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Old 03-08-2004, 02:03 PM
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ericbecky ericbecky is offline
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Real Name: Eric Powers
Location: Madison, WI
Hybrids: 2002 5-speed Insight
Posts: 1,247
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I can attest that my vehicle has a few changes, but I do not think it would necessitate not including the data. I merely think that my vehicle page should have a place where I can note the three things that I have changed so that there is full disclosure. Changes 1 and 2 below simply help cars in colder climates get on par with warmer climates.

Here are the changes:
1) I have routed an air intake hose that directs warm air from the back of the engine rather than cold air front the front of the engine. It is what Wayne G described above. It is a change I think all people in cold climates would do if they realized it takes less than 1 minute to do and completely reversible. (Read: remove when going in for dealer service.)
2) I also block some of the radiator with cardboard in the winter so the car gets up to operating temperature faster. Is this a modification, too? I suppose in the strictest sense, yes, but I also believe this is something most people should do as well. I don’t have a garage to park my car in, so it always sits outside. Without the cardboard, it would be a longer time until it reached operating temperature, compared to someone who parks inside a garage.
3) Lastly, when appropriate, I maintain the tire pressure higher than the manual suggests. Is that a modification?

These are all things so easy my mom could do them. I would hardly consider them true modifications to the vehicle. It’s not like I’ve added some sort of extra high powered battery or installed a turbocharger.

Eric

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Eric Powers

MHG Organizer - www.MadisonHybridGroup.com
Hybridfest - A Hybrid Electric Car Show and More! www.hybridfest.com
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Madison, WI

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