Automatics, do they suck? Or just sort of?

[Gracecardriver]

yeah, that makes a big difference. My toyota pickup (which generally get decent mileage for a truck anyway)was idling at about 3000 rpm b/c of a missing linkage and I was getting terrible mileage 'til I found a replacement. Yeah, I wasn't jazzed at reading that the automatics are 3 speeds...

[Gracecardriver]

Yeah, this is definitely not a flat area, lots of valleys and big ridges.

[Gracecardriver]

was planning on switching to something bigger than 12s anyways, because they've gotten rather expensive.

[Gracecardriver]

Thanks for that tidbit, that does make a difference, I was wondering about that. Considered a carbed one in my area a few months ago but they can be wonky, unlike the older more straightforward carbs. Ideally, would like to just find another '91 manual so parts are compatible with the parts car I'm driving. I think after all this input, it's clear I should stop wavering and stick to my guns, thanks guys!

[Gracecardriver]

Ha! when I start considering aluminum rims for such an already small and light car.... I'll be at a whole new level. I don't deliver pizzas, I mainly use the car for driving in the country or long trips. Granted I don't go over 55-60 generally, I do like to be able to zip up those hills if there's not a passing lane for everybuddy to pass me by, and this car sounds like that would be a struggle.

[TominMO]

Regarding low-speed aero, when I was testing my 1.3L 5-speed EFI Festy, I got 58.0 mpg at 55 mph, and 62.5 mpg at 45 mph; both tests in 5th gear. So 10 mpg slower only showed a 4.5 mpg difference. Even slower would provide even less of an aero difference. Of course, the better mpg at 45 mph was also due to lower rpm, so it wasn't even purely the lower aero resistance that contributed to the 4.5 mpg gain. IMO 55 mph is a pretty good sweet spot for mileage vs. getting somewhere in a reasonable time (unless you're driving cross-country and on a schedule). 60 is more socially acceptable on the hwy, so that's what I drive generally, except for road trips.

[bhazard]

Ha! when I start considering aluminum rims for such an already small and light car.... I'll be at a whole new level. I don't deliver pizzas, I mainly use the car for driving in the country or long trips. Granted I don't go over 55-60 generally, I do like to be able to zip up those hills if there's not a passing lane for everybuddy to pass me by, and this car sounds like that would be a struggle.

If you're doing a lot of long trips and such I would hold out for a 5 speed. Also bigger tires will make the auto more sluggish up hills.

[old yellow]

I do 65 at about 4500-5000 RPM up hills in 2nd in my festiva auto in 3rd I do about 3000 RPM at 65

[bhazard]

What size tire? Stock tires will run you about 55 mph at 3000 rpm.

[old yellow]

What size tire? Stock tires will run you about 55 mph at 3000 rpm.

175/70/13 on aftermarket aluminum rims

[F3BZ]

as mentioned, a little more power would do wonders. the only reason i've stored and hung onto a pristine GL auto is the vision of plugging the ATX into a BPD. enough power for any hill but not enough to stress the trans. probably the same or better MPG just cruising.

[bhazard]

as mentioned, a little more power would do wonders. the only reason i've stored and hung onto a pristine GL auto is the vision of plugging the ATX into a BPD. enough power for any hill but not enough to stress the trans. probably the same or better MPG just cruising.

I'm working on that. NA BP auto is a lot of fun around town. I've managed high-15 second quarter miles. Hopefully this year it will end up at least as quick as my old BP turbo car.