[comptiger5000]

Keep in mind, many of these big V8s have reasonably flat torque curves in stock form. The torque curve in mine doesn't drop off a lot until you're under 1400 or so (probably still 280+ ft lbs, vs 345 at peak). At 1750 rpm doing 60, it'll accelerate up 7% grades without downshifting or unlocking the TC.

What really tells me that the engine is under way too little load at cruise is that I get much better mpg in mild hills (doesn't gain more than 2 mph coasting down them) than on flat ground (steep hills are about the same as flat). I've seen a bit over 21mpg with a very light tailwind and the right set of hills with the cruise set at 59. However, if I set the cruise to the same speed on flat ground with no wind, I get about 18mpg.

And yeah, I know this brick will never get great mpg, and the city mpg probably won't get any better with an auto, but if I can help the mileage a bit when cruising 50+, that alone would save me a good bit of money, as currently it costs about $80 each way in fuel to drive home from college (which I don't do often).

I'll be curious to see what it gets for mpg in a few weeks when I tow a 3000 - 3500lb 6x12 cargo trailer for the 350 mile trip home (probably going down NY-17 as thruway tolls with the double axle trailer would be brutal for the whole run, so lots of steep hills).