Max out my MPG!

[Darlo]

Hey all,

I am hoping to do a few changes to my festiva to make it get even better gas mileage than it already does. However, I am really dense when it comes to anything mechanical, lol. I am thinking of starting with removal of my mirror and covering the rear wheel wells.......

Check out this site www.aerocivic.com to see where I am getting my inspiration.....

Any suggestions are very appreciated!

[ericsmith32]

I do a front lip first.. there's alot of stuff to catch wind underneath. Also there's a small gap between the rear bumper cover and body close that up. Small stuff like flush mounting the turn signals and removing the mirrors (I've thought of doing the same I rarely use them). I like the idea of covering the rear wheels just don't have the expertise to do so. Unfortunately I don't drive enough to pay the mods off.

[bhazard]

Everything at aerocivic (and ecomodder) will tell you what to do. Block up the grill. You shouldnt have overheating issues. Do a lip spoiler. The lower the better. Belly pan. Rear skirts. Smooth wheel covers. If your engine is sealed up good go to low viscosity oil. I wouldnt be afraid to run 5w-20.

Oh forgot something, the nut behind the wheel may need adjustment.

[ericsmith32]

Be careful on which 5w20 you use. I tried Havoline 5w20 in my 94 Aspire with a 91 Festy motor and it did not like it. Gas mileage was terrible. I used Motorcraft 5w20 in the 95 Aspire with the regular motor and did pretty good. Motorcraft is probably the thickest 5w20 you can get start there. Make sure your fan is working before you block the grill. It might offset the advantages if the fan runs all the time. It did on the 95 Aspire.. a partial block might be better.

Also something else I though off the other day. How about eliminating one of the wipers and put the remaining so it's pointing straight up when not being used? I know it's a ricer mod but it seems on the Festy the wipers catch alot of wind on the highway.

[Aaronbrook37]

I do a front lip first.. there's alot of stuff to catch wind underneath. Also there's a small gap between the rear bumper cover and body close that up. Small stuff like flush mounting the turn signals and removing the mirrors (I've thought of doing the same I rarely use them). I like the idea of covering the rear wheels just don't have the expertise to do so. Unfortunately I don't drive enough to pay the mods off.

According to scientific research done in Australia, the front lip can prove to negate efforts to increase fuel economy because it doesn't resolve turbulence behind the bumper/lip. You're much better off lowering the car and doing a front bellypan instead of a lip, which will create downforce and increase the front area of the car. A front lip in CONJUNCTION with a front bellypan can work fine though. In and of itself, the front lip isn't worth all that much though.

[speedoholic]

You can't put the wiper straight up the middle. I tried. When I had my Fit, I had EXELENT results with Mobil1 5-20

[Nerd Racing]

laws require you to have at least one mirror... FYI

[Pu241]

Move the mirrors inside.
Might, haven't confirmed, but driver-side mirror mounted inside to passenger door and reverse for Passenger mirror.
Probably will only work for manual OEM mirror, if that.
Swoopies need not apply.

Check out other threads for MPG ideas or practical experience.
Speed kills MPG.

[Darlo]

My driving is definitely not the issue, lol. I drive a maximum of 80kmh (50mph), and I use gradual starting and stopping techniques.

I just filled up an hour ago, and I went 623.7kms with only 30.03 liters (390 miles and 7.93 Gallons) So about 49mpg! With no mods........

Anyone else getting that or better??? What are you doing???:banghead:

[Pu241]

Anyone else getting that or better??? What are you doing???:banghead:

I've done better, with lowering springs on the front and 175-60-13 323 alloys all around.
Hit 56+ mpg during the summer on US interstate in a 400+ mile trip I take regularily.

[91_festy_Gl]

How come the octane hasnt come into play? I notice that when I buy the good stuff I get better gas milage then buying low octane fuel. I guess it takes less fuel to run better especially when its burning cleaner?

[bhazard]

The only way premium gas is gonna help is if you have your timing advanced.

Premium gas isnt "higher" quality. Its higher octane, as in its harder to ignite. Helps prevent detonation/pre-ignition.

[Pu241]

How come the octane hasnt come into play? I notice that when I buy the good stuff I get better gas milage then buying low octane fuel. I guess it takes less fuel to run better especially when its burning cleaner?

Ah, good point, my OEM fester (1.3 5spd) gets better mpg with 89 vs 87 octane. About 3 MPG more so worth the usual price difference.
With my BP I see no difference in MPG, though I think, it runs smoother on the 89!

[91_festy_Gl]

Ah, good point, my OEM fester (1.3 5spd) gets better mpg with 89 vs 87 octane. About 3 MPG more so worth the usual price difference.
With my BP I see no difference in MPG, though I think, it runs smoother on the 89!

I notice a diffrence aswell on my OEM festy. Even after I put 15's on it I havent really noticed a big diffrence. 20$ and im good all week lol.

[red stiva]

My car gets about 2 miles to the gallon better if you don't run gasohol.