CNN: How 'hypermiling' can save you a lot of fuel (and the planet)

[elhigh]

I love when Wayne - or any fuel economy aficianado, for that matter - gets some coverage, but quoting his results will put people off when they can't do as well. If anyone ever needed a "Your mileage may vary" asterisk, he's the guy.

Don't talk about the environment except as an aside. People don't care about it. If they did, there'd be a lot less plastic floating around in the ocean. But always talk about the money money money. That's an immediate benefit that everyone can relate to and when they save some money, well, the environmental benefits are just a little dab of icing on the cake.

[elhigh]

Originally Posted by Xist

When I drove faster, I got worse fuel economy. I guess I drove too fast. Several tanks ago I decided to drive 65 instead of 55 and I went from 46 MPG to 48. That is not dramatic, only 2 MPG, about 4%, but while driving 18.2% faster?!

I drove home from my mother's house today and while I dislike speeding, I convinced myself to drive 65 in a 55 to save fuel.

That must be that "island of efficiency" in the BSFC map. 65 must be right in the butter zone.

[Xist]

lean burn

A mechanic kept telling me something about "cam profiles," but definitely lean burn.

[Mustang Dave]

Originally Posted by elhigh

I love when Wayne - or any fuel economy aficionado, for that matter - gets some coverage, but quoting his results will put people off when they can't do as well. If anyone ever needed a "Your mileage may vary" asterisk, he's the guy.

I agree wholeheartedly! Most people just don't understand how much the "nut behind the steering wheel" can affect fuel economy. I once told a co-worker about getting over 30 MPG with my Mustang. He asked, "Why don't all Mustangs get that kind of gas mileage?" I answered, "Because I'm not driving them!" He looked at me in disbelief, and I said, "I'm serious."
As most Ecomodders know, the most effective mod for fuel economy is adjusting the "nut behind the steering wheel".