Hey! I'm new to the J-body world -- well, any car world in that matter. I just "inherited" a '03 cavalier, all stock, from my grandfather. I'm planning on going to college here in a few months, and I was just curious if there was anything I can do to up the MPG, and reliability. As of right now, the o2 sensor needs to replace. I also need to fix the front driver's side seat. The oil-pane also has a hole in it. Anyway, thanks!
Welcome to the .org
As for the MPG, for anything thing that the cost will end up saving a equal amount of money, not really. If you plan to build on it later on a intake is a good first step.
Is it a 5 speed or a automatic? 2 or 4 door?
Don't be afraid to post up some pics of it.
Replacing the o2 sensor will help a lot. Other than that, general maintenance. Air filter, plugs, fuel filter, etc.
"In Oldskool we trust"
If it is a 5-speed, watch for hydraulic clutch line leaks. The line from the master cylinder to the trans rubs on a fender seam and can rupture. But not sure if that is only an 05 issue or 03-05.
Keep it as stock as possible and stock tire size with all seasons, maintained & up to date on fluids/plugs/air filters. I averaged 30mpg on mixed commutes all stock, now with 225/50-16s and a Vibrant 2.25" exhaust i'm down to 28 on the last few tanks, it is the middle of winter granted.
'03 LS Sport 5spd, Amsoil fluids, Vibrant cat-back, 5% 3M color stable tint, Z24 trunk lid
DarrenWS6 wrote:Keep it as stock as possible and stock tire size with all seasons, maintained & up to date on fluids/plugs/air filters. I averaged 30mpg on mixed commutes all stock, now with 225/50-16s and a Vibrant 2.25" exhaust i'm down to 28 on the last few tanks, it is the middle of winter granted.
This...it don't forget to clean it up good! You could even throw up an few pictures on here too....
http://www.autorentalandsales.com/images/2004Cavalier005.JPG
DarrenWS6 wrote:Keep it as stock as possible and stock tire size with all seasons, maintained & up to date on fluids/plugs/air filters. I averaged 30mpg on mixed commutes all stock, now with 225/50-16s and a Vibrant 2.25" exhaust i'm down to 28 on the last few tanks, it is the middle of winter granted.
those tires aren't hurting you 2 MPG. If you track it, and don't change anything, you'll see the mpg drop when the winter fuel mix shows up at the pumps. Not to mention any warming up you do will use gas. However with regard to tires, you can actually up your size a tiny bit, especially if you're on the stock suspension, and increase MPG. For example, going to a 215/55/16 over a 205/55/16 would give you a little better mpg, although you won't be able to track it easily because the VSS will read slightly off.
Keeping your tires properly inflated will give you the best MPG.
