[funkhoss]

Originally Posted by freebeard

Have you considered an E-assist altermotor?

I have. At the very least, I would probably connect one (were I to explore such a system) to the driveshaft somehow, rather than to the engine, so that it could provide braking without having to use engine braking, and provide assist with the engine off. But then there's also the inefficiency of a battery-based energy recovery system, too--some kind of capacitor system would probably work better for quick charging and discharging (i.e., braking and assist).

But any kind of system like that sounds expensive and daunting. So far, this project has actually been pretty inexpensive and straightforward. I guess I've pretty much pushed the limits of what can be accomplished with easily swappable junkyard parts and basic hypermiling techniques. Any additional significant gains will probably require a more radical approach (custom hybrid system, significant bodywork, etc.).

-Funkhoss