[i90east]

I drive on nearly empty US rural roads at night on a regular basis so I've been able to experiment with finding the optimal MPH range for getting the highest MPG numbers. What I've found is that the sweet spot seems to be 22-42 MPH, meaning coast down to 22, bump start and pulse up to 42, cut the engine, coast down to 22, repeat.

This spans the range of third gear from about 1,900-3,100 RPM and acceleration is pretty quick. When wind is negligible and the air temperature is at least somewhat warm this cycle nets an average of 80 MPG. Any speed higher than 42 MPH lowers the average due to the increased air resistance (no aero mods) and high engine revs. Any speed lower than 22 MPH bogs third gear and second gear is very inefficient.

I'm wondering if this method is similar to what other hypermilers are finding is best or if there's a better way. How do you go for the highest possible numbers in very ideal conditions (empty roads, no lights)?