A.M.E.C. Economy Run III - Fonda, NY 8-23-09

[SVOboy]

Definitely going to be some neat rides there. Looking forward to it.

[Matt Herring]

I'm interested in bringing my Prius to the Run this year. Does anyone know how they plan to measure fuel consumption for the fickle Prius fuel bladder?

[blownb310]

Originally Posted by Matt Herring

I'm interested in bringing my Prius to the Run this year. Does anyone know how they plan to measure fuel consumption for the fickle Prius fuel bladder?

The only Prius that's ever run with us has been Hobbit's. We allowed him to use the "fill slowly and shut off at the first click method". It's not very accurate, but that's the only option we have for cars that are damaged by overfilling. Hobbit achieved 64 mpg at Economy Run II last October.

Mike

[Matt Herring]

Nice run by Hobbit...64 mpg in mixed driving is worthy...very worthy.

I use the one click method every time when I fill up so that seems reasonable.

FYI and something to consider - most veteran Prius drivers report their in-car mpg (MFD) runs about 2% higher than actual after tracking this over hundreds of tanks. Perhaps MFD minus 2% would also be an easy way to monitor mpg in the Prius. The miles driven would be clearly stated on the MFD so any shenanigans would be easy to spot as the course is measured. Or, use MFD minus 2% and also monitor miles/fill and see how they compare (while having some rule stating which method you are using).

Over a handful of tanks my actual vs. MFD is under 1% but I plan to use the 2% deduction from MFD in my fuel logs until I have at least 100 tanks to compare data. I might be shorting myself some reporting my mpg but until I have sufficient data it's all I can use due to the Prius fuel bladder.

I'm highly interested in making the drive over from Boston for the event. Even if I'm not in the running for any prizes I'd like to see the cool cars and exchange info!

[Matt Herring]

I'm def in for now...don't think I have anything going on that weekend. Was talking to SVO about it and it sounds like fun. I've been trying to get to an FE event this summer but my schedule didn't allow it. Maybe I can recruit another Prius from my area on priuschat.com to come over with me to participate...I'll post it on their site.

[blownb310]

Sounds great Matt,

I'll add your name to the list. If later you realize that you can't make just let me know so I can open up a spot for someone else.

If there are other Prius cars entered, I'll let you guys decide on which method [one click or -2%] you'd like to use. That way the playing field will be level.

Mike

P.S. Just realized your Pruis is a 2009. I think Hobbit told me that the new ones no longer have the bladder. Is this correct?

[Matt Herring]

Mine is a 2009 and it has the bladder. The new 2010's don't have the bladder.

[Matt Herring]

Mike,

What's the time limit for the 94 mile run? Just curious...(already working on my strategy)!!!

[blownb310]

Originally Posted by Matt Herring

Mike,

What's the time limit for the 94 mile run? Just curious...(already working on my strategy)!!!

We haven't decided yet. Last year we alotted 3 hours for the 118.7 mile distance and it was quite comfortable for all. We had a mandatory stop at the halfway point [where we all had to pick up a card that proved you went the furthest distance from the start and didn't take any short cuts]. Many of us chatted there and looked over each other's cars. I really enjoyed that and spent about 10-15 minutes there. However it made me 3 minutes late getting back.

This year's event is a bit shorter at approx. 102 miles due to the location of the picnic afterwards. The roads are all 45- 55 mph and if I remember right, I think you can count the total number of traffic lights on one hand.

Mike

[Matt Herring]

That's cool bro...looking forward to it!