Hello from Finnish Gas Saver

[MetroMPG]

Welcome, Simon.

I like the international flavour this site is developing.

Originally Posted by milesgallon.com

It should be possible with a diesel even though it's a bit old and the car isn't exactly designed for top aerodynamic perfomance.

I see roof racks in your avatar photo!

[milesgallon.com]

The roofrack was on in my first gaslog (just jumped outside at took a picture for the garage, not an ideal gassavers pic ) Anyway, it's off now lets see the improvment.

Simon

[BeeUU]

Welcome Simon

I am sure the price of fuel is a great motivator, you will find allot of support and some great ideas here to help!!!!

Plus, we would love to hear about your experiments as well!!!

[milesgallon.com]

A grille block is definetly the first thing I'll try out, especially in winter it should also help keeping the engine hot.

I'm going to block it at the inside but I'm not sure what material is best and how to fasten it to the grille.

It is probably a good idea to leave part of it open, I suppose otherwise the fan will run all the time when it's hot in summer.

Simon

[trebuchet03]

No way! I learned to drive a standard shift on that very same car... In a Banana yellow :P It was my father's work car - and boy can that thing fit a lot of equipment in there Top speed with a trailer - 60mph :P

Most of them were made with manual windows, velor trim and with a cast iron block - they last forever. And when you close the door -- chaChunk! Like tank

One thing you can do is remove the power assist steering. Ours kept blowing seals (possibly a bad relief valve - if such a thing existed in there) so we removed the belt. Steering wasn't bad at all

We parted with the car when the fuel pump/injector gave out -- with over 300K miles on the odometer and two accidents under it's belt (both not serious - but caused some body damage)