Honda Accord / Acura CL shift points and right cruising gears

[PaleMelanesian]

With my short gears, I shift into 2nd really early - 3 mph or so. If I'm starting on a downhill I'll just start in 2nd gear. It's all in the name of keeping rpm low.

[hummingbird]

Hi PaleMelanesian, I've something to report -

For my last tank, I followed your advice religiously. Even when I had to switch ON the AC for some time, I kept RPM to less than 2k ALL the time. (well, except for one rush trip for 20 miles). Found that the gearing of my car allowed smooth transitions through 1-3-5 without lugging or panting by the engine, so exploited it fully. The result - 52.86 mpg!! - An almost 7 mpg boost from my earlier tank, which was 45.94 Would you like to comment?

BTW I have a feeling I get better FE with shorter fills (as was the 5 gal previous to last refill) rather than going almost empty, but it could be just a superstition for me. Wot u say?

[Clev]

I have the F22A4 in my '90 Accord. I found that altering my shift points didn't help as much as lowering my freeway speeds (5th gear is still too short) and using my vacuum gauge to help accelerate more gently. My last few tanks averaged 34-36 mpg despite my nightly uphill climb and recent cooling system problems.

[PaleMelanesian]

Very nice - that's my comment! Good work.

[Clev]

Originally Posted by PaleMelanesian

Very nice - that's my comment! Good work.

Holy crap, just noticed your numbers. What got you from 33 mpg to 60+?

[PaleMelanesian]

100+ hypermiling / ecodriving tips to increase gas mileage - EcoModder.com
I think I use them all.

Edit: no drafting. I'm on slow routes where it won't help.

[Clev]

Sounds like I need to get the MPGuino installed first. I wouldn't even know which ones work best.