Busted/Confirmed Mods

[The Toecutter]

What's the point?

They're simply more enjoyble to drive, and you can even take it to the track and actually be competitive with other street vehicles and not get your *** whipped.

Some people just don't care about that sort of thing though. That's understandable. Many do, OTOH.

[95metro]

Originally Posted by SVOboy

Some online auto magazine made a prius turbo and claimed a 6% increase in FE, someone around here will help me with the link.

http://autospeed.drive.com.au/cms/A_2658/article.html (subscription required)
http://autospeed.drive.com.au/cms/A_2664/article.html (part 5 - for whatever reason it's available with subscription)

I suppose we should sticky this thread or combine it with your glossary thread. I'm certain we'll find more stuff to add over time, but our list is pretty good right now.

[95metro]

This would be an interesting experiment in the light pressure turbo vein :

http://www.gaprojects.com/supercharger/supercharger.htm

[DirtyOldTown]

Has anyone tested these?
1. Lightened flywheel
2. Knife-edged/lightened crankshaft
3. Lightweight/underdrive pullies
4. Lighter pistons/rods

Seems that less rotating mass would equal less fuel, though these are commonly done to increase HP and not MPG. Any thoughts? I've also looked at a site (lubedev.com) that has a lot to say about fuel economy - I think the guy may be nuts, but I am interested to try a few of his "guarantees". He says that a fuel warmer can aid in the vaporization of fuel, more complete burn, etc. What about that?

[SVOboy]

The Civic CX and VX both have lighter than normal flywheels (15 vs 18 pounds, I'm running one now), so that can be confirmed.

Other than that all those things should help but at least on my car underdrive pullies are blamed for engine failure.

[krousdb]

Originally Posted by SVOboy

The Civic CX and VX both have lighter than normal flywheels (15 vs 18 pounds, I'm running one now), so that can be confirmed.

Yay! I will have one too!

[cheapybob]

Originally Posted by DirtyOldTown

Has anyone tested these?
1. Lightened flywheel
2. Knife-edged/lightened crankshaft
3. Lightweight/underdrive pullies
4. Lighter pistons/rods

Seems that less rotating mass would equal less fuel, though these are commonly done to increase HP and not MPG. Any thoughts? I've also looked at a site (lubedev.com) that has a lot to say about fuel economy - I think the guy may be nuts, but I am interested to try a few of his "guarantees". He says that a fuel warmer can aid in the vaporization of fuel, more complete burn, etc. What about that?

All those things will help because they reduce spinning mass and/or friction drag, but the problem is they need to be designed in from the start by the OEM in order to be cost effective. For example, underdrive pulley is good for about 1% drag reduction. You net more hp at the wheels even though the engine didn't produce any more power. Lighter wheels/tires, carbon fiber driveshafts, lightweight clutch, electric water pumps also fit in the same category.

[SVOboy]

Some of us have pistons that weigh just a few ounces from the factory, mwahaha.

[SVOboy]

Added this to the sticky, but can't seem to edit the title, so I'll just curse about it and then live with it, anyway, go here now: http://www.gassavers.org/showthread.php?t=1088