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Inexpensive mods or equipment to help MPG?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Unresolved_ERR, Oct 22, 2020.

  1. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    You definitely got that right...
     
    Jim Swart likes this.
  2. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    The thermistor DIY mod might increase emissions a bit up from essentially zero emissions during warm-up, but so does, for example, buying a non-CARB Ford Hybrid from that era. One advantage for a (non CARB) Ford Fusion vs. Gen2 Prius in that era would be the Ford was not forced to have such a low MPG when cold, so if you were a short trip person, the Ford might be as good as Prius Gen2 MPG.

    I would not recommend thermistor hack to a CARB stater, OK is OK to consider it if you are so inclined. Ideally one could try to measure emissions to make sure is within limits. I once stuck a CO detector at the the tail pipe of my non -mod Prius, and even cold I had trouble getting much over 50 ppm CO.

    Today 2020 I feel like the cold MPG is less of an issue for new hybrids, and Ford/GM might be going the 50-state route too.