47mpg (56UK mpg) looks like I'm making progress

[sallen]

Hi there,

Looks like "adjusting the nut" and some LRR tyres (with minor aero mods) have found me around 10mpg.

Fuel log is at:
1996 Volkwagen Golf MK3 GL Gas Mileage (VW GOLF) - EcoModder.com

That said, my most recent tanks have been better, but have included slightly more motorway driving, and lots of variables. I have also been using "normal" Dino-diesel from the pumps. I'm pretty sure B100 Bio D is worse for MPG.

Anyways... Fingers crossed for more gains with my new intercooler (from a supercharged Mini Cooper S) and undertray (still not fitted, been doing exams, see here: http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...1-a-12816.html).

[euromodder]

Originally Posted by sallen

Fuel log is at:
1996 Volkwagen Golf MK3 GL Gas Mileage (VW GOLF) - EcoModder.com

Something doesn't look right there.
I've been getting over 52 mpg (US) without any mods or hypermiling techniques from a similar vintage Audi A3 with the 1.9 TDI engine (90HP).
Doing mainly motorways, I've gotten the same mileage doing 80 to 90 mph (and above).

Plenty of people I know who've been driving cars with this engine, reported FE above 47 mpg without even trying.

[sallen]

@euromodder, you are right that something isn't right!

I am using the AAZ TD(with no I) indirect injection engine. It only produces 75hp and is the most thirsty turbo diesel engine that VW ever fitted to the Golf.

Using pretty much any variant of the TDI you get >10% better economy. However, I like the IDI engibe because:

• It can be tuned / detuned with a screwdriver
• There are literally no electrics involved, fully mechanical
• It runs on B100 Biodiesel without blowing the pump / injectors

Mostly though, I am far too broke to buy a Golf fitted with a TDI (which are up to twice the price for a MK3).

It looks like you are doing well though considering you're using no hypermiling techniques. And the 90hp TDI is suppoded to be a great little engine. I remember posting the figures for my engine compared with that engine, and the non turbo on @robchalmers build thread.

Here they are:

Non-Turbo Engine (60hp)
56MPH > 66 MPG(UK) - 55 MPG(US)
75MPH > 46 MPG(UK) - 39 MPG(US)

Turbo (non TDI engine - indirect injection 75hp)
56MPH > 60 MPG(UK) - 50 MPG(US)
75MPH > 43 MPG(UK) - 36 MPG(US)

TDI Engine (Direct Injection 90hp)
56MPH > 74 MPG(UK) - 61 MPG(US)
75MPH > 52 MPG(UK) - 43 MPG(US)

Man I wish I could afford a TDI... Especially the reliable PD engine which can be modified to use biodiesel.

[euromodder]

Originally Posted by sallen

I am using the AAZ TD(with no I) indirect injection engine. It only produces 75hp and is the most thirsty turbo diesel engine that VW ever fitted to the Golf.

Ouch.

It looks like you are doing well though considering you're using no hypermiling techniques.

Was ... past tense
I got those numbers in a friend's car, he has since sold it.
His new A3 with 1.9L common rail TDI and DCT is nowhere near as fuel efficient as the old A3, BTW.

Man I wish I could afford a TDI...

Always hope for a better future, and grab every opportunity to better yourself.

[redyaris]

With repect to biodiesle I have three friends who colect used vegitable oil from resturants and 'process' it and then blend it with diesle at rates between 10% to 100% depending on ambiant temperature. Do you know some one who does the same? If so you could try doing the same and the cost would be messured in effort not euros. The lost fuel economy would be offset by the reduces money cost. In summer you could almost run for free; with respect to money.