Is 50 mpg possible?

[bikin' Ed]

Though I usually take the tank to almost empty, I saw gas prices rising and filled up after burning only about 3/4 of a tank--probably better for the car anyway. I achieved a record (for me) 46.2 mpg.

The only mods so far to this '97 miata are delete cold air intake, raise tire pressure, and most importantly driving technique. I'm thinking a few mods just might get me up over 50 mpg

[Daox]

If you P&G that thing you'll get way over 50 mpg. You have a smaller frontal area I'm sure than my Paseo and I pushed it up to 80 mpg this morning.

[jsatter]

Sure you could. Smooth wheel covers and a grill block would probably be enough to do it.

[SentraSE-R]

Not so fast. 46 mpg is 200% of the combined EPA for that car. Raising it another 15-20% won't be accomplished with a couple of simple aero mods. It can be done with a lot of effort, but based on the OP's single 36 mpg fuel log entry 3 years ago, I'd guess the current 46 mpg is a fill artifact.

[brucepick]

bikin' Ed,

I do hope you'll update your gas log for the Miata. People on the board can be more helpful if given more information.

I suspect Daox is right. With a small frontal area and probably an engine that's geared "short" for higher rpms, you likely can gain a lot by cutting the engine often. Because the fuel needed just to make it turn is substantial, especially at the higher rpms. Looks like it's a standard tranny so coasting with engine off is a definite possibility.

Since it's a '96 it's probably OBDII? Do you have a fuel economy gauge or just using the odometer and fuel pump data.

[Old Mechanic]

Virtually anything is possible if you lower your average speed and minimize outside influences. Get on a deserted rural road with no traffic and engine off P&G at an average speed of 22 MPH and go over 100 MPG.

I did 60 on my CVT Altima that way (no engine off).

Heck they did 43 in a 55 Chrysler 300, 5000 pounds of old tech with a Hemi.

regards
Mech

[Patrick]

Whip up a Kammback hardtop for that puppy.

[bikin' Ed]

To answer some questions:
It is manual trans, I use odometer and gas pump to get my MPG, between my lack of time and computer techno-phobia I just never seem to get back to my fuel log. (Although I am getting tempted by the ultra gauge)

Most of my mpg gains have come steadily since my garage post, as I learn how to better eco drive. In my dreams I see this car with a new fiberglass front end (w/o pop up headlights), smooth wheel covers, an almost complete grille block, and a totally aero hatch type kamm back. I'm pretty sure that would keep me over 50mpg.

Another note...I don't want to get 50mpg just to get 50mpg. To be real to me it has to be done within the realm of my everyday driving.

[Josh8loop]

That to me is impressive mileage, plus it's not even a TDI !

[Sven7]

I'd start modding it. Belly pan, grille block, wheel skirts. And some EOC. You'd be amazed how far you can go with the engine off- I call them "free miles" because it costs no gas and the car's still going.