Quote:
|
Originally Posted by thisisntjared
i wouldnt respond to that thread because **to a degree** he is right.
buying cameras and lcd screens to replace the mirrors seems a bit unreasonable as well as the superMID, even though it is quite a potent indirect investment.
other mods, such as the underbody tray, do have an associated cost, but in the long run definitely are useful in saving gas and reducing white noise, as well as increasing your mph at the end of the 1/4 mile.
some people are in this for bragging rights, some for the eco system, and some because they are poor. the reseason(s) for modifying for fuel economy dictate which mods are made.
|
Viewed from a cost POV, most modifications won't pay for themselves. Hell, even LRR tires MIGHT not pay for themselves considering they usually don't last as long as regular tires. Of course modifications like lighter rims, computers, new engines, transmissions, etc. etc. won't probably ever pay for themselves.
Just for a little perspective, here is what I've purchased for my car:
This is a list of strictly MPG related stuff:
new engine - $550 total ($200 shipping)
new transmission - $110 total ($60 shipping)
new ECU - $25
o2 sensor - $25
cat/downpipe - $20
VX rims/tires - $250 total
New throwout bearing - $50
new timing belt - $30
new water pump - $40
then there are the costs of fixing up my car, including 3 new doors, a fender, a hood, new seats (front and back), new molding, new weather stripping (all the way around - not cheap), new window regulators (just arrived today!), new taillights, and of course replacing the head gasket last year which cost about a third of the price of the car. I also purchased paint, loads of primer, bondo, air tools, a HLVP paint gun, etc.
I've spent the value of this car at least twice over. I will never get that money back. I also do it because I love it. The money pit that is my car is MY CAR. I've learned a lot and I'm working towards a goal.
In the end racing for fuel economy is no different than racing for horse power. It's all a race towards a goal. There is no realistic ROI, but at least we have a better shot of a ROI than the guys who just bought the new Honda Civic Hybrid instead of the civic LX.
I guess it's all about perspective in this case.
For us it's a hobby, one which we love. i don't think you should ever expect to make money on your hobby.
Linear Mode
