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57 MPG from a 98 Metro
Topic Started: Sep 26 2008, 07:07 PM (5,108 Views)
Johnny Mullet
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Fear the Mullet

I have a 1998 Metro that is mostly modded for fuel economy. I also boast it on my rear window...........

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The very first step in getting good fuel mileage is to "Adjust the Nut behind the wheel" which would be the driver. For more info on changing your driving habits, visit Ecomodder.com and check out the Hypermiling Tips to learn how. Your best numbers will come from this!

The next step is to make sure the car is running like it's supposed to and properly maintained. Simple things like changing the air filter, performing a tune-up, etc will net results in the long run.

Weight Reduction/Rolling resistance

Remove all that junk in your trunk! I also removed my spare tire and jack, but that is entirely up to you. Remember that stuff don't ride for free. My tires are also inflated to 44 PSI which is the max allowable pressure rated on my tire. This will give you some impressive numbers alone. All my brakes were disassembled, freed up, and lubricated so no brake parts are holding the car back. I also replaced bad bearings. If my car is sitting on a perfectly flat surface out of gear, I can literally push it with one finger. You would be surprised how many vehicles on the road have frozen caliper slides and seized pad mounts.

Engine Mods

I advanced my ignition timing to around 8 degrees advance. Best way to adjust is start around 10 degrees and slowly back off until valve clatter noise goes away under load. I also removed the air intake tube from the inner fender to allow the engine to get warm air. My exhaust has also been upgraded with 1 3/4" pipe and a few other things were done that I won't get into right now.

Aerodynamics

First step was my passenger mirror delete. I pre-drilled two holes in the metal support behind the mirror mount. I then used 2 black sheet metal screws to attach the plate firmly in place. I was going to use silicone on the cover to seal up any gaps, but after installing the cover, it looked good enough for me...........

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Next, I relocated my external radio antenna to the inside of the car. First thing was to remove the "A" pillar trim by pulling it off and sliding the antenna down the pillar. I plugged the antenna into the radio and put the trim piece back on. I decided to have mine stick out slightly to also use it for holding receipts, toll tickets, etc. You then need to find a rubber grommet or piece of plastic to cover the original antenna mounting hole.

Here's a pic.................

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Now the front bumper needs some major work. I experimented with several methods of blocking off the airflow (except for cooling) at the front of the car for better aerodynamics. I used a plastic truck mudflap and cut it to fit and it came out like this............

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Electrical

I run as little power as possible when driving. I don't use the radio or heater fan unless needed and keep everything off as much as possible. I also changed a lot of my lighting to LED lamps. This includes replacing 5 "194" bulbs with LED and my front turn signal/marker lamps. My interior lamps are also LED. These lights are better than standard bulbs because they are brighter and use less power. Here are some images............

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These are extremely bright in the dark..........

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I also disabled my Daytime Running Lamps using this method.............

I simply removed the center console.
Slide both seats forward and remove the 2 screws on the sides.
Raise the parking brake lever and get console out of way.
Looked for the wire at the back of the lever.
Loosened one mount bolt and ran wire under it to ground it.

WARNING.........

Doing this action to disable the daytime running lights has the same effect as pulling your parking brake lever up one click. This disables the DRL's, but it also illuminates the "BRAKE" light on the dashboard. You will have no warning if your brake fluid gets low, but most of us "Ecomodders" are always aware of our maintenance and check fluid levels.

Do not attempt to disable your DRL's this way unless you feel confident your car is visible and aware of the brake light issue.

Future Mods

In the future I plan on installing an XFi camshaft and adding a complete under body pan. I also want to install a block heater since winter is coming.
Edited by Johnny Mullet, Oct 27 2008, 11:08 AM.
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Jamie P
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New Member
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Did you try unplugging the DRL module before modifying the e-brake input to it? I unplugged mine and the lights went out until I turn my headlamp switch on and my brake light is off like it should be. I have not driven it yet though but I can not see what side effects it could have.
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Johnny Mullet
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Fear the Mullet

RacerX showed me how he removed his module, opened up the case, and inserted a piece of cardboard between one of the contacts. I plan on trying this on mine and getting some pictures up. I never tried removing my module from the system because I did not want to cause any problems or lose it. I was even thinking of hooking the DRL's back up for the dark winter months so other people can see me.
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Ryan
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Ryan

How can that be a '98. I have a '98 and it has composite headlamps!

