Honda Accord / Acura CL shift points and right cruising gears - Page 2 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

PaleMelanesian · 05-19-2009, 12:00 PM

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 · 05-30-2009, 01:53 AM

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 · 05-30-2009, 02:00 AM

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.