[JohnnyGrey]

I'm trying to get a feel for how significant pumping losses are. I wanted to test it out but the roads are a bit busy around here. If you've got a manual transmission and direct throttle cable and want to contribute in the name of science please do!

OK, here we go.

1. Find an empty, relatively flat road.
2. Pick out a landmark like a sign or mailbox.
3. Approach the landmark in a given gear and speed (ex: 40mph in 3rd gear to minimize the effects of wind drag)
4. After you cross the landmark, turn your ignition off.
5. First coast with zero throttle until you stop. Note your distance. The second time around, coast with the accelerator to the floor and note your stopped distance.

Measuring exact distance will be hard, but a GPS or your trip odometer might come in handy for this.