The Worst Aerodynamics : A Car Story

[alohaspirit]

I hear you. Im not especially liking having to shift to neutral everywhere I go. But it is somewhat entertaining. Plus I can coast longer!

Ill update the gas log tomorrow.

[alohaspirit]

I dont think Ill do much neutral coasting

After doing it as much as possible for a week my
cars mechanicals feel and sound "off" after doing it.

(Ive been driving a tracker for 10 years and Im
pretty familiar with little sounds here and there)

I think its the shifting back to drive when still moving part of it all

So Ill probably save it for when I know Ill have to coast down to a stop.

[beatr911]

Some claim no ill effects, others hear or feel problems. On our '02 Odyssey I hear a distinct zzzzziip like gears engaging when shifting back to D while in motion. I too only coast in neutral when I KNOW I'm going to fully stop before needing engine power again.

[alohaspirit]

hmmm... better aero?

[alohaspirit]

Ok, i officially dont like neutral coasting

it might work for other cars but i hear/feel too many
unfamiliar mechanical differences (when I shift back into drive)
that i dont want to chance it



New record though: 28.8 mpg



you heard that 30 mpg! Im coming to kick your butt

[orange4boy]

Aloha,

Good work on the MPG+. It takes a while to learn all the tricks and get the habits. Pretty soon, you will not be able to go back to the old ways. Listen to me talking like an old pro. I've still got tons to learn.

The coasting in neutral, engine on, is tricky. It's not the tranny you have to worry about but the rear end. You should try to match the rpm of the motor to the tranny when you shift back into gear otherwise you are hammering your drivetrain. Clunk! It takes some practice but the risk is a worn U-joint and/or pinion gears. Rear ends are designed to take quite a beating but not that highway speed clunk into gear. Taking time to closely match the rpm will eliminate damaging forces and soon it will be habit. It's an advanced technique not all will risk but it's possible.

Do you turn off at lights and eliminate most idle? This makes a surprising difference to FE

I like your wheel skirt mock up!

[alohaspirit]

Originally Posted by orange4boy

Aloha,

Good work on the MPG+. It takes a while to learn all the tricks and get the habits. Pretty soon, you will not be able to go back to the old ways. Listen to me talking like an old pro. I've still got tons to learn.

The coasting in neutral, engine on, is tricky. It's not the tranny you have to worry about but the rear end. You should try to match the rpm of the motor to the tranny when you shift back into gear otherwise you are hammering your drivetrain. Clunk! It takes some practice but the risk is a worn U-joint and/or pinion gears. Rear ends are designed to take quite a beating but not that highway speed clunk into gear. Taking time to closely match the rpm will eliminate damaging forces and soon it will be habit. It's an advanced technique not all will risk but it's possible.

Do you turn off at lights and eliminate most idle? This makes a surprising difference to FE

I like your wheel skirt mock up!

Thanks!

I feel the same way. I can have a 1000 posts but I will still be a grasshopper.

I only did neutral coast to a stop and it still felt weird.

I dont turn off at lights but I will be researching it.

And lastly I want to (desperately) hit 30 mpg before doing aero.

But its in the werkz!

[BellevueProtege]

Definitely aeromod. It's half the equation for better mileage. It's also the fun part because you can get creative. Find left over or discarded material and with some spray paint and plastic tie wraps you have a cool grill block. Customize your car to match your priorities, efficency!

[alohaspirit]

Last tank 28.07

Maybe its time to aero...

[winkosmosis]

Are automatic transmissions made to shift to drive/neutral while in motion? I didn't think so...

There is no point anyway. That's what the torque convertor is for.