Dadhawk's FR-S (6AT Firestorm)

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by serialk11r

That's interesting, the 70mph fuel economy is really shitty...in fact, I have a hard time wrapping my head around such a huge drop from 55 to 60. Pekingduck said he was getting 39mpg at 70 in the manual transmission!

48-49 sounds about right for 55 considering the gearing, but 60 and 70 are just completely off. Given the expected load increase and considering the increased efficiency due to increased load, 60 shouldn't be that low. Just punching in 48/(12/11)^3 (aka, zero rolling resistance and constant engine efficiency) gives 37.

Makes me wonder if there's something wrong with your car!

Could just be the method I used to measure it too. Not exactly scientific and kind of hard to focus on all this to make sure its exactly right.

[serialk11r]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

Could just be the method I used to measure it too. Not exactly scientific and kind of hard to focus on all this to make sure its exactly right.

Yea, could've been a slight slope or something like that, but those numbers are still really weird. The only one that seems about right is the 55mph reading, on a completely flat road. I feel like 60-65mph shouldn't be causing that big of a drop overall, maybe like low 40s mpg. If Pekingduck's reports are correct, I'd predict ~42 mpg trip average going about 70, locked in 6th gear of course.

[Allch Chcar]

That's actually not too unrealistic, Cereal, but I'd like to hope that something was off at 60 and 70mph. Possibly timing retard under load?

Dadhawk, what's the earliest it shifts into OD? I have a feeling it'll hit 50+MPG if you could get it into 6th at 35mph or even 45mph.

[serialk11r]

Originally Posted by Allch Chcar

That's actually not too unrealistic, Cereal, but I'd like to hope that something was off at 60 and 70mph. Possibly timing retard under load?

Dadhawk, what's the earliest it shifts into OD? I have a feeling it'll hit 50+MPG if you could get it into 6th at 35mph or even 45mph.

Yea I think either he hit a slight incline without noticing or there is something wrong, maybe timing retard (which would be scary, because the load levels are still pretty low). Why did you ask about when it shifts into OD Allch Chcar? rofl, just put it into manual mode, slip it into 6th gear. At 35mph the engine would be turning a little over 1000rpm which is not going to stall, if the transmission doesn't let you do that, the person who did the programming needs to be shot. Although on that note, 1000rpm on the manual transmission's 6th gear is like, 23mph???

Anyhow, it seems a bit unlikely that they would intentionally design the engine to start retarding spark timing this early and then intentionally giving it these tall gears which would cause a significant drop in efficiency...if that's the case though, then maybe this is a good reason to start looking into E85 conversion? The Cobb dyno run showed it running rather rich, maybe the high compression ratio combined with suboptimal fuel is limiting the power...perhaps E85 can allow aggressive spark timing and closer to stoichiometric AFR.

And Dadhawk, thanks again for providing the community with some info

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by serialk11r

Yea, could've been a slight slope or something like that, but those numbers are still really weird. The only one that seems about right is the 55mph reading, on a completely flat road. I feel like 60-65mph shouldn't be causing that big of a drop overall, maybe like low 40s mpg. If Pekingduck's reports are correct, I'd predict ~42 mpg trip average going about 70, locked in 6th gear of course.

I'm going to try and duplicate this again this weekend on a different road just for verification.

[MTeator]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

I'm second guessing the 55 shot, honestly. I'm wondering if I was in a slight incline or something. One thing I did notice is the MPG can vary widely at the same RPM even tough speed isn't changing if you are going up/down a small incline. I'll try that one again if I get a chance. It did hold there for at least 30 seconds though, and the road was relatively flat.

don't forget wind... a 5mph headwind at 55mph means you've got the 60mph wind resistance.

I do wish 5th and 6th were taller in the MT. At 70mph I'm doing 3,000 rpm. Still, even if the computer is off a bit I'm averaging 27mpg since pickup yesterday.

[Allch Chcar]

Originally Posted by serialk11r

Yea I think either he hit a slight incline without noticing or there is something wrong, maybe timing retard (which would be scary, because the load levels are still pretty low). Why did you ask about when it shifts into OD Allch Chcar? rofl, just put it into manual mode, slip it into 6th gear. At 35mph the engine would be turning a little over 1000rpm which is not going to stall, if the transmission doesn't let you do that, the person who did the programming needs to be shot. Although on that note, 1000rpm on the manual transmission's 6th gear is like, 23mph???

Anyhow, it seems a bit unlikely that they would intentionally design the engine to start retarding spark timing this early and then intentionally giving it these tall gears which would cause a significant drop in efficiency...if that's the case though, then maybe this is a good reason to start looking into E85 conversion? The Cobb dyno run showed it running rather rich, maybe the high compression ratio combined with suboptimal fuel is limiting the power...perhaps E85 can allow aggressive spark timing and closer to stoichiometric AFR.

