28 MPG??!???!? You've got to be KIDDING me!!! - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

ShadeTreeMech · 04-26-2010, 12:59 PM

I recently embarked on a 300 mile trip in the Maxima. I generally have to fight road rage and so hypermiling comes hard for me when my pride is wounded. That and the acceleration of the Maxima is amazing compared to my minvan.

However, I managed to go all the way to Little Rock without speeding much. (you have to remember, going 10 over is an Arkansas tradition. I pass police going 10 over constantly) I also used a modified P&G when I could; ie, I left the engine running, but when I could mantain speed going down slight hills while in neutral, i took advantage of it. I also did a touch of it when I could on the interstate.

Sadly I mashed the go pedal a bit more on the trip back than I should have, but still managed a solid 28 mpg. This may not seem much, but i have a goal of breaching 30 mpg, and I haven't even done anything to reduce drag on this beast. All I've done is put 50 psi in the tires.

I do desperatly want a fuel injector cut off switch for EOC (engine off coasting?) and while I know I can keep the engine rolling while in drive (I have an automatic) I'm not versed enough in the rules of auto trannys, so I fear damaging the thing. I think keeping it in drive at speed and cutting off the fuel shouldn't pose any problems, especially if my TC stays locked in . But if the engine stops spinning while in gear, what then? I could put it in neutral and kill the engine, but then that'll stress the aging starter.

Either way, getting that figure got me going. It's proven to me it can be done, and that getting a SGII might actually be worth it!

Fr3AkAzOiD · 04-26-2010, 01:57 PM

Was the car heavily loaded for your trip?

You will be getting 30+ mpg soon enough.

texanidiot25 · 04-26-2010, 02:14 PM

Your engine powers the hydrolic pump that keeps your trans working and lubricated. Good chance of burning it up if you EOC at freeway speeds.

Frank Lee · 04-26-2010, 03:45 PM

There's a whole mentality with speeding and aggressive driving that I think results in sub-conscious gas pedal mashing. What I'm trying to say is when you lose that you will make the gains you seek.

bgd73 · 04-26-2010, 04:09 PM

28 and good acceleration. Somebody did something right...

the maxima is the sideways v6?
Uncommon car this way...along with 99% of ecomod proven hypermilers.

ShadeTreeMech · 04-26-2010, 05:29 PM

yeah, the Maxima has a 190 hp V-6 and front wheel drive. It's supposed to do the 1/4 in 13ish secs in stock form with 0-60 in about 7 secs. Not blazing fast, but a bit better than your average beater.

I've heard of someone being able to get 30 out of the thing, so it just might be possible.

I know the pump keeps things lubricated, but if the engine is off while still in gear, an AT will keep the engine turning, assuming the RPMs don't go too low. So everything is still working, I'm just not sure about all the details.

And no, it wasn't especially heavily loaded, I suspect less than 300lbs including people and luggage. But I did leave with a full tank, so there was that weight. But I always consider a full tank as a happy tank and try to keep it full.

Right now I'm trying to figure out an idling problem it's having. Coupled with the starter starting to go out it's the cause of a bit of stress.

user removed · 04-26-2010, 07:02 PM

Had a 99. last year of that version Maxima. All aluminum V6, with a curb weight that is fairly low at something like 2800 pounds, with about 200 HP. Best car we ever owned and a dream on the Interstate at 80 MPH.

regards
Mech

ShadeTreeMech · 04-26-2010, 08:35 PM

Yeah we like it quite a bit. She had nearly 200k on her when we bought her now she's over that. And yeah, the curb weight is suprisingly low for something of that size.

that aluminum block is a thing of beauty. Would love to make a roadster with it sticking out in the open for all to see.

SentraSE-R · 04-26-2010, 10:15 PM

What Frank said. Until you leave the rat race, it will rule your mpg adversely. When you learn to drive 5-10 mph under the speed limit, you will reach new mpg heights.

ShadeTreeMech · 04-27-2010, 06:16 PM

But...But....but it so HARD to not go with the flow of traffic!!! And i like going fast.......but I don't like paying for it at the pump. And my car feels so stable at high speed, like it just wants to go faster and is egging me on.....

This is a picture of my inner conflict. Wish i could afford to change out the final drive for better highway gears.