so I went through my first tank
380 miles on 1 full tank, 13.2 gallons, but I only used 12g (didnt know how many miles I have after fuel light comes on)
more than 1/2 a tank was strictly in town. no stop n go traffic, but many stop signs and a few stop lights. used minor hypermiling techniques for town driving (2nd gear take off, coasting to stops and not taking rpm past 2.5/3.0 much)
tires @ 40psi.
had to take a trip to Orlando on Sunday, left Sebring with less than 1/2 a tank. was sort of in a hurry since we had over an hour later start than planned....
ran mostly with traffic running 65-70mph most of the way, but a LOT of inconsiderate drivers on the road (not going to go into it...) once we got onto I-4, had a group of cars (7) running about 80mph with the last one being a full sized SUV, so I hooked in behind him for some drafting. RPM's were higher than Id prefer, but I figured it was offset by the amount of headwind the SUV was taking off me. but once we got off I-4 on the 408 things changed, headwind the entire way, no real traffic to draft and everyone either going 10mph under the spd limit, or 15+mph over.
so I just threw it on cruise at 65mph (posted limit).
anyways, the drive back was less hectic and had a tail wind when traveling from the E before heading S. once we turned S the wind was a 90 crosswind, at about 25mph
all in all though, Im pretty impressed as I managed 31.6mpg, new EPA ratings gives the MP5 22/28 w/ 24 combined:
Mazda Protege5
going by that, my average is well above EPA without any modifications.
I ordered the material for a partial grill/airdam blocks over the wknd a sheet of steel perforated metal that allows 40% airflow
Item #9255t911(I cant do full blocks in FL, it gets just too darn hot) but 40%, even though I feel might be pushing my luck, might be enough to keep the car cool, while allowing a decent block, also planning on blocking off the fog lights with a piece of 1/16 clr lexan.
hoping to be able to put both together over the weekend
