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How should you drive a turbo-charged car efficiently?
So I just picked up a 1987 Chevrolet Sprint TURBO!!! It has been the find of my life. It's a beautiful, charming little thing. And my last tank of 237 miles got almost 41 miles a gallon. (40.73)
Now this is the way I drove during that tank. For one, it was 70% highway miles, with some city driving. And I tried as much as possible with 90%+ success, of driving without invoking the beastly power of the turbocharger. The dash actually lights up TURBO when it turns on, so I'm really light on the throttle. This thing can go 0 to 60 in 8.7 seconds, only 2 seconds slower than the V8 Camaro of the same year. It's a sleeper. It's a killer on the racetrack if you want it to be, and an economical power horse. It's like the perfect woman. It's the best of both worlds. It's made of what seems to be 1,600 lbs of light-weight paper and it glides like an eagle. It has 12 inch tires. It is a thing of beauty. But my question is, what is the most fuel-efficient way to drive a turbo-charged car? Do I invoke the maddening force and beauty of the turbo charger? Or do I keep it's secret power hidden and subdued, softly kissing the throttle whilst gracefully going through the city? I wish I could keep her, but I need the money. But I have never loved a car more. It's so nice to see her in the morning, waiting for me in the garage. "Hey sweetheart, how'd you sleep? Good? Let's go someplace. I love you." |
I'm sorry, I have no idea the answer to your question, but I just wanted to comment about your beautifully, funny post! I laughed so hard and I had to show my gf, who laughed as well! That in itself deserves a thanks for making each of us laugh, not to mention I want to know the answer to the same question.
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Economically-driving a turbocharged car is not so different from doing the same in a non-turbo. It's basically all about selecting the most suitable gear for the terrain conditions and the engine speed. Personally, if not street-racing, I'd avoid to go beyond the peak torque RPM as much as I can...
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But hey, we've got the same car! 2001 Corolla LE. Except yours has the company of a woman who loves you. I've gotta get better fuel economy out of this thing somehow because I'm sick of 30mpg. I think I might have to do something drastic and unappealing like going alternator-less and trickle charging at night or crazy kill-switching, neither of which I have any desire to do. I'd rather just get a better car. I'd keep this beauty of a Sprint Turbo if I could. I'd prefer an automatic but I could definitely live with this one. Anyway, enjoy your loving relationship. Maybe there'll be a wonderful wedding, and kids, and more joy and gladness and happiness. That'll be really nice for you. |
They say turbo-charging a car increases fuel economy, because of I think, better low-end torque? What in the world does this mean?
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I too have a magic Kraken hidden under the hood of my 94 Saab turbo. Releasing the Kracken will bring a smile as one briskly accelerates to 85 mph passing every car in your wake . Then release the pedal and shift into neutral, and coast as long as traffic allows. Maybe that saves gas. I don't care. Sc
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