What are the hypermile "sleepers"

[jcp123]

Originally Posted by thecheese429

I read an article once about a team that rebuilt a 70s camaro, and with a bowtie 350 V8, they claimed 25+ mpg. Not sure if that's true or not. I'd believe it.

EDIT: Here's the link to that project: http://www.popularmechanics.com/auto...46.html?page=2
So its a 68, not 70s, and 20-25, not 25+ so there's a classic case of the mind making something better than it is.

My Dad had a '71 Camaro RS Z/28, bought brand new as his college grad gift to himself. That means it had a solid-lifter 350, the original LT/1 motor. He used to love driving the thing from the SF Bay Area to Reno for a weekend of gambling. On the way back, driving on I80, he'd let it ride in neutral from some point (can't remember which) for a bunch of miles and frequently got 35mpg in the thing. Or, so he claimed.

[jcp123]

Originally Posted by OldCorolla

the early to mid 90s corollas are pretty decent for fuel mileage but I must recommend mid to late (75-79) corollas. the styling on these isnt to everyones liking and they are rear wheel drive but with the right touches anything is possible.

RWD is a plus for me! I agree its not to everyone's liking. I happen to like early Toyotas, though.

[jcp123]

Originally Posted by RoadWarrior

Echos are great, for some reason they seem to go cheaper than Tercels did now they're older.

Probably cause a lot of folks aren't liking those centre mounted gauges. If not for that and the severe forward rake, I'd probably like the car a little bit. My girl's Echo's decently comfy and pretty zippy.

[Philip1]

new addition to the sleeper list. 1981 Datsun 510 5 door with it's tall 3.36 differential and a .8315 overdrive these cars were rated to get 41mpg HWY in the brochure. I have one with the 3-speed auto and it's rated to get just 33mpg HWY. with a tall Overdrive from a 280zx I could see one hitting 45-50mpg in pretty good comfort.

[GeneK]

I apologize up front! I didnt know this thread existed so started something similar in a different forum!

All the following is without any hypermiling techniques.

Corvette C4 L98, 6-Spd Manual, 34 mpg @ 70 mph

1977-1987 Dodge Diplomat (Or Chrysler/Plymouth) 318 2bbl Lean Burn / 3-spd non-OD Auto / 2.45 Axle - 31 mpg @ 60 mph

1984 Mazda B2000 PU, 5-Spd Manual - 30 mpg City.

Mid-90's Dodge Ram 2500 Reg Cab. Cummins 12V, 5-Spd Manual, 3.54 - 22 mpg in town while pulling a 4,000 lb boat. Only problem is it gets 22 mpg empty/loaded/towing/city/55 mph or 75 mph! So reserve it for when you actually need a truck.

Caprice 1994-1996 L99 4.3L (265) V-8, 4-Spd Auto, 2.56 - 30+ MPG Highway.

[spazzer]

Originally Posted by theholycow

Coefficient of drag: 0.32
Curb weight: 3,104 pounds

That's the same drag and ~100 pounds heavier than my little 2008 VW Rabbit. It doesn't have the latest FE technology, but I bet it has much better gearing than my VW. It does lose for being an automatic, though. With all routine maintenance up to date and some hypermiling strategies applied, I bet you could squeeze 35 mpg out of it, or at least 30 on the local commute.

Came back to read this thread and forgot I posted about her car. We've done 34 mpg in it, one of the last return trips from Reno to the Bay Area. Lots of coasting and engine braking, especially that nice stretch by Emigrant Gap. If I had the tires inflated higher than OEM it'll probably do better.

[spotaneagle]

Originally Posted by RoadWarrior

Echos are great, for some reason they seem to go cheaper than Tercels did now they're older.

maybe because toyotas make some uncomfortable cars, at least newer corollas , if you're taller than 5'9'',

i got in one 2007 maybe

i couldnt believe how cramped i was,
jesus

[dkjones96]

Originally Posted by Tightwad

1977-1987 Dodge Diplomat (Or Chrysler/Plymouth) 318 2bbl Lean Burn / 3-spd non-OD Auto / 2.45 Axle - 31 mpg @ 60 mph

Was/is it still running with the lean burn system?

[MTUboi86]

I've got a 1993 Buick Century with the 3300 (3.3L) V6. [NOT a 3.1L that started in 1994]
On highway trips (70mph) I always get above 30mpg. Going 55mph I usually get around 33mpg. I've gotten up to 38.4mpg on the highway (between 55 and 70mph). This is with cruise control and no hypermilling techniques.

In the city I usually get 17mpg, but that's cuz I tend to drive it like a sports car in the city ... cuz it has the power. Haven't attempted any hypermilling techniques to improve that yet. I will next summer though, once I get it un-stored from this winter.

I haven't heard anyone with a 3.1L in one of these cars (B. Centuries, O. Cierra, etc) that have similar body styles getting this good of gas mileage on the highway.

The four-cylinder engines put into this car actually get WORSE gas mileage than the V6.

[Philip1]

I just got 37 mpg in a late 80s turbo subaru