New horse in the stable

[diamondlarry]

Originally Posted by jharbert

I'll certainly give it my best shot.

I forgot to mention that I was getting consistent mid 60's in my '99 SL2 but it had a modified head where the '97 was completely stock. Good luck.

[baddog671]

Originally Posted by jharbert

I was thinking about going with the 3.52 tranny like he did, but I don't want to deal with an inaccurate speedometer. I could change tire sizes, but the required 165/65-13 is a very unusual size. I'm only aware of one brand that even makes a tire in that size. I don't want to risk not being able to get tires in the future. So, I'll go with the 3.79 and call it good.

Couldn't just take it to the dealership and get it recalibrated?

[CO ZX2]

[quote=jharbert;61906]
This is going to be my 'new' daily driver. I ordered a ScanGaugeII as soon as I got home so I can monitor real time FE. I wanted something with more spunk than my '95 Metro, but I still want to at least beat EPA FE ratings. I want to lower it about an inch with Mazdaspeed springs (among other suspension upgrades) and look at an underbody tray for reduced drag.

I think my car, 1999 ZX2, shares a number of similar features with your Mazda. Probably about the same weight, 2.0, DOHC, 16 valve. If your engine puts out anything close to mine, you will be pleasantly surprised with your FE results. Do you know if you have variable valve timing?

Nice looking car. Good luck with it. CO ZX2

[jharbert]

Originally Posted by diamondlarry

I forgot to mention that I was getting consistent mid 60's in my '99 SL2 but it had a modified head where the '97 was completely stock. Good luck.

Thanks!

[jharbert]

Originally Posted by baddog671

Couldn't just take it to the dealership and get it recalibrated?

Possibly. I'll investigate that, but I'm still inclined to take the plug-n-play route.

[jharbert]

Originally Posted by CO ZX2

I think my car, 1999 ZX2, shares a number of similar features with your Mazda. Probably about the same weight, 2.0, DOHC, 16 valve. If your engine puts out anything close to mine, you will be pleasantly surprised with your FE results. Do you know if you have variable valve timing?

Nice looking car. Good luck with it. CO ZX2

Nope, no VVT on my 1.8.

I must say, I'm astounded by your FE numbers. I doubt I'm going to get as hardcore as you've gotten, but I am going to try my best.

[jharbert]

My SG2 arrived today while I was at work. I took it out of the box, hooked it up, and went for a short drive. I knew coasting in gear would get me the best FE (I was right), but I'm shocked at how crappy the FE is on acceleration, especially the first few seconds starting from a full stop. As in 7-8 mpg. I was also surprised at just how good the FE while coasting in neutral (engine on) was. That's certainly one of the areas I'll have to concentrate on to get the best FE.

These are very preliminary impressions. I have all of six miles with the SG2, all of it on city streets. I haven't yet filled up since I bought the car Monday. I'll fill up this weekend and begin my gas log.