In browsing on the ford escort forum (feoa.net)
Ford Escort Owners Association
I found a suggestion that my car is equipped with lean burn; cited as LOC (lean on cruise) supposedly from Ford. According to the source, AFR adjusts to 17:1 at high speeds and under low load.
I played with the car on a road trip this weekend and I think this is happening with my car. At very slight, steady increases in throttle, the car will read 47+ mpg and then all of a sudden drop to 35 or so - assuming that's when the engine goes back into closed loop.
Things I'm thinking about at this point:
Will a WAI help keep the car in lean burn?
Can I use the MPGuino to monitor this (I think), or will I need an AFR gauge?
I should definitely hook up my vacuum gauge to help me monitor the pedal, and mark the point where it goes out of lean burn.
Should I make a hand-throttle control, and what type? (Basjoos, HughJimBissel, etc.)