So I've been "lurking", but this website may just turn into one of my coveted "Favorite Bookmarks" website. Great seeing all the results posted online. The 45 mpg dwindle in comparison to the triple-digit mpgs, but I suppose I take a different approach to economy. All the comfort with none of the drawbacks; cos' wifey has to be comfy!
For me the rally was a gauge to see how well the car would perform under "controlled conditions" without mods. I contemplated inflating the tires, but that would have skewed "normal" driving conditions. The lower speed of 45-55 was a little unrealistic, but still useful enough as a starting point.
(Oh, maybe it's nothing, but I DID replace the stock air filter with a K&N drop-in. Nothing else.)
Question to all who participated, and all those that have tasted blood: Where will we go to next year? IMHO we should integrate more freeway and city driving. A drive to Tacoma, up some of their hills maybe? Maybe a minimum average speed closer to today's tour driving - like 50-60mph? Checkpoints? Maybe stickers on the gas flaps to prevent mid-trip fill-ups?
Flame on modders, flame on!
p.s.: Tires are now up to 34 psi cold - according to the event sponsored tire gauge
. Makes me wonder what they were at before! Honda recommends 32 or 33 psi.