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3-Wheeler · 12-11-2014, 02:42 PM

<<how to determine ideal cruising RPM >>

In a way, that is a loaded question!

This depends on so many factors:

Are you considering this question on a flat section of road?
What is the outside temperature?
Is there snow on the ground?
Going up hill? How steep? What gear and engine load?

This is the ART of eco-driving.

For example I use a different technique to crest the same hill in winter as the road/tire friction is different, and thicker air. In the summer I can coast down a one mile section of road with the engine off, but need to keep it running in the winter.

There are times in the summer when I can easily get more MPG's on flat sections in fifth gear, but keep it fourth in the winter, because *that's* better. And this varies with different speeds. It really depends.

The Insight has an Instant MPG display, and if I really want to maximize MPG, I watch that pretty closely. If that is not an option, then certainly get a ScanGage II, which gives very good readings. I use that to keep an eye on radiator temps, air temps, and so on. Very useful.

I've had the Insight for over five years, and *still* refining the high MPG technique !

Jim.

12-11-2014, 02:42 PM	#5 (permalink)
3-Wheeler Master EcoModder Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Southern WI Posts: 829 AlienMobile - '00 Honda Insight Team Honda 90 day: 80.05 mpg (US) Thanks: 101 Thanked 563 Times in 191 Posts	<<how to determine ideal cruising RPM >> In a way, that is a loaded question! This depends on so many factors: Are you considering this question on a flat section of road? What is the outside temperature? Is there snow on the ground? Going up hill? How steep? What gear and engine load? This is the ART of eco-driving. For example I use a different technique to crest the same hill in winter as the road/tire friction is different, and thicker air. In the summer I can coast down a one mile section of road with the engine off, but need to keep it running in the winter. There are times in the summer when I can easily get more MPG's on flat sections in fifth gear, but keep it fourth in the winter, because that's better. And this varies with different speeds. It really depends. The Insight has an Instant MPG display, and if I really want to maximize MPG, I watch that pretty closely. If that is not an option, then certainly get a ScanGage II, which gives very good readings. I use that to keep an eye on radiator temps, air temps, and so on. Very useful. I've had the Insight for over five years, and still refining the high MPG technique ! Jim. __________________ Under-Belly Panels: http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...els-10638.html Tail Extension: http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...ect-13533.html Last edited by 3-Wheeler; 12-11-2014 at 02:52 PM..