Lacey, WA MPG Rally '09

[superchow]

I am looking forward to this year's MPG Rally (May 2nd I believe) and was wondering if anyone knew who is organizing this event? It has been a year of learning and I wanted to offer my help - if needed/wanted - to help make this an even more successful event this year.

As far as I know this was a non-profit that operated out of the good hearts of fellow ecomodders. Anyone need another hand?

[beatr911]

Hey superchow! Thanks for the offer to help!
We'll be running the same 90 ish mile route as last year. Pretty much the same as last year in all respects. Goodie bags, possible prizes from sponsors.

If you have suggestions, please present them. If you want to go, the next meeting is at the city hall Tuesday 7 April at 5:30. I'll PM you and we can talk at greater length.

Probably the biggest help is in getting the word out. I admit I haven't done a good job of it this year as my normal life has me pretty tapped out right now. If you could help spread the word, in person and the 'net to as many receptive audiences as possible it will help make it an even greater success.

I know for myself it was really an enlightening experience to learn how trumendously effective good driving technique is on fuel mileage, and what good driving technique really is. It's like golf, it's never done, there is always something left on the table.

Nearly all drivers came back with excellent results that cost them nearly nothing. For those like myself that like to tinker, seeing first had what others have done and to talk with them about the mod and its effectiveness is very valuable. You can pick up the nuances of the mod much more completely than most mod writeups on forums.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to meeting you!
The link to the fair is http://www.ci.lacey.wa.us/events/upd...y_event_b.html

-Garth

[beatr911]

Bump.

May 2nd, be there by 9am.

Don't miss your chance to compete and learn the ways of masters!
The weather is gonna be great this year. Dammit!

http://www.ci.lacey.wa.us/events/upd...y_event_b.html

[almightybmw]

Would it be wrong for me to want to show up in my truck just to get 15mpg and drive with a lead foot? Is there a red lantern prize?

[beatr911]

HA! No red lantern prize, but you may want to race the others to the finish. It's a fun event anyway and the rest of the fair is pretty interesting.

[almightybmw]

aiy, sadly that's the weekend before finals, so no driving 10 hours for a fun weekend. Maybe next time?

[beatr911]

Just wanted to let anyone planning on driving this event know that the link now has the registration form. It will be a good time, and the weather better than last year. Come and drive, and help show the public how it's done.

Again, the link. http://www.ci.lacey.wa.us/events/upd...y_event_b.html

[superchow]

...And gas this year is much cheaper - perfect for "investing in education"!

[beatr911]

You Bet! We're told that the reason fuel prices are down is because the poor economy has reduced demand. As the economy recovers, it stands to reason that demand and prices will rise. Will we see $4 gas again? I think popular opinion says yes. It's a great time to start preparing.

[beatr911]

Lacey MPG Rally results!
We had just 5 participants this year, all but one are returning drivers from last year. The weather was about 55-60* and rain showers all day. We briefly could see the sun through the clouds for about 20 minutes after all the cars came in. Not the best conditions for great mileage, but in Washington State this is what we deal with about 9 months of the year.

Truly outstanding driving by all the drivers produced some very impressive numbers. Hey if they can do it in these poor conditions we all have something to learn.

The rally was run on the honor system, so fill-ups are done at a gas station of the drivers choosing within a mile or so of the start/finish, there are 5 stations. The course was 93 miles long consisting of mostly rural roads, about 10% freeway, and about 10% downtown city. There is a time limit, so drivers can't go too slow. Considering this, and the speeds are pretty optimal for good mileage figures the achieved mpg is compared to the '08 combined mileage figure for the vehicle to try to keep the field level. I should also mention that there is no prize for getting the best numbers. This is a "non-competitive event" to try to give everyone incentive to be honest, but we all know better. They all however, did a good job of keeping everything honest.

So, this is how it stacked up:
Mileage EPA %of EPA
Kim Yee 02 Saturn SL1 66.14 33.00 200.42%
Ty Karney 94 Integra GSR 50.69 27.00 187.74%
Roland Kouhsen 07 Civic EX 53.77 33.00 162.94%
Ed Miller 93 Metro 65.53 47.00 139.42%
Dan Wright 00 Golf TDI 60.45 45.00 134.33%

Kim smoked everyone last year as well, he has some mods but he is REALLY tuned into his car. He must have a port in the back of his head for the OBD-II to plug into, I just coudn't find it. He has adjustabel AF ratio, 11:1 compression, somender grooved head, gear mounted engine shut-off switch and a couple other minor mods, no aero mods though.

Ty did this on a lark. He works for the city of Lacey and thought it would be fun to give it a try. Boy did he ever! Very impressive. He has moved to the dark side now, and is officially addicted. His GSR is bone stock, and in mint condition.

Roland drove with his also hypermiling but this time navigating wife again this year. Big increase from last year I think he did 137% or so. Mods are cool removable foam grill blocks wrapped in paint color matching duct tape.

Ed drove his '93 stealth Metro. Ed is a car guy and a total Metro nut. His car looks deceptively stock and in unusually excellent condition. Then you notice the 14" wheels, lowering springs, anti-sway bars, better seats, Canadian turbo hood with scoop and Jacobs ignition. He also has an XFi cam, ecu and other hidden stuff. He routinely gets 55 mpg while commuting at 65 mph.

Dan Wright knows the TDI well. Last year he had the full complement of family and camping gear all wedged into the Golf, and did quite well despite it all. This year he arranged to have them stay at a relatives house in town. He was happy with the 60 mpg but more impressive is that he does almost as good in the real world daily drives. Easy 700 mile tanks are common for him.

THANK YOU to all who participated. Sorry no pix, I forgot the camera in my bleary-eyed dash out the door that morning. Next year I hope to see more even more drivers show the public that you don't just "get what you get" as far as MPG is concerned. Also we need SUV's and Pick-ups to drive!