"Top 10" list of mods for beginners - do we need one? What would you pick?

[Christ]

I, uh... um... Well, you see...










Ok, I'm really bad at making anything for "beginners". I just wait for the questions, and answer them accordingly, keeping in mind that this is the internets, and you're never really sure who you're talking to, and in all the internets, it's a proven fact that women do not exist.

[animated_zombie]

Maybe I can help you guys make a n00b list.
I'm a new help make me a list

I've been reading through the 65+ list, and I've already started quite a bit.

I've been doing my best to change my driving style,
(ie, shifting into neutral when at a red light), and I have plans for some modification.
Grille block, mirror removal, (I'm drawing up some plans for under-body block off plates).

But what would you suggest?

1996 Toyota Camry LE Wagon.

Yes, I am open to modification!

I drive city and highway about evenly.

Hope this isn't frowned upon, just trying to interject for us n00bs.

Thanks everyone!

Edit: I forgot to mention, I plan on keeping a log. This will tell you how long I've had the car, but I haven't used the first tank yet...

[user removed]

Speed limit or lower.
Highest gear that will give you the desired acceleration.
Tires at sidewall max.
Learn to maximise coasting and DFCO.
Route selections, fewest left turns and idling.

Thats pretty much what I use, and my results are listed here.

I di have a WAI on my VX that draws air off the top or the radiator. but that would be #6.

regards
Mech

[robchalmers]

My take on the play

1) Check alignment
2) MPG instrumentation, keep a fuel log
3) tire pressure at MAX side wall
4) basic maintenance items (oil+filters, bearings lubed)
5) partial grille blocking
6) roof rack removal
7) cut the lard(ditch unnecessary weight....including your better half)
8) follow bigger cars

[jkp1187]

Agree w/above - "nut behind the wheel" should always be first.

[bgd73]

start with learning the vehicle...

coincidentally, the TDI thread I just browsed through spoke of 2000 rpm driving...where does that leave the oil pump?

questions like this...
start with your vehicle.
learn oil system,
intake heated, not heated, downdraft, injection, low pressure fuel, high pressure, boosted, natural..gear ratios...gas/diesel...
max torque..

I mention this all the time... I am in an opposite world on alot of things with a 3 main boxer. no roof rack delete for me.. big tires welcome, heavy hubs in the rear for brakes, etc. The heavier I seem to be gaining, the better than ever it is. 9to1 compression helps that fact...
add that to stuff to know about your car.. high compression or lower (<9.2 to 1)?

[PaleMelanesian]

Here's my basic list:

1. Setup the car with standard adjustments - tire pressure, good oil, good tires, etc
2. Trim the extra - weight, roof racks
3. Get a gauge, or use the one you have and record results
4. After #3, adjust the nut. Then adjust some more. Then some more.

Then the modding starts
5. mild aero - grille block, wheel covers
6. kill switch / eoc switch
7. medium aero - skirts, boattail / kamm, undertray
8,9,10 - depends on the car and your goals.

[robchalmers]

Originally Posted by bgd73

start with learning the vehicle...

coincidentally, the TDI thread I just browsed through spoke of 2000 rpm driving...where does that leave the oil pump?

most engines have pump suited to scavenge and supply through out the majority of the useable range. I know that the older 1.9s supplied well from 1100rpm upwards. the higher rev range wasn't really an issues as the torque/power tailed off after 3600.. most people didn't go that far so over pressuring was in frequent and dealt with by the breather.

[honestabe]

-Drive with your windows all the way up
-Don't turn on the A/C or heat, instead open the vent that allows air from the outside into the cabin and adjust your heat knob to give you the desired temp of air blowing (free heat or A/C without the MPG killing).
-Accellerate gentler
Switch to neutral and coast as much as possible without dropping below the speed limit

[mcrews]

MAN!!!!!
WHAT IS THE PROBLEM HERE?????

Just go back and look at the extensive A-B-Z testing that was done and you will see as plan as the nose on your face.........

Here I get up at 4am!!!!!!!
wearing my lime green car boxers.........
to get a drink of water.....

I sit down at my computer
go to ECOMODDER.com.....
hoping that reading a few of Frank Lee or Christ's posts will make me sleeppppyyyyy

AND I find THIS!!!!!!!!!

So I walk uotside ....in the dark.....with my phone ........



and take a pic of the #1 Proven item to add 10% fuel effecency.....





















I'm goin back to bed.....



tee hee hee....


here is a morning view........