Vibe mods: One man's quest to better 40mpg.

[Daox]

I'd really love to see what a regeared tranny would do for the car. I know it would really help out in my case since my wife drives the car primarily and she doesn't P&G. However, its no small modification...

[Tango Charlie]

Hmmm. That would be interesting. What kind of gearing does the Vibe GT have? 'Course, it's the cost of such a mod that eliminates its possibility for me. The wife already complains I spend so much effort on a car that "already runs fine!"

[QuickLTD]

Look at diiferent model years of both the Vibe and Matrix. I know sometimes manufacturers silently play with gear ratios.

[Daox]

Haha, the vibe GT has way worse gearing for FE even being a 6 speed. Its 6th is the same ratio as our 5th, but their differential is geared much higher.

You could get a differential from a 98-02 Corolla. But, that would only drop your rpms @ 60 from 2313 to 2185... That small of a change isn't worth anything unfortunately.

The only real modification is a doozie. Take your 2nd gear, invert it and use it as a new 5th gear. This requires an extra transmission and a bit of machining work. This all adds up to a whopping price tag unfortunately. However, it would drop your rpms down to 1650 @ 60 mph.

[Tango Charlie]

Where'd you hear about that? Got any links?
I'm no machinist, But I've got access to a decent lathe and mill.

[Funny]

Subscribed, very nice install of the grill block. I have the same engine as your vibe, so I look forward to reading all the posts that I missed on this one.

[Daox]

Here are a few. The results have been quite good. The Tercel post has the most information on modifying an inverted 2nd gear.

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...ercel-952.html

Modifying Gears for Taller Overdrive

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...10-a-2748.html

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...swap-2779.html

[gone-ot]

...where's the shark teeth? She's gotta have those Flying Tiger "Shark Teeth" so she can scare the wind aside to let her "...slide thru the air..." with the greatest of ease!

...my wife has an '04 Vibe 1.8L (1ZZ-FE) with the 4-speed automatic, so I've been reading this WHOLE saga with interest. BTW, my car is an '09 Vibe 1.8L (2ZR-FE) also with the 4-speed overdrive automatic...although both are 1.8L engines, they're totally different with different bore & stroke and different fuel delivery systems.

...way back in 1981, I cut lexan covers for our '81 Ford Escort for aerodynamic reasons, but wasn't really able to quantify and measure differences in mpg...looked cool though.

...back in the 1950's the "moon" hub caps (full disc) were the rage for any car attempting Bonneville time trials, for exactly the same reason today's "pizza" platters are popular (after eating the pizza of course)...aerodynamics!

...have you thought about an adjustable grill (louver) opening? With maybe a hand rotary crank (or push-pull) actuation? During COLD weather you close it up (like truckers do with their snapable radiatior blankets), then open it up during HOT weather just enough to maintain acceptable coolant temperature?

[Tango Charlie]

Ha ha! Thanks for the interest, Old Tele man! Yay, more Vibes!
I had to remove the lower grille block during these warmer summer months. An adjustable grille block would be cool, but I have not even committed to putting it on the 'to-do' list. Too many other things to accomplish first. Heck, I don't even have the wheel discs you mention yet.
I'm afraid the mods to Olivia will come at an even slower pace, due to being layed off indefinitely. I just thought I didn't have money before. Most of my energy is spent job hunting and getting things done around the house that have been neglected too long. Anybody know of anyone hiring an A&P mechanic with an IA?

[Istas]

Augh, sorry to hear that Tango. I wish you luck in finding new employment.