Well I will have to say I have seen alot of resistance on new ideas from several members.
My point being I am on this website to share information and personal experiences about fuel economy. Information should be shared, and being in the automotive industry for over 10 years, I feel that the public distrusts mechanics because they have either chosen the wrong one, or bought a car known for problems anyway. So before you bash someone or call out B.S. on a new idea, get some facts. Be prepared to answer all questions of other members if approached, and at least consider something new that may help your personal goals. We are all here for a reason, and i personally want better mileage and to share information with everyone. I am not here to say everyone is wrong.
Anyways my point today is before you mod you must look at you vehicle and evaluate its condition before you begin mods and data logging. Not everyone has a new car, I don't have one but I know its problems and i cannot expect perfect results having an imperfect starting point. So I have comprised a list of things to consider before you negate any mods, especially fuel quality and additives.
1) Type of car- how many cylinders?
2) Estimated manufacturers MPG
3) Tire size and quality
4) Ambient temperature
5) Drag coefficient
6) Type of fuel-Flex? Non flex? Built before 2001?
7) Vehicle weight
8) Engine condition- Tune up?
9) Type of plugs and condition
10) Engine oil type
11) Engine oil viscosity
12) Type of transmission
13)Brand of car
14) Type of transmission fluid
15) Maintenance history
16) Quality of maintenance
17) Engine compression
18) Stoichiometrics- Engines vacuum measurements to define efficiency
19) Differential-type and type of fluids
20) Vehicle ballast-How much junk are you carrying
21) Vehicle aerodynamics
22) Passengers
23) Wind resistance during testing
24) Cruise control
25) Vehicle speeds
This is 1/4 of the list of things to consider before beginning modding. Knowing the starting point, and figuring how much efficiency is possible is a great piece of knowledge to have setting realistic goals. I have set a personal goal of 70mpg which is 150% more than the EPA readings on my car. I am currently getting about 44%. Is it unrealistic? I dont believe so but every little thing I can think of I will be modding one at a time. And thanks to several members I have learned some things that will help. I appreciate anyone who takes the time to read my long posts, I am here to help and to be helped. Thanks everyone.
