Power Ranger

BENJAMIN JONES '10 NOT only wants to reduce his own automotive fuel consumption he also wants others to do so. That's why he has established a more-information- than-you-could-possibly-use Web site and online community at www.ecomodder.com, a term that represents both his ecological and economic concerns. The site stresses that eco-modding is "what green gearheads do."

Why does he care? "I'm vegan. I take the train instead of flying. I ride my bike instead of driving when I can. I'm interestd in using less whenever possible," he says.

For his first car Jones chose a fuel-efficient, base- level 1991 Honda CRX with an automatic transmission. He then upgraded to a fuel-injected high-tech engine imported from Japan with a stick-shift transmission that gives him as much as 100 miles per gallon.

To monitor his fuel consumption Jones assembled and installed a do-it-yourself $40 gauge called the MPGuino in his car. This device, which he recommends for all drivers of pre-1996 vehicles, gives instantaneous fueleconomy readouts for older cars. For drivers of newer cars Jones suggests buying a Scangauge (a device designed for newer cars that offers the same readouts but costs upwards of $150) and learning how to use it.

Jones says the average driver can learn to "eco-drive" with fuel efficiency in mind. He cites a Ford study in which drivers took a class that improved their fuel economy by 24 percent. His Web site, which contains more than 100 tips about how to make cars more efficient, is a cheaper alternative. Besides typical suggestions such as emptying trunks and removing roof racks Jones includes less conventional ideas such as avoiding roads with stops at the bottom of hills, taking shortcuts through parking lots and minimizing the use of the brake pedal.

Ecomodder.com also features a list of more fuel- efficient vehicles (the record is currently held by a 1976 Citicar at 144.43 MPGe, the measurement used for electric- powered cars) and a blog Jones updates every day.

Contributors discuss various tweaks and modifications for cars that can improve fuel economy, including weight reduction, better aerodynamics and improved gear ratios.

Despite his interest in fuel conservation Jones does not see himself working in the auto industry. "I plan on going to graduate school for linguistics," he says.