EcoVibe intro ... *lots of pics*
 

Hello all. I've been lurking on this sites for months now (just joined 3 weeks ago) and figured it was time to say hello.

I did a lot of research before buying a smaller car. It was a hard decision for me to make because I haven't been driving fuel eff. vehicles for years. My other cars are a 2001 Durango (13-15 mpg), and a 2006 Chrysler 300 SRT8 (425hp, 0-60 in under 5 seconds ... about 18-20mpg HWY).

https://www.fuelly.com/attachments/fo...817ba4c6a3.jpg

Although the 300 SRT8 is an amazing car that is a blast to take to the drag strip, it just wasn't cutting with gas at $4 a gallon. It was time to suck it up and go for something that could get better gas mileage.

So, I found a 2007 Pontiac Vibe base model with 7,062 miles for only $11,800!!! It was a great price since most around me are going for $15-$16 for an '07 with over 20-30K miles on them. I had to drive 3 hours to get it, but it was worth it. I thought I'd hate driving it compared to my 300, but it turns out I LOVE THIS CAR. It's fun to drive, holds a lot, and is perfect for what I need.

Here is a picture of what it looked like when I got it 3 weeks ago:

https://www.fuelly.com/attachments/fo...77569b0634.jpg

Here are some pics of what it looks like now:
https://www.fuelly.com/attachments/fo...f53291d71a.jpg

https://www.fuelly.com/attachments/fo...ddd2b84963.jpg

https://www.fuelly.com/attachments/fo...da8541147e.jpg

https://www.fuelly.com/attachments/fo...52202856b6.jpg

https://www.fuelly.com/attachments/fo...d9cae8cdae.gif


I hope to learn a lot more from you guys here. Any tips on other things I should mod for improved MPG, or any other mods in general are appreciated! I put up some pics of the aluminum grill block and under belly I made in my garage section.

Current MODS I have done so far:
ScanGauge II
Modded myself – I now use Hypermiler driving techniques
Permanent aluminum upper grill block
Partial front belly pan
Added CC
15% Window Tint
New wheels
Added new head unit, Polk speakers, Infinity subwoofer (low amperage 10” sub)
Removed antenna
Added console power outlet
Tire pressure to 44 psi
Direct wired radar dedector


Here are some pics of the under belly mod and grill block I did:

The problem (what was Pontiac thinking???)
https://www.fuelly.com/attachments/fo...e85632156b.jpg

Under belly goal
Use material that is slick, very lightweight, malleable, durable long term, won’t melt or tear off easily

Grill block goal
Grill block
Permanent block for upper grill
Removeable block for lower grill
Something that is durable
Something that won’t bend easily to let air in
Something that can go on the backside and look stock



The material = Aluminum (.40 gauge) metal from an old set of garage doors I just replaced on my boat house.
https://www.fuelly.com/attachments/fo...47612977a1.jpg

Template first, then cut and attach:
https://www.fuelly.com/attachments/fo...fe9551a974.jpg

Inside view:
https://www.fuelly.com/attachments/fo...35e4d3bfc7.jpg

From the front:
https://www.fuelly.com/attachments/fo...06cf837fc3.jpg

The underbelly:
https://www.fuelly.com/attachments/fo...e3423027ba.jpg

https://www.fuelly.com/attachments/fo...c7b0c86b67.jpg

Cool. Nice under belly pan!

Question though... doesn't air still get trapped, unless the edges of the belly pan are rolled up?

It's amazing what some tint and rims can do for a car. Looks nice.

THanks ... that's what everyone keeps telling me. I only put $300 in the rims (Tire Barn discontinue/wholesale special of $75 each. The only issue I had was it vibrated above 60mph and they couldn't fix it (even after road force balancing it 3 times). I took it to my GM dealer and they did the electronic balance and fixed it the first time. Smooth as silk now ... well as smooth as a cheap little Vibe will get anyhow ... heh.

really nice job on the blocks & pan. Been thinking of doing this myself, how has it affected your temp? Did you see a noticeable improvement once you had added them?