View Single Post
Old 07-07-2008, 03:16 PM   #114 (permalink)
Joe_Bloe
EcoModding Lurker
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Silver Spring, MD
Posts: 49

Bucket - '94 Ford Escort Wagon
90 day: 36.46 mpg (US)
Thanks: 3
Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by Harry6 View Post
Imagine a raw egg attached to the bottom of your right foot. Try not to break it as you drive!
Quote:
Originally Posted by jonr View Post
Do not do the raw egg thing - it will cause you to accelerate too slowly for maximum overall FE.
I think neither of these generalizations are completely accurate--it depends on the circumstances (conditions, type of car, etc). With a manual transmission, large throttle openings at lower RPM (short-shifting) can be beneficial, but with an automatic, you have to balance throttle opening with getting the transmission to upshift and lock up as early as possible. I think the eggshell approach can have multiple benefits:
  • Earlier shifts and converter lockup in an automatic
  • Forces the driver to change mindset--no longer competing with other traffic, leaving space ahead for coasting
  • You may simply drive slower
__________________
  Reply With Quote