Author Topic: Improving MPG?????  (Read 2224 times)

Offline Jacksboys

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Re: Improving MPG?????
« Reply #15 on: September 21, 2008 - 03:26:02 PM »
Clinton, are you sure about this one?  I remember them doing the test with the tailgate up or down on pickups and found that the tailgate up was more fuel-efficient, which I already knew.  But I've heard from several sources, including some automotive engineers, that A/C on is at least as efficient as windows down at freeway speeds.  This is more likely with modern rotary compressors as opposed to the big piston compressors on older cars.

Plus, your hair stays neater.   :smilielol:

I am sure.  I have tested this in my 2000 Dakota and have always got 1 to 2 mpg less with the A/C on.

Now each vehicle may vary a little because of their shape, but I still believe the A/C uses more fuel.
1971 Dodge Challenger:  360/904/3.23
   
Success is the maximum utilization of the ability that you have. - Zig Ziglar




Offline Jacksboys

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Re: Improving MPG?????
« Reply #16 on: September 21, 2008 - 03:35:56 PM »
That tape idea is interesting, I just wonder how much it would have an affect.  I remember reading an article that HotRod Mag did a few years ago.  They were able to get another 2 mph of top speed out of a mustang by duct taping part of the front of the car.


Great ideas everyone.  Has anyone ever tried running thinner tires (same height) to see if the less rolling resistance would help?
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Success is the maximum utilization of the ability that you have. - Zig Ziglar

Offline 71chally416

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Re: Improving MPG?????
« Reply #17 on: September 21, 2008 - 03:45:52 PM »
Buy a Prius.  :2thumbs:























 :roflsmiley:
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Offline HP2

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Re: Improving MPG?????
« Reply #18 on: September 21, 2008 - 04:30:12 PM »
Taping off the front has a different impact than taping seams would have. The less air you have going into the front of the car and instead have going around, the less drag you create. If all your body panels are installed flush, taping seams will have little to no effect. Aero mods don't begin to impact anything until highway speeds.

Offline RaptorF229

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Re: Improving MPG?????
« Reply #19 on: September 21, 2008 - 04:57:48 PM »
I know that on airplanes there are speedods that close gaps and make asignificant difference on speed

Offline HP2

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Re: Improving MPG?????
« Reply #20 on: September 21, 2008 - 05:16:40 PM »
...and they run at what, 300-400 mph? Big difference from 75mph.

Offline JayBee

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Re: Improving MPG?????
« Reply #21 on: September 21, 2008 - 05:21:19 PM »
Has anyone ever tried running thinner tires (same height) to see if the less rolling resistance would help?

I've always wondered about this myself, anyone? My 3.8L Mercury disSABLE is a thirsty car. Oh, sorry, no added tips other than the ones already mentioned.
John

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2014 Toyota Avalon

Offline dutch

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Re: Improving MPG?????
« Reply #22 on: September 21, 2008 - 05:48:29 PM »
   

 :biggrin:

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Offline cudax34me

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Re: Improving MPG?????
« Reply #23 on: September 21, 2008 - 07:21:39 PM »
 :roflsmiley: :iagree: that looks like the way to go.

Offline Jacksboys

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Re: Improving MPG?????
« Reply #24 on: September 21, 2008 - 11:45:16 PM »
   

 :biggrin:




 :roflsmiley: :smilielol:   I think I would rather pay for the fuel than have to smell that the whole trip.   :bigsmile:
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Success is the maximum utilization of the ability that you have. - Zig Ziglar

Offline Jacksboys

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Re: Improving MPG?????
« Reply #25 on: September 21, 2008 - 11:49:47 PM »
Buy a Prius.  :2thumbs:


 :roflsmiley:

The bad thing about a Prius is that most people only average in the 40's with mpg.  My CRX averages in the 40's all day long, so that would not help me.  Many people do not know this but there is a model (HF) of the CRX that gets over 50 mpg from the factory and is not a hybrid. 
1971 Dodge Challenger:  360/904/3.23
   
Success is the maximum utilization of the ability that you have. - Zig Ziglar

Offline 71chally416

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Re: Improving MPG?????
« Reply #26 on: September 22, 2008 - 12:16:06 AM »
I can't help but think every time I see "Gas mileage" posts on a Muscle car site that it's kinda like having a "How can Rosie O'Donnell make herself more attractive and sexy to Men?" discussion. To steal a Sarah Palin quote "You can put lipstick on a Pig, BUT......   :dunno:

The first thing that's necessary is to change driving habits. That sucks all the fun out of even having these cars, unless you just prefer a car that doesn't handle or stop as well as a new Chevy Cobalt and isn't as comfortable to ride in as a new Dodge Truck. I guess I just don't get it.  :clueless:   
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Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: Improving MPG?????
« Reply #27 on: September 22, 2008 - 04:09:53 AM »
there are a ton of things that work
 tuning the driver to drive smoothly , not following so close so you can adjust speed more evenly , braking properly driving slower , drafting at highway speed , tuning the engine to make the most efficient use of the fuel , clean air filters & less air restriction into the engine & cooler air  , lower weight oil , new spark plugs caps rotors etc , properly gapped , hotter spark , better ignition wires , tuning the engine to make max power with the fuel used , proper jetting ,accerator pump & timing adjustments , tires inflated properly & tires with less weight or rolling resisance , make sure the brakes are not dragging , synthetic oils with less resistance to flow , lower the car , improve aerodynamic drag , optomise gearing , too low RPM may not incrase milage as the engine becomes inefficent sometimes , better cam designs , ported heads & intakes , bettter manifolds or headers , anything to help air flow in & out of the engine , clutch fans to reduce drag on the engine when not needed , wheel alginment , lighter wheels , newer style ing wires with less resistance for hotter spark @ the plugs

Challenger - You`ll wish You Hadn`t

Offline Jacksboys

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Re: Improving MPG?????
« Reply #28 on: September 22, 2008 - 11:23:46 AM »
Thanks everyone, these are great ideas.  If anyone thinks of any more, please list them.   :2thumbs:
1971 Dodge Challenger:  360/904/3.23
   
Success is the maximum utilization of the ability that you have. - Zig Ziglar