Scangauge tells me to lug it!

[OdieTurbo]

Originally Posted by Snax

So with that in mind, I attempted to keep my revs under 2000 rpm even while accelerating for the freeway (light traffic, nobody cared). This small change took the economy for the school commute from the typical 27-28 mpg to 32 mpg.

GPH is the one to watch.

Man I wish I had a ScanGauge! Anyways, I agree on the RPM control. If I keep the Saturn at or below 2,000 by acceleratiing REALLY SLOWLY, I can keep the MPG up for the tankful. By keeping it slow, I keep the torque converter locked up.

As to the Honda's, my 2005 Civic Si wouldn't even think of going 2,000 RPM. I think it would stall! It was much happier at 5,000 RPM. It redlined at 8,500!

[96hb]

Originally Posted by lca13

>>I don't see how you guys are shifting before 1500 rpm's.

Depends on your transmission gearing. my VX's third gear is close to 1x1 so keeping the RPM shift points low is easier.

Well being a DX it already has pretty long gears. I have been using more of the get up to speed quickly and coast or cruise method. Seems to be working pretty well so far. I do try to shift before 2500 rpm and get into 5th by 40mph. Already learned alot of neat tips from this site.

[SVOboy]

Swap a cx/vx tranny and get some skinnier tires and you will be way over 50,

[96hb]

Originally Posted by SVOboy

Swap a cx/vx tranny and get some skinnier tires and you will be way over 50,

When I do need to get new tires, the lowest I will be willing to go will be 195-50-15. I like my car to look nice too! I'm hoping to achieve it on driving style alone. I am still learning and practicing my craft. I am also considering removing A/C. I never use it and it is broken anyway. The only time it really sucks is when it rains. If I do remove it, will it boost me up just from the weight savings, or does it still tax the motor when the belt is on it? Also, will I still be able to use the heater in the winter time with the A/C removed?

[SVOboy]

The weight/free wheeling of the a/c when not in use doesn't really mean much...however, it will make it easier to get in there and swap the transmission, .

You can still use the heater without the a/c, I've never used my a/c/ either.

[96hb]

Originally Posted by SVOboy

The weight/free wheeling of the a/c when not in use doesn't really mean much...however, it will make it easier to get in there and swap the transmission, .

You can still use the heater without the a/c, I've never used my a/c/ either.

I see. Well I may do it, or just get it fixed so I can use it when I really wish I had it (like on those 96 degree days we get here in the south and then it rains for 10 minutes and it feels like a sauna in my car!) Not sure about changing the tranny. It would have to be extremely cost effective for me to look into it. How many more mpg's do you think I would get from a different tranny?

[SVOboy]

I would say about 10% easily, I got my cx/vx tranny for free...so if you can get a free one, I'd say it'd be a good deal.

[96hb]

Originally Posted by SVOboy

I would say about 10% easily, I got my cx/vx tranny for free...so if you can get a free one, I'd say it'd be a good deal.

Hmm. Well that is something to consider then. I will have to keep my eyes open for one, or check the local junkyards. Lots of ricers usually ditch these motors/tranny's for DOHC models around here.

[SVOboy]

Indeed. I'm still looking for a d15z1 someone has ditched...lemme know if one pops up!

[psyshack]

I had to use the A/C yesterday in my Civic. Well the defogger. My goodness what hit. One min. Im at 52 mpg. Turn defogger on and SG shows mpg falling like a rock. I ran it untill I got thru the thunder storm except for fas'ing time. MPG bottomed out at 46 mpg. Once thru the humid mess. It came back up to 48 mpg.

psy