Posted Tuesday, December 11/07 in General

OK, you win!

When I originally set up this site, I made a decision not to include visitor comments with the articles, thinking it would create too much work. Instead, I invited e-mail and responses submitted through the feedback page.

Well, let me tell you something: MetroMPG.com visitors are a chatty bunch! Since day one, I've received & answered literally hundreds of messages ... and lately the rate has been increasing. (So much for saving work.)

So with that in mind, I recently conceded defeat. But in a good way - with the launch of Ecomodder.com, a brand spanking new discussion forum about efficiency modifications, eco-driving techniques and fuel economy in general.

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Now don't get me wrong: I genuinely appreciate all the questions and feedback you've sent, and I'll continue to receive and reply to them. I'll also continue to post new articles here at MetroMPG.com.

Forum screen shot: Peakster demonstrates the effects of side mirror drag on his '97 Metro.

But there's no question: answering individual messages is (ironically) NOT a very efficient way to discuss efficiency. A forum is best, hands down.

I've already opened three threads based on questions/topics that came from MetroMPG visitors in the past few days:

• one about why I haven't tested acetone;


• a second about the speed vs. fuel-efficiency curve of large displacement engines;


• and a third, about a reader's success story of a 10% efficiency gain in his '98 Metro

Instead of just writing e-mail replies, I let the original questioners know that I started an Ecomodder thread from their question or comment, posted my response, and opened the floor for discussion. Using this format, more people can benefit from and participate in the exchange.

No Metro is an island...

I don't mean to create the impression that I'm solely responsible for Ecomodder.com. I'm definitely not!

It's a group effort, undertaken by a group of efficiency enthusiasts - including Ben, who operates CRXmpg.com.

In addition, there are several knowledgeable and engaging moderators on board as well.

What the heck is an ecomodder?

In a nutshell, ecomodder is a term we coined for people who are "green gearheads".

These are folks who...

• are passionate about efficiency - people for whom "high performance" means miles per gallon, not miles per hour;
• are interested in mods & tweaks that improve fuel economy;
• are serious about adjusting the nut behind the wheel - using super-efficient driving techniques (also known as hypermiling or eco-driving).

If you're still reading this, it's probably safe to say you're an ecomodder too.

So what are you waiting for? The doors are open, and the floor is yours.

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