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I don't know if the bad 60mph mpg is given by the uncalibrated SGII or not. Holding 60mph with 40+mpg is very difficult. The first tank is rather easy. After filling up 2 tanks, it gets harder and harder. I also see the mile meter is not matching to my odometer. I am very confused. But even the SGII is not calibrated, it shows cruising at 35mph saves more gas than 50 or 60mph. That is tough to drive because I can only drive this speed in town, where has traffic lights and stop sign. That is not many chance to have long cruise. Freeway is impossible to drive in this speed....
Another interesting find out today. We all know drafting saves gas. Today, I did an experiment. Cruising 55mph, no vehicle ahead, require holding 21tps, getting 33mpg. Drafting behind a big truck after 8 cars length, driving 65mph to 70mph, require holding 20 to 21tps (less gas used, faster speed), getting 39 to 41mpg. That means, drafting gives me 15% fast speed & 20% mpg. Great!!
Another experiment, blocking lower grille is cooler than the upper grille. Both reach 204F max (where the fan clicks in). Lower grille blocked goes up less frequently. Without block, max water temp is 194F. I will try few more days, then block the upper grille again. See if the result still same and see if mpg goes up. I am trying to do it in the same tank of gas so that mpg won't get affected by gas factor.
Also, I observed going beyond 65mph has dramatic higher air resistance. That explains why slowing down to 65mph from 80mph will jump from 32mpg to 38mpg. That makes xB not very good in pulse and glide because driving to 70mph uses much more gas and it doesn't have a lot of time cushion before stepping on the gas pedal again. (maybe 55mph) For me, I will neutral cruise only when the hill is deep and long enough. Neutral cruising gives me 350mph @ 70mph, 300mph @60mph, 279mph @ 55mph. Those figure is from my current SGII. The number may not 100% accurate, but it is good for reference.
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