GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Daox

Thankfully, it won't cost too much. I'll do the work myself, so just parts and machine time if the head needs to be resurfaced.

Daox

Bad news for the Matrix. According to the past few oil analysis test I've had done, I have too much silicon in my oil. I called up the testing facility and talked with them trying to find out what it could be. It sounds like it is from coolant leaking into my oil. This means a bad head gasket. It al...

Daox

Time for new summer tires for the Matrix. The previous tires I had were General Exclaim UHP, a summer performance tire. They were a great grippy tire, and oddly enough rated as a LRR (low rolling resistance), but they only lasted one summer. So, I picked up a different set of LRRs, Michelin HX MXM4'...

Daox

Well, the snow definitely isn't gone. But, the wife did run the Matrix through the car wash today. Here are some zoomed out shots of it.All tucked in ready for warmth in the morning. I keep the block heater on a timer that turns on roughly 3 hours before we leave for work.

Daox

I think I mentioned a while back, the plug of my block heater had been drug on the ground and the prongs were pretty shot. So, after seeing Ben Nelson's nice Marineco plug in for his Metro I had to get me one of those. I ebayed one and took some time tonight to install it.Here we have the patient fo...

Daox

Nice mileage.I'm also a hypermiler. I don't use engine off much on the Matrix or draft, but I do use pulse and glide. I've hit mid to upper 40s quite a few times and average around 40 when me and the wife drive. My goal is 50 and if I didn't have to take the interstate on my last long trip I would h...

Daox

There is tons of room for the air to escape between the wheel wells, and where the exhaust pipe goes through. No problems there.I used two of those expanding plastic fasteners with the pin in the middle to fasten the back side of the pan to the subframe. I used an existing hole for these. I also fas...

Daox

I got the coroplast at a local sign shop. No other place had any, but I've heard you can get it from plastic suppliers.I was going to make provisions for oil changing, but later found that removing 5 screws and two plastic fasteners takes all of a few minutes. Doing this a few times a year is accept...

Daox

Just got a new high in the Matrix at 47.6 mpg. Most of this tank was a highway trip at higher than ideal speeds. I'm absolutely sure I could hit 50 if I would have went a different route that takes me through country roads vs interstate.

Daox

The new Prius will be built in the US, however the sales still go to Japan. If economy is your thing you shouldn't be buying anything from overeseas... Oh, wait, probably half of domestics have their parts made over there. So, unfortunately, theres really no way of getting a totally domestic vehicle...

Daox

Nope, this is where I was trying to post.I'm sure the new hybrid cars will be nice. But, you're still considering a conventional vehicle when next year the new hybrids will come out? Why not wait until then in either case? It seems you're looking for a vehicle now, not in a year. The best choice now...

Daox

Getting a hybrid will most definitly pay for itself. They usually take about 3-5 years to break even depending on how many miles you put on it, but they definitly do save you money. I've seen a few presentations on this subject. These presentations don't just include gas prices and cost of the vehic...

Daox

Hey Trikkonceptz. Nice to see your Vibe here.

Daox

Read through my build thread. I actually haven't done a ton of mods yet. Time is always a problem. None of the mods effect warranty AFIK. Most of the gains have been through improving my driving technique.http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=28781

Daox

After 3400 miles of pleasant cruising I'm back from vacation. The mileage was surprisingly good. I'm really glad I had the belly pan on for this trip. We drove from Milwaukee, Wisconsin out to Yellowstone area and worked our way back. The sights were simply amazing. I drove a good part of the trip a...

Daox

Well, it wasn't that close, but as close as I have gotten so far. The actual milage was 46.2. It was this high mainly because that tank was mostly me driving it. My wife doesn't drive for mileage to the extent that I do, and since we carpool almost every day she drags my numbers down. I just mapped ...

Daox

In preperation for my vacation trip to Wyoming this comming week I'm going over the Matrix to make sure she's ready to go. However, winter took its toll on my good 'ol foam board grill block. The nice satin black finish was totally worn off to a paper like material under it. Needless to say it looke...

