Welcome to EM
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Originally Posted by FF777
I inflated my tires to 40 psi, took out the back seat and emptied the junk out of the car. I go no faster than 50 mph on the highway with windows up.
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Looks like you are off to a good start
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Originally Posted by FF777
There is some minor body damage to the front of the car but I dont think it makes a whole lot of aerodynamic differnce since I'm only going 50 mph sometimes even 45.
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Have you ever tried to pedal a bicycle at that speed? Not easy, right? Aerodynamic drag is what you are working against, even at lower speeds.
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Originally Posted by FF777
I called tranmission shops to see if there was a way to swap my 3 speed auto for a 4-speed auto or 5-speed automatic but they all say its not worth the expense.
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Did they give you an actual price for the swap, or just claimed it's not worth them having to do it? You should decide whether it is worth it or not: If you really want to save fuel, then you should calculate how much you will save and see for yourself. I'll add that just a trans swap alone won't save you too much, but it depends on where and how you drive. Anyone here will tell you that the mod which saves the most fuel (and costs nothing!) is adjusting the nut behind the wheel.
How about a manual? It'll allow you to take better advantage of more advanced hypermiling techniques, like coasting. If you decide to stay with an auto, then it may be possible to lock up your torque converter at will (search for Orange4boy's thread on that).
Quote:
Originally Posted by FF777
My RPMs at 50 mph are around 2400-2500. This is high as I test drove a 2004 corolla 4 speed automatifc and it was doing around 2000-2100 at 50 mph.
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When swapping the trans you might be able to get a taller top gear. But before that you can get taller tires, which can reduce RPMs by as much as 10%.
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Originally Posted by FF777
I was thinking of purchasing a scan gauge so I can see the optimium fuel efficient speed my car travels.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FF777
Shoudl I reduce my highway speed to 45?
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Why not?
