[sammymatik]

Didn't find an introductions area so I thought I'd say hello here

Just got a 2001 MT insight. Very satisfied so far, for a car that is 11 years old. Drove it for a week so far and got 53 MPG and working on getting better this week. The car is pretty solid but has some of the normal wear issues. Need to change out an engine mount as I can hear it moving around and have the startup stutter with the clutch. I also have one CEL code for the catalytic converter but, otherwise seems to run well. Could use some new tires in the next few months.

I'm planning on doing the hot air intake mod, as it should be pretty straight forward to pull off. Also just took off the rear spoiler and I'm going to try to make a mold from it for a carbon fiber part. I work in aerospace and have been wanting a little project for the garage. Just jewelery really, no other purpose for making a part like that.

I'm glad to have a resource like this forum. It's been pretty useful already and I just thought I'd say thanks and hello! Looking forward to more insightful goodness.

 

[Calpod]

Welcome to the forum, if you take time to read you'll find a lot of useful information, one of the first things you may want to do is check with your Honda dealer if all the updates have been made.
I got one of my Insights updated 2 weeks ago and have not had the P0420 code I was getting every couple of days, that may be your problem.

 

[Eli]

*looks up from cloud of rosin smoke and puts down soldering iron*

Y ello thar! Congrats on your purchase and welcome to the wonderful world of the Insight. You've certainly come to the right place.

53MPG.. sounds low.

What are your driving conditions?
What tires are on the car?
Have you checked their air pressure?
Do you know what lean burn is?

 

[jeff652]

*looks up from cloud of rosin smoke and puts down soldering iron*

LOL awesome Eli!

Welcome to the Forum sammymatik. Be sure to post pics of your CF spoiler and consider making a few to share/resell. If you do, keep me in the #1 spot

 

[ddhollon]

Also just took off the rear spoiler and I'm going to try to make a mold from it for a carbon fiber part.

Yes, let us know if you decide to re-sell any of these. I would be interested too.

 

[gilbertguy]

Welcome, congrats on your purchase! Once you get your CEL code squared away the fun really begins, I don't beleave you can attain lean burn with that CEL code so 53 is about right for now. Once you can get that code taken care of you should be up in the 60-70's no problem depending on what kind of drive you have.

 

[sammymatik]

Thanks all for the welcome!

Wanted an insight since they came out! I'm actually a mazda guy, I love the rotary engine but 20-22 mpg sucks. The new car is suprisingly similar to my 84 gsle-se, just way more efficient.

Eli, sounds like your building some thing interesting. My first tank I was a bit heavy on the gas. The computer estimated MPG was only 1 point off actual, which impressed me. This next tank I'm being way more mindful of my driving style and using the economy guage and the fcd reads 59 and is rising.

Mostly free way/highway driving. Tire pressure at 50 psi. Basic tire almost ready to be replaced with some new lrr tires when I change. I think I understand the lean burn but, not exactly sure how to fully utilize it. I think it connects to the mpg indicator.

As for any patts I get made, well see how it goes. Gotta make a good mold and I'm satisfied with results I could be persuaded to make some more. The car is already made partly of plastic so the parts will be purely cosmetic. I have been thinking about possible improved aero parts but, the car was well designed. Id be content with some bling. Hehehehe

Thanks for the input and I look forward to new auto exploits.

*looks up from cloud of rosin smoke and puts down soldering iron*

Y ello thar! Congrats on your purchase and welcome to the wonderful world of the Insight. You've certainly come to the right place.

53MPG.. sounds low.

What are your driving conditions?
What tires are on the car?
Have you checked their air pressure?
Do you know what lean burn is?

 

[JJ350Z]

Hi All
I am a new owner as well 2001 silver mt 142000 in real nice shape. My first full tank 58.2 mpg. It is cold here in Vt my Toyota Tundra has been getting 14mpg!!! Wow am I happy what a fun car

 

[sammymatik]

JJ,

Sweet I guess we're both happy members of the insight club!

Though the other guys were saying that 53mpg was low... I'm pretty happy with that but, my next tank is gonna be closer to 60mpg as I adjust my driving style.

I just now adjusted the valves and cleaned out the EGR. Was a very pleasantly easy job to do but, I've done a lot of valve adjustments on other cars. Also EGR was easy to get off and clean up. Not sure if I needed it but it can't hurt. ALso just got my fumoto quick drain valve for the oil and will be doing an oil change to full synthetic once I get paid and also plan to buy shock proof ultralight gear oil. Hopefully these two will reduce the friction and pumping losses a bit for more efficiency.

Also I I got the spoiler on my tooling board and am gonna clay it up and try to get a mold made up this weekend if things go smoothly.

Fun!