109 MPG ZX2 gettin' the hang of it

[CO ZX2]

Hello from Colorado

Old Reliable ZX2 has done the job!!!

This is the sixth day in a row I have posted a 100+ MPG run.

I have been running some COLD WEATHER MPG TESTS.

11/16/2006 103 MPG run 32.1 miles 39 MPH AVG 63 MPH max TEMP 32

11/17/2006 101 MPG run 33.0 miles 50 MPH AVG 74 MPH max TEMP 32

11/18/2006 109 MPG run 32.1 miles 38 MPH AVG 61 MPH max TEMP 25
This run is a repeat of the run I made on 11/17 except Temp 25

11/19/2006 110 MPG run 32.9 miles 52 MPH AVG 76 MPH max TEMP 25
This run is a repeat of the run I made on 11/16 except Temp 25

11/20/2006 107 MPG run 67.0 miles 40 MPH AVG 71 MPH max TEMP 31

11/21/2006 103 MPG run 32.9 miles 53 MPH AVG 80 MPH max TEMP 35

SCANGAUGE II readouts for these runs below:













Really Chilly Today


The general consensus has been that coId weather puts a virtual end to serious testing and FE. I decided to give it a try anyway. I blocked both front and rear of the radiator today. Had bought an engine block heater but didn't get it installed yet. Also added extra blocking at bottom of engine compartment. New 195 thermostat and new battery. These items seemed to work well for getting up to temperature in 32 & below degree weather. I will make this run again on a nicer day.

Car is complete as sold new 1999 Ford ZX2.. Zetec DOHC Engine, 5 Speed transmission, Air conditioning, power steering, power brakes. Stock wheels and tires 185/65R/14.

We have had this car for about 4 years and the best mileage measured during that span was 43 MPG. Then the mods: The cheapo aero mods I have done cost practically nothing but produced a marked improvement in FE. I don't believe I have spent over $200 on the car otherwise including battery, block heater, thermostat, a 4X8 sheet of plastic, spun wheel discs, a couple switches and wire for shut-offs on the ignition and fuel injectors.

One notable exception to my cheapskate ways was to spring for a ScanGauge II. Paid $165 for it. A very important piece of equipment to me. I thought I was a pretty decent economy driver. WRONG!!!

EPA rating for this car 25 city 33 highway 26.8 combined.

I got seriously involved in fuel economy in September, 2006. It has been since then that this car has transpired into what it is today. Since September 27, 2006 I have logged near 6000 miles FE testing. Average 54.03 MPG for those miles.

I hope this serves to inspire others who have taken up the fuel economy game.

Thanks for looking in. CO ZX2

RENIGN!! RENIGN!!

I plan to keep new 100 MPG runs going each day as long as I can. I am going to have to reconsider this statement. Enough is enough. I think that I have shown that wintry weather does not need to stop us from our fuel economy pursuits.

These tests have consumed most of my time for the past week. My camera is crapping out, my shoulders are tired, and I'm tired of eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches while I'm driving. Old Reliable ZX2 has not whimpered. And I have enjoyed every minute of it. Hope you have too.

I have almost finished my front wheel skirts and want to get them on the car and see what I've got. I will report soon. See Colorado ZX2 thread, Page 1 for front fender skirt report and pics...

Thanks for looking in. CO ZX2

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Colorado Kid? CO ZX2



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[psyshack]

Stunned!

[MetroMPG]

Cool!

[CO ZX2]

psyshack, Are you OK? Didn't mean to hurt you. THIS IS FUN.

[CO ZX2]

Metro, Durn cold.

[smartzuuk]

Always up for a challenge! ...pun intended... ;-)

(I Can drive slower speeds in the wee hours...)

[philmcneal]

just to show, its all in the driver, the car itself is somewhat important ....

mmm i love the cardboard for the rear wheel skirts... time to make my prius ugly!

[CO ZX2]

Originally Posted by philmcneal

just to show, its all in the driver, the car itself is somewhat important ....

mmm i love the cardboard for the rear wheel skirts... time to make my prius ugly!

phil, Careful now. I spent 20 bucks at Home Depot for a sheet of plastic to replace my soggy cardboard and you can't even tell the difference. You even liked the cardboard better. ZX2

[The Toecutter]

Imagine the hypermiling you could do with an Opel Eco speedster or GM Ultralite. These are cars that get ~100 mpg WITHOUT driving techniques.

Your numbers never fail to surprise me. You're getting more than 3 times the combined EPA mpg on these recent runs. This is incredible.

[CO ZX2]

Originally Posted by The Toecutter

Imagine the hypermiling you could do with an Opel Eco speedster or GM Ultralite. These are cars that get ~100 mpg WITHOUT driving techniques.

Your numbers never fail to surprise me. You're getting more than 3 times the combined EPA mpg on these recent runs. This is incredible.

Toecutter Thank you for your kind words. Would you care to sponsor me??