New member from Memphis - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

JayC · 07-25-2008, 05:48 PM

Just found this site but am looking forward to spending some quality time here learning. I recently changed my driving habits. I own a 2003 Acura 3.2CL 6-speed and was averaging a city MPG of 23 (EPA site says 17 so not bad I guess).

However after a simple modification of "over inflating" my tires from the recommended 35lbs to 38lbs, and modifying my driving to add coasting whenever and as often as possible with smoother starts and stops, no A/C (windows down), etc ... I am now averaging 28.9MPG ... that's a 23% increase in MPG.

My commute is 10 miles each way, along one of the busiest streets in Memphis with a traffic light every 100 yards or so

I'm thinking of going to 40lbs on my tires (they have a max rating of 44 on the sidewall) any thoughts on this?

FWIW,
Jay

RacerX · 07-25-2008, 08:39 PM

Hello and welcome, Congradulations on your mpg

Run your tires up to max press. that is on the side wall and keep an eye on your tread wear.

JayC · 07-25-2008, 08:55 PM

These tires are those performance ones that have a stiff sidewall but soft rubber. I had to get new tires at the 30K mile marker. The good thing is that they are 17" and alloy rims. I'll try 40 in case there is an unforeseen pothole

Thanks,
Jay

SVOboy · 07-26-2008, 12:28 PM

Yeah, gotta watch out for potholes. Anyway, what kinda speed can you shift into 6th at?

JayC · 07-26-2008, 12:39 PM

I shift to 6th at 30MPH (1000RPM)

Any lower and I bog. I'm in 5th at 20. My goal is to stay at or below 1500RPM on the tach. Heck, I'd love it if I could idle slower than 800RPM while coasting. The way I figure it, if I use X amount of gas at idle, I use 20% more at 1000RPM and 100% more or double at 1600RPM.

Jay

SVOboy · 07-26-2008, 12:45 PM

Sounds pretty good so far,

. Do you have a scangauge / mpguino / kiwi?

JayC · 07-26-2008, 01:07 PM

No, that's my next area for research. The PLX Kiwi looks like bling and at $300 more than I want to spend. What I'm looking for is a realtime feedback of my MPG, trip average MPG, and overall MPG. Any suggestions where I should look first?

Jay

JayC · 07-27-2008, 12:25 PM

Thanks to this thread I saved some money on a Scan Gauge II

Jay

Will · 07-27-2008, 01:34 PM

Hey, welcome. Finally someone in my area!!