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Ecky, I agree with you... to a point. First, new vehicles sport engines that enjoy efficiencies way beyond even the best offerings of 20 years ago; perhaps 50% better? New vehicles are getting better fuel economy -- not just from more efficient engines, but also lighter weight, better aerodynamics and -- wait for it:
Hybrid Electric Assist!!
If you own a brand new vehicle getting mythological mileage numbers, then maybe it is as good as it gets. However, if you rely on an older daily driver, I bet there's a comfortable 40% to 60% gain in engine efficiency on the table to be had. I'd go so far as to say I bet I could squeeze at least 20% out of the most efficient brand new engine with combustion efficiency improving technologies. They may not meet EPA's OEM requirements, but I will state that part of that guarantee is that actual emissions will at least not increase; but may actually improve.
For typical Ecomodders, older vehicles = cheaper vehicles. From what I've seen, at least 75% of the enthusiasts that congregate these pages are working on something at least 10 years old. So my claim that there is room for improvement stands.
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Recovering Gasaholic
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