Gas goes up, Car weight goes down

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by Christ

Spare/tools -replace with plug kit and small air compressor.

Might want to think about that one. In my experience, anyway, at least 3/4 of flats are things like sidewall damage that nothing's going to fix, so you're a) stuck with a flat and b) have been carrying around extra weight of compressor all this time.

[Christ]

I've only had one sidewall flat. Then again, I've only had 3 ever. The sidewall was from punching a curb while acting like a reject while driving. The other two were a nail and a rock, both in the tread, and both repaired using a you're plug and a compressor. The compressor weighs about as much as a good tire iron.

Really, I don't carry a spare. Must times, I don't have the plugs or compressor, either. Even on long trips.

[Frank Lee]

I've noticed some darn nice fabric lawn chairs at Target; they weigh almost nothing, are very comfy, and are $25 on sale. Might get one and hack the legs off...

[Christ]

Id like to see that lol.

[imzjustplayin]

Originally Posted by RandomFact314

Yeah about a year and a half but I haven't been on or thought about hypermiling in the last 4 or 5 months.

Here are the EPA fuel economy numbers for the non-vtec Honda accord:
1985-2007 EPA fuel economy numbers: 23 cty, 30 hwy, 26 combined. 1975 EPA fuel economy numbers (CAFE): 26 cty, 39 hwy, 30 combined. From my experience, these numbers can be immensely helpful because if your car's tires are inflated to their maximum pressure, you accelerate pretty gently (people likely will pass you), you coast to stop lights, keep off the A/C and defrost and you cruise at 55mph, I would say that the CAFE numbers are possible. However I have lots of mountainous terrain where I live so I end up only achieving the 1985 EPA fuel economy numbers. I have achieved the CAFE fuel economy numbers from time to time, mostly if I drive in a flat area. However when I drive on the highway, I consistently get the CAFE fuel economy number of 38mpg, but that's only if I'm doing 53/55mph.

Here is an example of a vehicle I drive that only has 40K miles and for the most part is running fine since there is little chance of rust and POSSIBLY a partially clogged PCV system which is notorious on these cars..

2004 Volvo S60 2.5T A/T: 1985 EPA fuel economy numbers: 22 cty, 30 hwy, 25 combined....(I average 24-27mpg depending on time of year 50-50 city highway driving) CAFE fuel economy numbers:24 cty, 38.4 hwy, 28.87 combined. I can achieve these CAFE fuel economy numbers if it's not too cold outside and if I'm not climbing any steep hills, or at least thats my experience.

[War_Wagon]

1. Fuel is heavy, at about 6 pounds a gallon, your car has ( I think ) a 10 gallon tank, so only filling it half way should save 30 pounds.

2. Are you eating 3 Big Macs as you read this? Taking 50 pounds off the driver is taking 50 pounds out of the car lol!

[zonker]

Originally Posted by Christ

And yet still, it's fun to see just how light you can make a car without making it structurally unsafe.

Thats the Colin Chapman of car building theory. He would take a car and start cutting items off it until it fell apart, and then add that last item back on.

[MarkM66]

Originally Posted by War_Wagon

1. Fuel is heavy, at about 6 pounds a gallon, your car has ( I think ) a 10 gallon tank, so only filling it half way should save 30 pounds.

2. Are you eating 3 Big Macs as you read this? Taking 50 pounds off the driver is taking 50 pounds out of the car lol!

1. Fuel is light compared to most other liquids. And stopping to fill up is a complete waste of fuel.

2. Spot on.

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by Christ

Really, I don't carry a spare. Must times, I don't have the plugs or compressor, either. Even on long trips.

Of course the practicality of that depends on where you drive. Around most of Pennsylvania it'd probably be workable - if you get a flat, just call a buddy. On for instance Nevada 722, probably not an option :-)

[Christ]

Originally Posted by jamesqf

Of course the practicality of that depends on where you drive. Around most of Pennsylvania it'd probably be workable - if you get a flat, just call a buddy. On for instance Nevada 722, probably not an option :-)

What exactly are you suggesting, James?

You make a good point, actually... The viability of some mods and ideas will be affected by the locale of those considering it.