Better gas mileage from an 89 NA?
 

I'm looking into buying a non-turbo FC (mainly because most of the affordable turbo ones need major work...) I'm calling to ask about one in my area this week.

However, I drive a LOT for my job, and I'd like to be able to spread the mileage between my 92 Accord and the FC I plan to get. The Accord is making well over 200hp and getting 30+mpg... So if I get an FC making 160hp and getting an average of 21mpg, I won't be too happy! :lol:

So, I'm looking for ways to increase gas mileage. I read in the FAQ that the NA rotaries run pretty rich from the factory, so I'm sure some ECU tuning could get me a few more MPG. Are there any easier ways to do that? If I can get the average to about 25, I'd be satisfied.


Also, are there any decent power-adding upgrades I could do that would keep the mileage decent? I don't want an all-out race car, but getting the FC up to 200hp or so would be great.

I'm sorry, man, but fuel consumption is a major bite in the ass with a Rotary Engine. It may only be 1.3. Litres, but it's churning out 146 and 160bhp for S4 and S5 engines, respectively. I was able to get 24mpg driving an S4 nice and easy, but that's the most I was able to squeeze out of it...and I'm a master of saving gas.

Expect 20mpg mixed average.

Damn... It's funny how every NA FC I see for sale says "gas saver!" in the ad!

I may still get one though. The cars just fascinate me.

The lack of economic fuel consumption is worth it. N/A's are quite reliable, unlike the Turbo's. However, 146bhp versus 188bhp (Turbo). Regardless, they handle well, look cool, it makes a great sound and that's my favorite part.

Getting it to 200hp isn't just a matter of intake and exhaust on these cars, it's a little harder than that. It will take some tuning, and if you want 200 at the wheels, then probably porting. Generally an intake and exhaust upgrade won't hurt fuel economy.

The only ways to tune the car now are a piggyback like the S-AFC, or a standalone. It'll take a lot of driving to pay for a standalone in terms of fuel savings.

A CDI can help get a little more milage, as will a full tuneup. Getting the weight down will help also.

Trust me, the smiles from driving more than make up for the frowns at the pump, something the Accords of the world will never be able to do.

You'd be surprised what an Accord can do... I still love driving mine every day. Part of the reason why I want a second car is so I don't kill it! Plus, I'm contemplating a supercharger, and a 250-300hp car isn't the best choice for my job (I'm sure it won't be getting 30mpg anymore...)

I'm limited in my choices of cars though. $3000 is about all I wish to spend, and I won't get something that isn't fun to drive. Basically, an FC, Miata, Galant VR4, and... I can't think of anything else that can be had within my price range! Miatas are great, but not so cool looking. The VR-4s are great, but so many of them have already been beaten within an inch of their lives... The NA FC would be the best choice, I feel. Sadly, the one that I was hoping to get has been sold (I just called the guy... gone.) :sweatdrop:

there will be another one. I love my na fc. They have a plug and play standalone ecu, it's called zeal megasquirt and it plugs directly into the stock plugs. If you get that and have the car dynoed you will prolly get 25 mpg and maybe better hp than stock.

This car compared to a fwd I would take this car anyday even if my car really low hp I would still love it. I use to drive a all engine vr6 jetta and my na rx7 will never be as fast that that intense jetta but I am much more happy with driving my rx7.