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Old 11-09-2008, 12:03 PM   #5 (permalink)
trebuchet03
MechE
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Bay Area
Posts: 1,151

The Miata - '01 Mazda MX-5 Miata
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tango Charlie View Post
IF the gale was strong enough to put your vehicle's engine into an ideal load condition; i.e.-that elusive BSFC map island...
I'm not convinced that would be beneficial...

BSFC islands show you the best thermally efficient zones - but that doesn't mean it won't consume less fuel.

If riding in a headwind puts you into peak BSFC, you're using the least amount of fuel per HP... But, if you need to make 15hp more to be on that island, that could very well mean you're consuming more fuel, just at a higher thermal efficiency.
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