Those of you who have "tweaked": - Toyota Yaris Forums

otterhere · 07-19-2012, 12:12 PM

With lowering springs and/or removing the back seat for increased fuel efficiency, have the results been worth it? I realize most of you do this stuff yourself, but I would be paying a shop (no can do, no handy boyfriend).

Thx!

anomoly40 · 07-19-2012, 12:45 PM

Buy a set of sockets at your local Walmart. The backseat is easy. Just make sure you have the same Torx socket in the diy. Springs require special tools and attention.

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=306

*tk-421* · 07-19-2012, 04:31 PM

Removing the rear seat is a 5 minute affair. I didn't do it so much for fuel efficiency but for increased braking power and acceleration, as well as to reduce rubbing in the rear (I am indeed lowered with NF210 springs). In my case it was 100% worth it.

BEEF · 07-19-2012, 04:49 PM

the only specialty tool needed for the springs is a spring compressor. you can "borrow" one from autozone, advance auto, or oreileys using the "loan-a-tool" program. an impact gun helps but is not absolutely needed.

honestly, anything that costs money to save gas usually doesn't pay for itself. there are exceptions. a good fuel economy gauge (scangauge, ultragauge, ecometer) I think is a good investment.

If I lived closer, hell I would change your springs. it was kind of fun. I learned a lot.

you may want to take some smaller steps first with fuel economy like airing up tires and working on your driving style.

it is a long read but you may pick up a tip or two from it.

http://www.gassavers.org/article.php...ps-to-save-gas

otterhere · 07-20-2012, 02:36 PM

Thanks, Beef; never thought of removing the seat before, but I always keep it down for carrying bike, kayak, or groceries and wouldn't mind a "two-seater"... I DO try to keep my 14" tires at 40 psi; otherwise, my mpg is tooooo depressing!

BEEF · 07-20-2012, 03:57 PM

my only thing about taking out the back seat is if you ever do need to take someone along (I'm a parent so my daughter's car seat has a permanent place back there) and the looks factor. the ones I have seen without the seat look a little rough though I figure you could put something in its place like a blanket or small carpet just to cover the ugly.

you have 14" tires? mine are 15s.. wonder what the difference is? (I know, an inch)

Klink10 · 07-20-2012, 04:37 PM

Took mine out and never looked back. Gas mileage has remained steady at around 35-40 if I don't stand on it. I am lowered but with backseat removal it kinda gives it a mild raked look which I like.

1.5 · 07-20-2012, 05:42 PM

I have my entire rear gutted and I love the result. It brakes better and you can feel a nice difference on hard pulls. It really is not that hard I am sure you can do it yourself. Just buy a basic socket set at your local hardware store as a shop doing this free mod is going to be $$$.

Springs are going to be harder so you may want to get professional help.

If you need help with any diy pm me i will do my best to assist.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tk-421

Removing the rear seat is a 5 minute affair. I didn't do it so much for fuel efficiency but for increased braking power and acceleration, as well as to reduce rubbing in the rear.

exactly what i did and why

07-19-2012, 12:12 PM	#1
otterhere Drives: 2008 Yaris 3-door Meteorite Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Southeast Posts: 398	Those of you who have "tweaked": With lowering springs and/or removing the back seat for increased fuel efficiency, have the results been worth it? I realize most of you do this stuff yourself, but I would be paying a shop (no can do, no handy boyfriend). Thx!

07-19-2012, 12:45 PM	#2
anomoly40 Depot Damager Drives: '08 Liftback Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Central Arkansas Posts: 35	Buy a set of sockets at your local Walmart. The backseat is easy. Just make sure you have the same Torx socket in the diy. Springs require special tools and attention. http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=306 __________________ 2008 Yaris Liftback - Bought in '12 with 80k Sold in '17 with 180k Bought back in '20 with 270k Currently collecting parts for the 2zr swap

07-19-2012, 04:31 PM	#3
tk-421 Super Moderator View User's Garage Drives: 5D-07-LB Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Dagobah Posts: 4,263	Removing the rear seat is a 5 minute affair. I didn't do it so much for fuel efficiency but for increased braking power and acceleration, as well as to reduce rubbing in the rear (I am indeed lowered with NF210 springs). In my case it was 100% worth it. __________________ --[ FORUM RULES ]--[ SEARCHING TIPS ]--[ EYELIDS PICS ]--[ RBK SPOILER ]--[ BEST/WORST INVESTMENTS ]--

07-19-2012, 04:49 PM	#4
BEEF View User's Garage Drives: 2008 yaris 3d Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: north carolina Posts: 732	the only specialty tool needed for the springs is a spring compressor. you can "borrow" one from autozone, advance auto, or oreileys using the "loan-a-tool" program. an impact gun helps but is not absolutely needed. honestly, anything that costs money to save gas usually doesn't pay for itself. there are exceptions. a good fuel economy gauge (scangauge, ultragauge, ecometer) I think is a good investment. If I lived closer, hell I would change your springs. it was kind of fun. I learned a lot. you may want to take some smaller steps first with fuel economy like airing up tires and working on your driving style. it is a long read but you may pick up a tip or two from it. http://www.gassavers.org/article.php...ps-to-save-gas __________________ Be the change you wish to see in the world -Mahatma Gandhi-

07-20-2012, 03:57 PM	#6
BEEF View User's Garage Drives: 2008 yaris 3d Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: north carolina Posts: 732	my only thing about taking out the back seat is if you ever do need to take someone along (I'm a parent so my daughter's car seat has a permanent place back there) and the looks factor. the ones I have seen without the seat look a little rough though I figure you could put something in its place like a blanket or small carpet just to cover the ugly. you have 14" tires? mine are 15s.. wonder what the difference is? (I know, an inch) __________________ Be the change you wish to see in the world -Mahatma Gandhi-

07-20-2012, 02:36 PM	#5
otterhere Drives: 2008 Yaris 3-door Meteorite Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Southeast Posts: 398	Thanks, Beef; never thought of removing the seat before, but I always keep it down for carrying bike, kayak, or groceries and wouldn't mind a "two-seater"... I DO try to keep my 14" tires at 40 psi; otherwise, my mpg is tooooo depressing!

07-20-2012, 04:37 PM	#7
Klink10 View User's Garage Drives: 2007 Yaris Liftback Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: 910 Posts: 1,229	Took mine out and never looked back. Gas mileage has remained steady at around 35-40 if I don't stand on it. I am lowered but with backseat removal it kinda gives it a mild raked look which I like.