Big stinky SUV driver reporting in - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

ElectroGhandi · 02-28-2010, 05:33 PM

Hello there! I am ElectroGhandi and I drive a 5 speed manual '94 Isuzu Rodeo. As a high schooler, I am always short on cash so I try to drive as efficiently as I can. No, I'm not going to go about putting wheel skirts on my truck but I try to save gas in other ways. I usually shift at ~1700 rpm. I avoid interstates as I turn 2800 rpm at 65 mph.

I try to turn off my engine at red lights when I know I will be waiting a while. I also take advantage of DFCO and engine braking to save gas and brake pads. I'm also going to start calculating my fuel economy and hopefully I'll get some help from this site.

Good day!

alohaspirit · 02-28-2010, 05:43 PM

welcome to the site

i think youll have a hard time pulling over 25mpg in that rodeo unless you do some serious eco/aeromodding

go car shopping

ElectroGhandi · 02-28-2010, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alohaspirit

go car shopping

Haha, noooo. I really love my truck. I'm going to keep it until it dies.

RobertSmalls · 02-28-2010, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElectroGhandi

I'm also going to start calculating my fuel economy and hopefully I'll get some help from this site.

That which is measured, improves.

An MPGuino would help with that.

MadisonMPG · 02-28-2010, 07:54 PM

How do you love a Rodeo?

ElectroGhandi · 02-28-2010, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadisonMPG

How do you love a Rodeo?

It's tough and powerful feeling. Plus it has sentimental value to me.

MadisonMPG · 02-28-2010, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElectroGhandi

It's tough and powerful feeling. Plus it has sentimental value to me.

I see.

Buy another car.

RobertSmalls · 02-28-2010, 08:46 PM

Now, Madison, he's in high school. Any car that you have in high school is the coolest car you've ever had.

Every now and then, newcomers arrive in some big dumb SUV or personal-use pickup that would be best shredded, shipped to China, made into Matchbox Geo Metros, and shipped back here. The right approach is to welcome them and teach them the value of Cd*A, m*Crr, and driving technique. That way, when they're ready to replace their SUV, they're likely to choose something more responsible.

I used to drive a big dumb SUV myself: the Subaru Legacy Wagon. It could tow, but I never did. It had AWD, but I only used that for donuts and to get out of the driveway without shoveling. It had four seats, though the rear ones were seldom used. And yet, I got 30mpg instead of the EPA's 22.

Welcome, ElectroGhandi.