Daox

There will be some very minor wear on the clutch. I've been doing this a while and have yet to see someone actually replace a clutch early from doing it though (even with engine off and bump starting). When you go to put it back in gear try to rev match the engine to save some wear (and neck pain ).

Daox

I think its funny how fast ideas get shot down. No offense, I thought the same thing too. Then, I went to a local hybrid car meet and someone taught me how to do it correctly and safely. After that I saw an instant 10 mpg increase on my next tank of gas. I guess the point is it can be done very safe...

Daox

Cutting the engine isn't a necessity when doing pulse and glide. I don't cut the engine (emanage doesn't like it) in my Matrix and I'm sure I can get 45 mpg out of it (max I've gotten is 43, but in bad conditions). I just coast in neutral. However, I do cut my engine on my Paseo (last tank was 56.5 ...

Daox

The Matrix handles pretty darn good in the snow even with shoddy all seasons. Last year I put on General snow tires (forgot the model) and they greatly improved handling. I'd highly recommend them.

Daox

Here is a good start.100+ hypermiling tips

Daox

The ICE in the Volt only needs to run at a specified rpm, so it can be designed to run incredibly efficient at that rpm unlike a traditional engine which must run great from 1000-6000 rpm.

Daox

The Volt will be a great car if they can keep the price down. It would be great if they could offer a more stripped down version for those of us who don't need every creature comfort on the face of the earth which GM seems to think everyone needs. From what I've heard its 40 miles on a charge and 50...

Daox

Well I can tell you why your getting the crappy mileage. 3 mile commute! Does your car even warm up by the time your there? Short trips are killers of good mileage.I'll also add that heavier tires and wider tires will decrease mileage.I run maximum sidewall pressure on my tires to decrease rolling r...

Daox

Would your buddy be willing to trade cars with you for a tank of gas? Just to see what he gets in your car and vise versa.

Daox

Your tires will not wear out faster. I'm on a forum that people reguarly inflate their tires to max sidewall. They usually get 1.5 - 2x the rated life of the tire and maintain even treadwear from inside to outside. They do not balloon in the middle out because of the steel belting.The quote below is...

Daox

Quote, originally posted by NibCrom Â»Also, when it comes to autocrossing, under-inflating your tires would actually be better, because your tires get hotter when racing. If properly done, the low pressure will become ideal as the tires warm up.Sorry, I'd have to disagree. For example, check this ou...

Daox

Aerodynamic mods are great because they not only help you get better mileage, but with less drag you can accelerate faster too. If you take lift into consideration when moding you'll also get better handling.

Daox

I'd disagree with pumping up your tires being dangerous. Autocross racers use higher tire pressure for better handling, not worse. Obviously, if they didn't get better handling from higher pressure they wouldn't do it. Law enforcement patrol cars do the same thing. Inflating your tires to a higher p...

Daox

The only thing that would get hot enough to melt it is the exhaust. The exhaust really isn't that close to the exhaust. If its a problem I'll replace sections of the coroplast with aluminum flashing.The next step will be to cover up the area between the two support members under the car. This will b...

Daox

The bellypan is finished up. The back is held to the chassis with those plastic expanding body fasteners with the pin in the middle. They work great. Unfortunately, the pictures turned out really dark though so I'm not even going to bother posting. They look like the last picture but without the jac...

Daox

Thanks. I'll be doing some coast down testing once I get it finished up.

Daox

The reason for increased idle TPS is that the torque converter puts a load on the engine when in drive so you need more air/fuel to sustain idle rpms. A manual trans doesn't have to do this. Check to see what the difference is between having your car idle in park/neutral versus drive. I'll bet there...

Daox

Quote, originally posted by Kamikaze Â»Wow! mine barely idles at 15tps... it's usually 15-16 TPS @ idle ~ 650rpmsAt 65 my tps is around 16-19. Idle is around 11 but thats because its a 5 speed.I'm actually a bigger fan of the LOD readout though. I usually accelerate at around 80% load. This gives yo...

