You know you're an ecomodder if/when... - Page 137 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

Christ · 10-26-2012, 12:52 AM

You can start by looking for the BSFC maps for that engine, or having it dyno'd if you can find someone with a Dynamometer that will read such a small HP reading.

Generally, the peak BSFC is around peak torque as well... this is important for setting up your CVT system, because you want to have the ability to accelerate almost linearly at or just below peak torque at 80%-WOT.

Then you want your "cruise RPM" as low as possible while still maintaining power to keep the vehicle at a steady speed without constant changes in throttle position. Remember, each time the CVT has to compensate and provide more power to the wheel, you're losing a good bit of energy through the belt slippage and torque required to move the components of the CVT system.

One of the first things you can do is get a chain drive and transmission setup to get better mileage. Most engines you find (ATV engines, etc) will be 4 stroke, saving the pollution from a smoker as well.

If you can't find an engine small enough, you're only making a few HP so you'd also be able to remove the CVT system and retro-fit a Shimano index and bicycle chain drive setup if you're mechanically inclined. There isn't much welding necessary for that, just enough to get the proper matings for the cartridge and the stub shaft on the rear tire, then again to mount a chain sprocket to the engine. Keep the chain lubed and make sure you keep an eye on chain stretch.

wmjinman · 10-26-2012, 03:58 AM

Whoa, GREAT ideas!!! Thanks! I might be a little hesitant to start chopping up a brand new vehicle with less than 50 miles on it, though!!! I really like the bicycle chain & gearing system idea, though. Wow, that could be awesome!

I wonder if I could substitute bicycle wheels & tires as well? Boy, that would be some low drag, wouldn't it? This thing has some small diameter wheels with tires that look a little "beefy" to me - - - kinda wide and with tread almost like a 4-wheel ATV or something.

I think this thing has a fuel injected, 4 stroke engine - 49cc. I got the owner's manual last week & read a little of it. Guess the first item of business is to do a proper "break-in". Manual says the first 600 miles. That might take awhile! It doesn't have a "tach", though, so I guess i'd have to get one to see where my RPMs are.

euromodder · 10-26-2012, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wmjinman

I think I learned how long it takes for a few miles of bad mpg to be brought back up. And the final "lesson" might be just how bad a "bad" episode of driving can hurt the whole tank average. (with the result of trying to minimize those "bad" episodes)

I could have told you how hard it is

I'm relearning the lesson all the time, after yet another DPF regeneration cycle has taken its toll on my tank average - instant fuel use is doubled during regen

It takes nearly 2 commutes to work off what the regeneration during the third commute adds to the average ...

PaleMelanesian · 10-26-2012, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wmjinman

I think I learned how long it takes for a few miles of bad mpg to be brought back up. And the final "lesson" might be just how bad a "bad" episode of driving can hurt the whole tank average. (with the result of trying to minimize those "bad" episodes)

Which is why I try to do my best every time I get behind the wheel. It only takes a handful of not-great events and you're down a chunk. Once the fuel is burned, it's gone. You can't "make it up" later. You can minimize its effect through the power of averaging, but you can't get it back. EVERY BIT COUNTS!

Christ · 10-26-2012, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaleMelanesian

Which is why I try to do my best every time I get behind the wheel. It only takes a handful of not-great events and you're down a chunk. Once the fuel is burned, it's gone. You can't "make it up" later. You can minimize its effect through the power of averaging, but you can't get it back. EVERY BIT COUNTS!

First law of Thermodynamics called. It wants to have a talk with you.

/me being a smartass