Case Study: 45% above EPA?

[wobombat]

Agreed. Mustangs weren't always good. the mid 70's through late 90's mustangs in my opinion were mostly junk. But the 64-73, 99-04, and 10-present mustangs to me are amazing, and I really like what ford has done in the recent past e.g. mustang, fusion, escape, c-max. We'll have to see if chevy can do better, but the fact that they accepted a bailout and Ford didn't makes me want to root for Ford more.

And no I don't have that. My transmission can do P,R,N,D5,D4,3,2,1 and that's it. Nothing else. Are you talking about a tiptronic transmission where there's a plus and a minus and you can choose whatever gear you want?

[RedDevil]

Originally Posted by wobombat

2. Is the inability to hold compression in older cars a major factor in preventing good MPG when doing P&G?

3. Do some automatic trannys lock up the torque converter to slow you down in the manual low gears?

thanks to anyone who has insight here.

I have an Insight you're welcome

@2: If the compression fails new piston rings or valves/valve beds are needed.
The % of loss remains the same no matter the pressure (more lost at higher pressure, but also more that's put to use), but it will be larger at lower revs as it gets more time to escape then. So definitely something to look after if you go eco.

@3: I believe lock-up means that the input and output shaft lock together by a special clutch so both halves in the torque converter spin at the same speed. When they aren't locked the output shaft will turn slightly slower than the input shaft, wasting power.
Lock-up would allow your car to hold the same speed at slightly lower engine revs at the same load. AFAIK it has nothing to do with engine breaking or slowing down.
Says the man who only has driven manuals and CVT's, apart from a 3000 mile trip in a Ford Tempo with a very bad 2½ speed...

[UltArc]

Originally Posted by wobombat

Agreed. Mustangs weren't always good. the mid 70's through late 90's mustangs in my opinion were mostly junk. But the 64-73, 99-04, and 10-present mustangs to me are amazing, and I really like what ford has done in the recent past e.g. mustang, fusion, escape, c-max. We'll have to see if chevy can do better, but the fact that they accepted a bailout and Ford didn't makes me want to root for Ford more.

And no I don't have that. My transmission can do P,R,N,D5,D4,3,2,1 and that's it. Nothing else. Are you talking about a tiptronic transmission where there's a plus and a minus and you can choose whatever gear you want?

I am not sure what fancy name Lincoln gave it, but essentially so, with the plus and minus. I do not have the experience to talk about your system, I have only used auto in D,N, and R, the semi autos work OKAY, if one is stuck with an auto.

[wobombat]

Thank you All! I just did my first fill-up after instituting your ideas, and got 24.3 MPG (35% over EPA) !!! I am halfway there from 25% to 45%, and considering I did the grill block halfway through, had several traffic jams, haven't taken out the spare tire, haven't performed basic engine maintenance, and haven't yet gotten the scanguage, air dam, or rear wheel skirts, I think I'll be hitting 26 in no time. I think my signature shows all the help you guys have given me. You have my gratitude.

[wmjinman]

Well done, wobombat!!

Just looked at your fuel log & that's a really nice gain from what you'd been getting. The weather's getting warmer, so that should help. Also, as you practice your driving, you'll probably get better at it. And then, a FULL tank grille blocked (and probably with your new ScanGauge hooked up before it's done), your next tank should be even better.

I'm probably going to get gas tomorrow, too. And from what my ScanGauge is STILL showing, it looks like I'll finally get that 50+ mpg tank I've been waiting for.

[Fat Charlie]

Wonderful progress!

[101Volts]

FYI, When I spoke of "High LOD Pulse and Gliding not working in Moony" Earlier, I was speaking of trying to do it in the highest gear.

[RedDevil]

Summertime!
Anyone met their 45% over EPA goal yet?

Well I have!
Last 3 tanks average a stunning 62 mpg, over 50% over EPA...
The 90 days average will follow soon, once the last frostbitten May-tanks are out of the (90 day) window.
So special mods apart from a couple of LEDs, LGB, HIDs, 44 PSI and last but least the wing shaped antenna sleeve. And very moderate driving.

Last tank was really stunning. It did not look it would be very good but the tank was really full at 4-5 liters less than expected ??? Even 35 km onwards, the fuel gauge needle is still stuck to the max bar... maybe the pump is generous; if so they'll get a faithfull customer

[UltArc]

I have been keeping right around 40 mpg for these summer tanks with the full underbody on. Really dreading the winter coming up, the temperature is already dropping

[9646gt]

Lots of good information in this thread I'm with the OP when it comes to aero mods and the look of them. I need to do some research of my own to find some aero mods that won't be so noticeable. Maybe move the from air dam back a tad further than flush with the bumper if I put one on and things like that.