Quote:
Originally Posted by DoctorM
Yes - the vehicle does have a real time fuel usage on the dash, and it seems to be pretty accurate.
I think our efficiency problems are related to conflicting requirements the EPA issues on faulty assumptions about the effect of automotive emissions on the environment. Simple models are adopted and regulations issued without any testing, verification, or pilot proof-of-concept programs.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DoctorM
I can believe that. Much of the solution to efficiency may lay in simply reprogramming the computer. I think that is not so easy for us to accomplish, and perhaps illegal for the manufacturer to do.
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Bigger capacity engine wastes more fuel idling, and moving slowly. Also, reving up. from personal experience, that is.
My engine is smaller, but my mileage sucks until I get going. I can get 40 mpg because I can roll in 6th gear from 25 mph and up, but if I stop, my mileage just plummits. Accelerating, though, I get terrible fuel economy. In the city I can get 30+ from shifting at 1200 rpms, to 650 rpms, and never stopping.
If I just accelerate, then the fuel consumption is terrible. Hence why one can get a hybrid and get great mileage without altering driving style. Electric motor does start up, and then fuel motor does higher speeds, recharging, so on. And a smaller engine pulling is more efficient in down time.
If you do NOT want to change your driving style, then instrumentation showing true rpm and real life mpg/fuel use will help as much as you let it (instead of the factory stuff which doesn't compare), aero mods will help- visible or not, and although there is no well tested info here, I continue to see claims of mpg gains by cold air induction. Now that is very subjective, but the Mustang forum I have been visiting has a lot of people who strictly want performance. An after thought was increased mpg, per tank. Most people say 2mpg, a couple said only one. So, now this isn't very technical, if you don't want to change your driving style, that might also give you a boost, and then you have the performance option, too.