the publics opinion of what good mileage is

[budomove]

Originally Posted by krousdb

Actually, I would recommend the 14" HX rims and the 165/65/14 Potenza RE 92's. You will end up with the same tire diameter and same unsprung weight

How is the unsprung weight the same? The hx rim supposedly weighs almost 3 lbs more per rim than the vx.

[budomove]

Are the potenzas that much lighter that they negate the difference in weight?

[Matt Timion]

Originally Posted by budomove

Are the potenzas that much lighter that they negate the difference in weight?

that's exact it.

[krousdb]

Originally Posted by budomove

How is the unsprung weight the same? The hx rim supposedly weighs almost 3 lbs more per rim than the vx.

Actually the HX wheels are 11.75 lb and the VX are 9.75 lb (SVOboy said that eaarlier). So that is only a 2 lb difference. The Potenzas in that size are only 13 lb each. Most 13" tires are 15-16 lbs. So yes, the weight ends up being the same. The 65 profile of the Potenzas keep the circumference the same while also helping with LRR because the sidewall is shorter and cannot flex as much as a 70 or 75 profile tire.

[diamondlarry]

Originally Posted by SVOboy

Why can't they make a manual with tall gearing anymore, *cry*

But it's okay, because I can rub my hf tranny in everyone's face,

My Saturn is turning 1950 rpms at 55 and 2600 at 65-70. For my trip through PA a couple of weeks ago, I wouldn't have wanted a 5th gear that was very much higher. As long as I paid attention to the hills er... mountains that were coming up, I didn't have any problems. I don't think there is a flat or straight stetch of road in that whole state.

[krousdb]

Originally Posted by diamondlarry

My Saturn is turning 1950 rpms at 55 and 2600 at 65-70. For my trip through PA a couple of weeks ago, I wouldn't have wanted a 5th gear that was very much higher. As long as I paid attention to the hills er... mountains that were coming up, I didn't have any problems. I don't think there is a flat or straight stetch of road in that whole state.

I have yet to find a flat stretch in PA, but I am still looking!

[diamondlarry]

I did hear from someone that there is supposedly a flat stretch around the Susquhanna(SP?) river that can actually be used for mileage testing. Maybe I'll find it someday. Perhaps in July when I'm out that way again. I'm going out again next weekend(Memorial Day) to get the timing gear dialed in correctly but won't have much time for exploration then. Anyone that wants to hob nob with fellow mpg wizzards that weekend let me know and I can give directions. It's in the Harrisburg area. Picnic with food and beverages of your choice. BYOB.

[mtbiker278]

I used to live South of Scranton, there's nothing flat on the eastern side of PA. Even near the river there's still sort of a gorge or steep embankment. The flattest part of PA I know of is out towards Ohio.

[GasSavers_Ryland]

I figured that 5th gear was pretty much picked by max Grosse Vehicle Weight going 65mph on "average" highways, I've noticed that when I overload my civic vx that it does like me to down shift going up the two steeper hills that the highway has around here, I had 5 adults, and around 100 pounds of cargo, I figured it was about 150-200 pounds over, but I think at the exact max weight it would just bearly handle slight hills smoothly at 65mph, and to me that seems reasonable.

[SVOboy]

I wish I could be at 1400 at 55, then you could go a decent pace (say 40) and have that be the absolute lowest for 5th and be getting the best mileage possible,