Daox

I'll check what the TPS is on mine on the way home tonight. Mine is a 5 speed.

Daox

I could explain some techniques to you, but I have a very good alternative. There is a Minnesota Hybrid Group meet going on this comming weekend in St. Cloud. You could go there and get some driver training from someone who will drive with you and show you what you can do better. They'll teach you a...

Daox

Ahhh, gotta love the summer gas again! Last 4 tanks have been right at or above 40 mpg.

Daox

Alright, I finally had a free weeknight! So, I decided it should be Matrix bellypan time. Last week I picked up a 4'x8' sheet of black coroplast for this project. The front piece here took half the sheet. Not much to it really, just cut, fit, cut, fit, etc. I really am liking the results even though...

Daox

Quote, originally posted by zionzr2 Â»if there were periods of time where there was zero fuel going into my engine then the GPH (Gallons Per Hour) guage on the ScanguageII i have would read zero durring those times. It never reads less than 0.2 GPH. Do you have the updated scangauge with xgauge feat...

Daox

Glad to see some more people driving for fuel economy. I don't drive my Matrix much (its the wife's car) but I do drive a 1997 Paseo and I do do the engine off pulse and glide. The car is rated for 34 highway mpg and I am now averaging 50 mpg and still waiting for summer gas and warmer weather. You ...

Daox

I don't have a current brake specific fuel map for the current 1ZZ, but the original 1ZZ (designed in 1998) peaked at between 2000 and 3000 rpm. Accelerating at a high load and keeping rpms between 2000 and 3000 will give you the best mileage while accelerating. This actually gets you going quite qu...

Daox

Quite right WD0AFQ. I have one and love it.Just thought I'd share this tid bit. I finally had the chance to take the Matrix on a long trip in warmer weather since I've started hypermiling. This weekend I went up to upper Michigan to visit my parents and in laws. The trip is 3/4 65 mph with about 1/4...

Daox

Driven properly I have heard of the Tahoe hybrid getting over 30 mpg in the city and easily hitting mid to high 20s on the highway.You are correct in thinking that if they did those things listed to the base Tahoe it would return better mileage. It would be nice eh?

Daox

If you guys are willing to take it one step further I highly suggest you take a look over on http://www.cleanmpg.com. A few driving techniques could be getting you 40+ all summer long city or highway driving.

Daox

The original blocks were made of foamboard. It really didn't fare too well in the winter months, but it is still intact. I'd recommend using coroplast or something more weather resistant.

Daox

As of right now I just plan on using existing holes in the chassis and tapping holes where needed. The panels will be made of corrugated plastic and sheet aluminum so they will be very light. It shouldn't take much to hold them on.

Daox

I already do this as well. I rarely exceed the speed limit. Its not reflected in my Matrix's sig pic (the wife drives the Matrix), but you sure can tell in my Paseo's gas mileage (50 mpg now that its getting warmer). I seem to notice people slowing down since gas has been on the crazy rise in the pa...

Daox

Alright, here is the rest of what I have to work with. I hiked up the Matrix this weekend to snap some pics of the bottom.Even with the two front grill blocks, there was still the area between the bumper cover and main support that was open. This will need to be closed up.This is the area I'd like t...

Daox

Well, its summer again and that means its time to work on the cars. After monitoring the operation of the Matrix and getting to know it better I have canned the water injection. The car simply doesn't operate out of closed loop enough to see any tangible benefits from it. This is a very good thing.S...

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Re: (lunarcrusader)

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Re: Okay this gas mileage is unbelieveable! (5speed4)

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Re: Trikkonceptz - 2004 Vibe (trikkonceptz)

Re: 50 mpg Matrix/Vibe? (Mattsky)

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Re: (Daox)

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Re: Hypermiling tips (wyatt89)

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Re: After almost 3 years with my 06, I'm still a bit disappointed with my mi ... (guitarspaz)

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Re: Gas Saving Myths (jake75)

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Re: Daox - 2003 Matrix base (Daox)

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