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Old 02-18-2011, 10:58 PM   #178 (permalink)
superchow
Master of 140 hamsters
 
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: Lacey, WA
Posts: 183

Hamster - '07 Honda Civic EX
90 day: 29.41 mpg (US)

Whooshy Wagon - '04 Volvo V40
90 day: 23.33 mpg (US)

Minotaur - '09 Ford Taurus X SEL
90 day: 19.05 mpg (US)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by abell75 View Post
It's difficult for my brain to believe that accelerating at 80% load/throttle is the most efficient use of the fuel - I've always been told that slow/steady acceleration is better.
The way I understand this is when you optimize the following:

1. High load to reduce pumping losses through restriction in the intake manifold.
2. Tall gearing to maximize the speed gained per engine speed increase.

The combination should be reduced pumping losses in the engine and slow and steady acceleration due to "long gears".
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