mpg on new insight?

[benjamin]

See today's post on the front page for the European mpg figures.

[Dougie]

Another question about the new Insight is the mechanical geometry of the drivetrain mounting points. Honda engine/transmission swapping is a big-time business, and with at least three hybrid drivetrains out there now (Insight, Civic, Insight) there are endless possibilities. For example: Insight I engine/tranny in Insight II body...

[Insightful Trekker]

Originally Posted by Dougie

For example: Insight I engine/tranny in Insight II body...

Possible, yes. But unfortunately as it also becomes more "high tech" the IMA assist algorithm and HP curves of the engine become more narrowly tuned for each model. i.e. aero drag and weight. Makeing a swap potentally less desirable.

[Dougie]

Yes, a challenge to the tuning community. Surely the IMA control system is similar to the fuel injection control system, with default maps that can be changed. As the number of hybrids out there increases, at some point (maybe when gas gets to $10 a gallon) somebody will come up with more invasive hacks to the system than have been seen so far...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chip_tuning

[Insightful Trekker]

If you've been following PeterPerkins Phev Insight Li conversion thread its not going to be without its challanges.

And much different than the traditional conversions in that its an electrical "problem", not mechanical. You can't simply convert an MCM or BCM to a different program.

But yes given sufficient control systems knowledge end experience someone with EE background can do it.