And Dadhawk, thanks again for providing the community with some info

I didn't ask that because I'm not driving it and I can't just ask him to drive 35mph and put it into 6th and set the cruise control. I don't know how it will act and I do not want to make Dadhawk uncomfortable. Plus it would make me responsible.

I wouldn't assume it's retarding timing without actually looking at the ECU readouts, it's just a thought since the MPG doesn't seem to correlate with the increased load. It could be entering enchrichment too, though I doubt it. Then again, I don't program ECUs. I do know that ATs operate at higher loads than MTs.

And yes, Cereal. I am still thinking about E85 conversions but I'm trying to keep it low key while I'm just doing research. There is another E85 guy here that I am kind of competing with. I don't want to lose.

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by MTeator

don't forget wind... a 5mph headwind at 55mph means you've got the 60mph wind resistance.

I do wish 5th and 6th were taller in the MT. At 70mph I'm doing 3,000 rpm. Still, even if the computer is off a bit I'm averaging 27mpg since pickup yesterday.

Its possible although they were all on the same stretch of road within a few minutes of each other, heading due West the entire time.

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by Allch Chcar

That's actually not too unrealistic, Cereal, but I'd like to hope that something was off at 60 and 70mph. Possibly timing retard under load?

Dadhawk, what's the earliest it shifts into OD? I have a feeling it'll hit 50+MPG if you could get it into 6th at 35mph or even 45mph.

Honestly, I don't know. When you're in "D" and standard shift mode, the shifting is so smooth in the higher gears I don't even notice it. Obviously, I could do it manually or just need to pay closer attention. I'll do that if I rerun the test this weekend. I'd also be interested in what others are seeing so we can get a baseline. I suspect each car will be slightly different.

[Allch Chcar]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

Honestly, I don't know. When you're in "D" and standard shift mode, the shifting is so smooth in the higher gears I don't even notice it. Obviously, I could do it manually or just need to pay closer attention. I'll do that if I rerun the test this weekend. I'd also be interested in what others are seeing so we can get a baseline. I suspect each car will be slightly different.

Heh, I understand. Thanks for sharing with us!

[2pt5RS]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

I thought about both those options but figure it would probably be easier just not to put stuff in the seat. Also, that doesn't help with the air bag switch, but that would be the least of my concerns if I hit something hard enough to set them off.

I'm not sure if this will still work, but it's worth a shot

http://wrxatlanta.com/forums/showpos...24&postcount=3

[2pt5RS]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

My office is freezing today so walked outside to warm up for a second. Something about seeing this makes me want to take the rest of the day off and go to the mountains! I hate when work gets in the way!

Looks good just peeking out there!

Originally Posted by Spd229

"But hey, I'm here, you're here, what's the problem hawk? let's go. I was made for this moment. I don't belong in this stable of sedans and minivans, I'm a real car, let's goooo"

Hopefully your office parking situation is better than mine in midtown, I'm kind of fearing putting mine in the parking garage....people suck at parking and full parking garages give me nowhere to run

at least at a grocery store or walmart...I can park out of range as I'm not all too afraid of walking.

I work in midtown Atlanta. when I get my BRZ, I'm going to tuck the car into a corner parking space in the bottom deck where the car wash guy is. Hardly anyone parks there.

Alternatively, on the other side of that level of the deck is a row of parking spaces that are lined with pillars in between each spot. They are wide enough that no one can accidentally park too close to my car and get the ding.

Another alternative. Two of my coworkers park next to each other, but leave one space in the middle. one pulls in, the other backs in. I may just park between them. I never have to worry with them there!

[Dadhawk]

My standard issue 1st86 stuff finally got delivered to the dealership and they sent me an email to pick it up. Pretty much the same as we've seen elsewhere:

FR-S black with white letter hat
CF License Plate Frame
Limited Edition FR-S pen and case
Black "Bringing Back the Sports" t-shirt with Firestorm FR-S
2 $50 gas cards.

The CF frame and the pen are numbered 3 of 86. It is cool having a low number.

I'd post a photo but you've seen them all before at this point. It was the same as AtlantaRock's here minus the Toyota keychain.

Really hope we get the car cover though. Even after much cleaning and moving around, there just isn't enough room in our 2 car garage for the Mustang and the FR-S because of the doors on both. You can get in, but you can't get out.

[russv]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

My standard issue 1st86 stuff finally got delivered to the dealership and they sent me an email to pick it up. Pretty much the same as we've seen elsewhere:

FR-S black with white letter hat
CF License Plate Frame
Limited Edition FR-S pen and case
Black "Bringing Back the Sports" t-shirt with Firestorm FR-S
2 $50 gas cards.

The CF frame and the pen are numbered 3 of 86. It is cool having a low number.

I'd post a photo but you've seen them all before at this point. It was the same as AtlantaRock's here minus the Toyota keychain.

