[Arminius]

I finished the experiment, and I must say I'm pretty excited. I did 6 runs from Hartland (H) to Oconomowoc (O), WI on Hwy 16. I had originally planed an additional 6 runs which would have been on the return trip from O to H, but the cops pulled me over on the return route the first time, so I abandoned that aspect of the testing because they were all over me on each return trip.

Here are the results in the order in which they occurred in A-B-A-B-A-B pattern, where "A" is a test with the fan turned up to its highest setting and the two light holes open and "B" is a test with the fan turned up to its highest setting and the two light holes covered up with tape.

Results:

A1: 50.3 mpg
B1: 49.6

A2: 50:1
B2: 50:0

A3: 50:2
B3: 49:9

A couple of notes:.

The stats on the Scanguage were reset at the same specific points (road signs) at the beginning of each run. Resulting stats were recorded at the same specific points (road signs) at the end of each run. The car was up to speed (50 mph each time) and set on cruise at least a quarter of a mile before the beginning of each run. On the "B" runs the taped holes were checked to make sure they were still covered at the end of each run.

This experiment took place between 1:30 AM and 4:00 AM CST. I stayed in the right lane at all times, except where the road narrowed to one lane, due to construction. I kept the radio off and did not use the wipers, so the headlights and the fan were the only devices I had on.

The engine fan was running quite a bit throughout the test. It was a variable that I could not control. Normally I would turn the heat up just a bit to reduce the water temperature, but I couldn't do it because I was testing. However, I do want to add that under normal conditions turning the heat on just a little keeps the water temp below 206 degrees, where the fan normally turns on. And with that much air flowing, the temp change in the cabin is hardly noticeable.

Weather:

The road was totally dry.

UV Index: 0 Low
Wind: From WSW at 5 mph
Humidity: 95%
Pressure: 29.89 in.
Dew Point: 68°F
Visibility: 9.0 miles

Final comments:

I may do more experiments once the guilt of wasting all that gas and ruining by mileage by driving without hypermiling wears off. I'm looking forward to others trying this out.