When a Sub just can't be had

[mikee55]

Hi all, current fuel prices being so high, I've decided to go on a diet. I've taken the sub outta my car, what can I do, to get a good sound when my full rangers are just dual cones on a plastic baffle, either in doors or behind other interior panels?

Suggestions, please. No fiberglass subs please.

Mike

[lawbadman]

Is the sub that heavy (weight) that you had to take it out? I dont think that a regular sized sub box would have much effect on the weight of your car therby affecting your gas mileage.

[mikee55]

all though it is heavy. I have a petrol/gasoline Nissan Serena
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_Serena

It does 20mpg, and every little helps.

What do you think?

Mike

[richie00boy]

Hi Mike, I don't think taking the sub out will help with economy. You would be a lot better off changing your driving technique.

If you want to take the sub out for space reasons that's fine though. To get better sound from door speakers etc you need to thoroughly seal and deaden the doors and speaker and mounting. But to get sub like bass is going to need better drivers and amps.

Drop me a line about the amp, I presume you haven't sent it yet.

[mikee55]

I've never been so careful. I drive like a granny on a Sunday. Bang on 30 in a 30 zone in fifth gear

I'll put the sub back then

[lawbadman]

Thats pretty bad mileage, I would expect 20 mpg for a 4L V8, but not a 2.0/2.5L. I'm sure you are suppose to get more than that. Unless you have the SR20DET engine.
You should get a tune up, I find that always improves mileage.

[richie00boy]

High gear does not mean high economy. 5th is too high for 30MPH, you have poor responsiveness from the vehicle right when you want it in urban zones. Then when you need to accelerate at all you have to either depress the accelerator more than if you were in the correct gear, or drop down a gear and create extra effort and wear.

See if you can get an observed drive with your local Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) they will be able to help you and it's free.

[Flyin11]

Luckily I don't have a issue with gas mileage....I go 73/74 mph in a 65mph zone. Just zooming in the fast lane on cruise control and I get 35-38mpg and can go 280-300 miles on a tank of gas I have a 2003 Honda Civic, automatic transmission...Those cars get good gas mileage anyways but man, I could not deal with 20mpg...No way!!!

The thing that ticks me off now though is when people sit there in the fast lane and try to go slower than the speed limit. If you are going to try and go slower to save gas and all, that's fine, but DO IT IN THE SLOW LANE!!! Don't hold up everyone else. That's a good recipe for road rage. I know, because all I want to do is pull the person over and beat the heck out of them!!

[tsmith1315]

richie00boy:

If you want to take the sub out for space reasons that's fine though. To get better sound from door speakers etc you need to thoroughly seal and deaden the doors and speaker and mounting. But to get sub like bass is going to need better drivers and amps.

This is a great point, and well worth further discussion for any others who find a sub impractical.

[mikee55]

Ah , don't believe it! Howd you guess. I saw the vehicle, with six seats and bought it. Stoopid I know, but it was the summer hols and my 4 kids needed to get out. Now I'll go sit in the corner and have a word with myself.

Cheers for the suggestion Rich, will look into the Institute of Advanced Motorists. I passed with BSM, they didn't teach me to drive in fog, snow or floods, let alone saving fuel.

Mike