Really hope we get the car cover though. Even after much cleaning and moving around, there just isn't enough room in our 2 car garage for the Mustang and the FR-S because of the doors on both. You can get in, but you can't get out.

I'm having the same problem with the long doors-the drivers door hits the garage wall and I struggle to get out of the car. Old age is a bitch.

[civicdrivr]

Unfortunately I have to park it outside for now. My only issue is trying to get used to the raised door sills.

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by russv

I'm having the same problem with the long doors-the drivers door hits the garage wall and I struggle to get out of the car. Old age is a bitch.

I wish old age was (the only) problem. Unless one of us backs into the garage, the one on the right can't get out of the car (either car). The one on the left is fine because we have about 3 ft on either side of the garage door. I guess I need that right-hand drive JDM model after all (car that is).

Believe it or not we could easily get the Mustang and the Astro in the garage, because the Astro had 'regular' short doors.

[russv]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

I wish old age was (the only) problem. Unless one of us backs into the garage, the one on the right can't get out of the car (either car). The one on the left is fine because we have about 3 ft on either side of the garage door. I guess I need that right-hand drive JDM model after all (car that is).

Believe it or not we could easily get the Mustang and the Astro in the garage, because the Astro had 'regular' short doors.

I went and bought some rubber tubing and nailed it to the garage wall. Problem solved. Also figured out if I drove in at a slight angle I had more room for the door.

[Dadhawk]

Finally had a chance to plug in my Bluetooth OBDII connector today to see if it would work.

SUCCESS!

Equipment:

Generic BT ELM327 connector ($20 on Amazon)
ViewSonic gTablet running Froyo
Torque (Free Edition) but will upgrade to paid now that I know it works.

Also works with my Droid X which I sometimes use while driving as an "auxilary gauge" display. I figure it will mount on the "flat spot" on the console, but haven't tried it yet.

Downside, the position of the OBD connector SUCKS! It is directly inline the gas pedal. Every other car I own, or have ever owned, it was right where it should have been, on the left side of the steering wheel. The good news is its not actually in the way but I could see where you could hit it during spirited driving.

Also, the connector is tight and feels fragile. definitely want to use both hands when connecting/disconnecting from it.

I started a thread here in the ECU forum for questions and such if you have any. I'm no expert but I'm willing to share what I can.

Here are some screen shots.

[MmmHamSandwich]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

Downside, the position of the OBD connector SUCKS! It is directly inline the gas pedal. Every other car I own, or have ever owned, it was right where it should have been, on the left side of the steering wheel. The good news is its not actually in the way but I could see where you could hit it during spirited driving.

Pretty frustrating the position it is in.

In other news, it's also pretty frustrating how much I paid for my Kiwi Wifi back in the day, only to see BT OBDII modules for $11 on amazon. (Sounds like the $24 BAFX model is the one to go with though)

[Dadhawk]

Approaching the end of my first two weeks, I have to say my FR-S is meeting the (relatively realistic) expectations I had for it as a daily commuter.

The gas mileage as recorded in the OP continues to impress at 30.22MPG over 616 miles of mostly Atlanta commuting. That means there is some time at highway speeds, sometimes at city speeds and sometimes at a dead stop. Just to set a benchmark, I did some measurements this morning. It took me 50 minutes to get to work. Of that 50 minutes, a little of over 20 minutes was sitting at a dead stop at lights, behind traffic, etc. This morning was a little unusual as I would say its normally under 15 minutes of dead stop time. Still pretty doggone good.

In two weeks, the FR-S has "saved" me $42.34 in my commute over my previous DD, and that includes allowing for the difference in purchasing Premium vs. Regular fuel. If the FR-S used regular, the price savings would be $56.29.

[Double4Free]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

Approaching the end of my first two weeks, I have to say my FR-S is meeting the (relatively realistic) expectations I had for it as a daily commuter.

The gas mileage as recorded in the OP continues to impress at 30.22MPG over 616 miles of mostly Atlanta commuting. That means there is some time at highway speeds, sometimes at city speeds and sometimes at a dead stop. Just to set a benchmark, I did some measurements this morning. It took me 50 minutes to get to work. Of that 50 minutes, a little of over 20 minutes was sitting at a dead stop at lights, behind traffic, etc. This morning was a little unusual as I would say its normally under 15 minutes of dead stop time. Still pretty doggone good.

In two weeks, the FR-S has "saved" me $42.34 in my commute over my previous DD, and that includes allowing for the difference in purchasing Premium vs. Regular fuel. If the FR-S used regular, the price savings would be $56.29.

Car is practically paying for itself!

[civicdrivr]

Nice! Im averaging 31.1mpg according to the MID, over 700 miles in the past week, with my 6MT. Im loving how effortless it is to get a consistent 30mpg out of her.