All technique!

[Swordsman]

Since my last fillup, I've totally changed my driving habits. I have a 60 mile round commute, and my '08 Mustang GT usually nets me around 26 mpg according to it's own computer. Now, I don't know how accurate that is yet (I've finally decided I need to confirm it), but 2 days into my new routine and it's now showing me 30.4 mpg! Regardless of the true number, that's still a nearly 17% increase! I don't know if these numbers will hold... historically, it seems to drop just as the tank nears empty, but I'm really curious to see what happens. Who knows what it might be capable of if I actually do some aero mods?

(Oh wait, I forgot, I did pump up the tires a bit yesterday).

Next on the list: side and front skirts, then probably some tire spats. Maybe I'll get real crazy and do some solids hubcaps!

~SM

[vrmilionzx]

Awesome username, btw - made me think of that old SNL Jeopardy sketch, and I thought "S-Words Man?"

If you pumped your tires, would it impact the computer? If it incorporates tire pressure, assuming it's programmed for stock size tires...yadda yadda yadda -
So, maybe? More than likely it's some other change you've made (that's just a guess, on my part, though, so don't take it as written in stone). Same kind of gas as last fillup? Octane, same station, etc?

Also, for a good sized V8, that sounds decent - now, for Aero!!!!!

[mcrews]

no computer on a car is using tire psi to calibrate mileage.
But depending on ther psi before and the new psi, you could improve your mileage 1-2mpg.(like 26psi to 43psi - that was the situatuion on my Kia Sportage)

[mcrews]

concider going up a size on your tires at the next purchase.
I went from a 245/45/18 to a 245/50/18 (about 6% increase). if your doing any amount of cruising, the taller tire will reduce the final rpm.

[Swordsman]

Originally Posted by mcrews

concider going up a size on your tires at the next purchase.
I went from a 245/45/18 to a 245/50/18 (about 6% increase). if your doing any amount of cruising, the taller tire will reduce the final rpm.

Yeah, I actually have been wanting to do that simply for looks. Improved MPG would be a bonus. Or vice versa.

But tires are expensive. Mine has 18" rims, and I the cheapest I can replace them is still over $500! I'd drop wheel sizes if I could (get tall tires for some 16" wheels), but the brake system won't allow it. Hope these last a while longer!

~SM

[darcane]

Originally Posted by vrmilionzx

If you pumped your tires, would it impact the computer? If it incorporates tire pressure, assuming it's programmed for stock size tires...yadda yadda yadda -

How much do you think tire pressure is going to change tire circumference?

Hint: it's a trick question....

[Swordsman]

Well, it seems that 30.4 mpg is going to be my magic number. Probably will go up a tad as the weather gets hotter (unless I give in to the A/C!). With the combination of my gearing, aerodynamics, and commute path, my GT maintains its best FE at right around 63 mph. Any higher and the gauge starts to drop, and when I go slower, it seems to work harder to maintain the speed.

Now to install an air dam!

(Oh, and BTW, my screen name comes from the 5 or 6 years I spent studying rapier combat )

~SM

[mcrews]

Originally Posted by Swordsman

Yeah, I actually have been wanting to do that simply for looks. Improved MPG would be a bonus. Or vice versa.

But tires are expensive. Mine has 18" rims, and I the cheapest I can replace them is still over $500! I'd drop wheel sizes if I could (get tall tires for some 16" wheels), but the brake system won't allow it. Hope these last a while longer!

~SM

The infiniti came with $250+ tires.
I put on Kuhmos EST (or AST) High performance summers for around 150 each. GOt 40-44k on each set. The worked VERY well. quite too.
Got a lot of crap from the infiniti forum for going w/ 3rd tier tires.. ....yadda yadda...... but I drove 273k miles and never had a problem.
(340hp V8 w/ electronic suspenion and traction control)
granted, I'm over 50 and was driving for mpg not HP!!!!! but I would suggest taking a look.

Since you know your sweet spot is 63, a larger diameter will lower that to 60 even.
If you search my name and Q45 tires, you'll see I was at 1750rpms (i'm guessing) and still could floor it.

[Swordsman]

Well, I finished up my first hypermiling tank at 30.6 mpg, whereas my normal average is 26 mpg. That's a 17.7% improvement!

Filled up on the way home, and after getting to work today, it's showing 32.6 mpg. I expect it to drop from there, but it's a good start. Can't wait to see what happens once I get some areo mods installed!

~SM