PDA

View Full Version : Optimizing for fuel economy


plev72
06-21-2003, 06:16 AM
Alright, here is what should amount to an unusual question. If all goes well, I will soon be gainfully employed at the end of the world. This may very-well result in my doing several 4 - 4 1/2 hour drives each way at least 2 weekends per month to travel back to Phoenix. This is mostly expressway driving and mostly out in the middle of nowhere. Speed limits should be almost entirely 75 ... which will mean anywhere from 85-100 (did I just say that? I must mean kilometers...) anyway, depending on traffic and time of day.

My engine is in the process of being reworked and will be set-up as street/strip, pushing quite a bit of HP to the wheels (TBD).

I expect to have in my possession (a spell checker - sorry I digress) the entire set of SC pulleys - late model, early model, 5% and 10%. Further, I have the chip tuner, so I am going to try to get Dr. Fred to write me a program that will optimize for fuel efficiency instead of power.

Anyone have any suggestions on other ways I might be able to optimize for fuel efficiency (aside from going at a steady 60mph). I am considering lowering the car an 1" as I figure that should potentially create a measurable reduction in drag at speed on the expressway. Once the car is up to speed, it shouldn't actually use the supercharger anyway correct? (unless I'm doing something rediculous like 100 up hill or 120 plus or whatever (things I would of course only do at the track ;-) ) In which case it won't matter what pulley I use?

Sorry that this is a big cluster babble, but in anycase, you guys are getting the message.

Suggestions are welcome and appreciated.

Paul

plev72
06-21-2003, 11:06 PM
ttt, sorry, immediate gratification things. Should I have posted this on the tech board instead?

Paul

Thomas A
06-22-2003, 01:48 AM
You could put in some girly gears :D

Thomas

JSC
06-22-2003, 02:36 AM
I'd be lining up a backup car Paul, the faster your car is ,the more it will break down.:(

Jeff

plev72
06-22-2003, 03:06 AM
I've got a pair of backup wheels ;-) but I can't take the puppy on the motorcycle <g>

Doug Franklin
06-22-2003, 05:32 AM
You can't have it both ways usualy. However I noticed twice, in 7 years, when I drove extremly conservative that I got around 350-400 miles to the tank in my 95. Most of the time it was 235 or so. I was very surprised. Once was when I picked it up new from Houston to drive home. The second time must have been in the past couple of years with over 100k miles. I cringe/mad every time my son mentions gas milage and his 91 SC. Forget it or go back to the 3cyl Geo!!!!