33.7 to .. 4̶6̶.̶0̶ .. 60.6 mpg!

[j12piprius]

The instant feedback of the ultragauge has made a major difference to my driving. My previous high and typical average was 33.7 mph. Results were similar regardless of averaging 60 or 70 mph. Also I was having trouble keeping interested in mpg due to infrequent driving, and the long periods of time between feedback.

The instant feedback of the ultragauge changed this immediately and I am delighted. During my first 126.3 mile trip, my focus was entirely on the gauge, and not at all about passing the next cars in front of me. Typically I would speed up to the backs of the lines, coast in gear and repeat, which worked quite well and resulted in a new mark of 41.8 mpg! The return trip was even better ending up at 46.0 mpg. Yesterday I took a 239 round trip on the freeway (not as good of conditions) at 44.1 mpg.

Now I'm interested to get above 50, if possible. I'm looking to add a grill block, wheel covers, and to keep improving my technique.

So far I've been using only P&D, and coasted just a few times in neutral engine on. The Ex has a rough shift and loses 1 to 2 mph each time going back into gear, unless I rev up a bit first which uses more gas. Perhaps I can smooth this out, but will need to be able to coast much longer to use neutral very often.

The Ex doesn't glide very well. My old Chevy Celebrity can glide much farther in neutral. I can tell that air resistance slows the Ex down quite a bit, so perhaps the poor aerodynamics is the reason. Hopefully a grill block and wheel covers will help.

[UltArc]

Thank you for posting! Testimonials about the influence on driver from Scangauges and Ultra Gauges really is invaluable for the new members who have not invested yet

[user removed]

If you feel a significant difference at lower speeds make sure the tires are close to sidewall max.

regards
Mech

[j12piprius]

Thanks much for the comments. Perhaps what I'm using is better called Pulse & DFCO.

The tires are at 40 psi, the same as the chevy.

The mpg does a lot better in a 5 mph range vs 10, and a 15 mph range is the worst, perhaps due to the slower acceleration vs coasting in the lower ranges. I'm hoping the aero mods will be helpful.

I seem to do best by finding a narrow sweet spot of acceleration & DFCO, without even watching the gauges that much, which is especially useful and awesome to use in traffic on the freeway.

[cbaber]

Congrats on the new records. Have you considered traditional P&G with the engine off coasting in neutral? Your glides would be much longer than DFCO in gear. Coasting with the engine on in neutral is also beneficial if you do not want to turn off the engine. Coasting in gear is engine breaking, and it's wasting your cars energy so you could see significant gains by making the switch.

[WilliamYH09]

I agree with cbaber. When I first got my car I was doing pulse and glide with DFCO. A few tanks later I tried pulse and glide with engine-on neutral (I have an automatic), and it increased my average mpg by 3-4 compared to DFCO. Though, there are still times where DFCO is desirable, like coming to a stop sign at the bottom of a hill.

[dmafanp]

wow i think my best ever trip was 46 mpg way to go,,!! you can reach 50 no problem wait for summer gas in your area and pump those tires,,

[j12piprius]

Thank you very much for the comments and tips. I will try coasting in neutral the next trip.

[elhigh]

Nice work! Boosting your mileage by over 50% sure takes the bite out of the Ultragauge's purchase price, doesn't it?

[user removed]

Originally Posted by johnlvs2run

Thank you very much for the comments and tips. I will try coasting in neutral the next trip.

Compare the distance using neutral coasting versus DFCO. It will require greater distance anticipation to get the best benefit. When you have to slow down use DFCO, then brakes only when absolutely necessary.

regards
Mech