As far as the modifications, well, I agree on some:

1. When driving (and especially while idling in the "only God knows how long it will take" drive-thru lane at Burger King"), I shut down all accessories (the fan and sometimes the lights, b/c I have daytime running). People think I'm weird for doing this, but it's common sense because we have three-cylinders. I do have to use the radio, for obvious reasons (sometimes I have to wait up to 15 damn minutes). I'm glad that finally someone else sees it this way.

2. Why did you "relocate" your radio antenna? It's already aerodynamic in nature!!

3. Removing the "junk in the trunk". That's something most motorists should learn. In a Geo Metro, any additional weight is detrimental (especially on the struts). When my seven-foot-tall friend got in the passenger seat last summer, the entire car leaned to the right. Quite noticeable while driving. I think the only thing someone should have is the spare tire and jack in the trunk.

4. Brakes: From what I've heard locally, sticking front calipers are a common problem on Metros. So far I don't have that problem (but I only have 80,000 on my '98). We took 'em off last month and inspected. Calipers are fine (move in and out easily after taking off and using bench press). While we were at it, flushed out the old brake fluid for the front brakes...the old was pretty dirty.

What I love most about this forum is we're all Metro owners and we all understand the "ins and outs" of the beast.

Great information Johnny!
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Johnny Mullet
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Fear the Mullet

brokestudent
Sep 30 2008, 12:23 AM
How can that be a '98. I have a '98 and it has composite headlamps!

I hate composite lamps :monkeyfight

I converted to the kind I am able to see with and no need to try and buff them out every year.......

Headlamp Conversion

Sure, aerodynamics may have been compromised, but I plan on covering them with Lexan covers :thumb
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Will
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Victory is mine!!!!

I cannot believe you have changed that 57 to the big 60 yet. We have a "Prius Panzy" at work that asked me about my mpg (a little smugly) I thought his jaw was going to hit the ground when I told him my record was not 57.01 then, without missing a beat, asked him about his. He said 49 and walked away
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99metro
putt-putt

My composites are pretty dull. Wally World had a kit that shines them back up - could probably to it with rubbing compound or something. Glass would be SO much easier to keep clean and bright.

My timing is at 10deg, but I also use 91 octane and no pinging. It's worth about an extra 3 to 4 mpg. 91 pays for itself, plus a bit so it is worth it. If I was using 87, I'd have to turn it down to 7 or 8 deg.
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87octane
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drive it, break it, fix it, do it again
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99 metro,

Pray tell, where did you find the "got 50 mpg" sticker from?
I want one....
Take THAT, you Prius Pussies!
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New2metros
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I wish mine was a hatch back.
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99metro
putt-putt

I really don't remember where I got the green "got 50 mpg" sticker. I'm pretty sure I got it the same time as I got the "powered by biodiesel" license plate and stickers. You can get black ones all day long, but, as I recall, the green one was VERY hard to find. I wanted to get another one so I can put in on a magnetic sheet. If I come across it again, I'll definitely post it!
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rr87
50 MPG!
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87octane
Oct 4 2008, 05:06 PM
99 metro,

Pray tell, where did you find the "got 50 mpg" sticker from?
I want one....
Take THAT, you Prius Pussies!
I bought my 50 MPG sticker from cafepress.com
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greggholmes


http://shop.cafepress.com/50-mpg
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snowfish
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Basic GearHead

Mr. Mullet, I noticed that you did a full Grill Block. We have a 92 Metro and are considering the same. How's the summer driving? Does it get hot to the point that the fan runs constantly?
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Johnny Mullet
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Fear the Mullet

Well, I must admit that on a hot summer day, the fan will kick on more than normal, but the car has never gotten too warm or had the temp gauge raise. The aerodynamic benefits totally outweigh any extra electrical draw from the fan. Also I have a bug-free windshield since smoothing out the front end.
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