Everything else I left as is.

Gasoline Fumes · 02-17-2010, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toby

This car, by the way, is the second worst winter driving vehicle I have ever experienced. It has the 155 tires, and the handling and breaking are just poor in the extreme on anything but bone dry conditions.

They're usually great in snow. You might need an alignment and some good 155/80 snow tires.

MetroMPG · 02-17-2010, 10:38 AM

Skinny tires can be excellent in snow because they cut through it to get traction on the ground.

All my skinny-tired FWD cars have been very good.... unless the tires themselves had bad treads (either depth or design).

Daox · 02-17-2010, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gasoline Fumes

They're usually great in snow. You might need an alignment and some good 155/80 snow tires.

I agree, I've never had problems. It is a light car, so ruts do throw it around, and lane changes can be interesting on slushy roads (build up between lanes). But other than that, I've found the car to be great in snow.

Ditto on the snow tires too, love em on the wife's car.

Wonderboy · 02-17-2010, 10:44 AM

Welcome to EM Toby! You chose a great base for hypermiling/ecomodding. There are a few really knowledgeable tercel/paseo people that can provide a huge wealth of knowledge and ideas to you, and as I can see you've already met one of the most prominent

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toby

It's a sweet ride with 94 hp, 85k miles, a couple dents, and wicked pink "graphix" reading "sport."

I recently bought a Tercel with a blown engine for an electric conversion with some pretty wicked graphix. I don't know if you can beat mine in the wicked department:

Look at that detailing! :P

Anyway, sorry to hear about the winter handling - Tercels come with some pretty teeny tires, and after you tough out the winter, they will reward you generously in the warmer months.

Toby · 02-18-2010, 07:16 PM

You certainly have me beat in the fly graphixxx department. But I guess I'll take my running engine as compensation.

I've lived in East Africa most of the past few years, and I've driven my Nissan 4wd pickup most of this winter. I've probably just forgotten what driving a small sedan in snow is like.

My tires were maxed for this last tank. I also started doing some EOC. That made for a nice little boost.

Toby · 05-04-2010, 10:48 PM

I've been hemming and hawing about removing my power steering as it shares a belt with the AC compressor. I just wasn't convinced I was going to go without it.

I know I could get a shorter belt and/or make an idler pulley, but that would require effort.

Today something snapped. I finally decided to unbelt the entirety. I drove a few blocks and I could barely notice the difference in the steering. There better be a boost on the next tank.

Wonderboy · 05-05-2010, 10:26 AM

I recently did that too with little difference in steering ability (except stuff like parallel parking - things with big, slow turns). I'm almost done with the tank of gas the change will be reflected in. I hope you notice some gains in mpg!