New guy saying HI

[GasSavers_worthywads]

Hello all

Haven't even lurked here, just found this site through greenhybrid.com this morning.

I drive a 2005 Toyota Tacoma 2.7L Access Cab 2wd 5spd.

Equiped with a scangauge, I've managed 27.3mpg after 5500 miles. Full expect my summertime mpg to exceed 30mpg, I've already hit 29.5 and 29.3 but the colder weather has had me in the 26 range for too long.

My other vehicle is a 1970 Dodge Challenger Convertible that I've built up a strong 360 small block for. Still manages a 15.1@94mph (altitude adjusted 13.9@101)in the quarter mile in air poor Denver. I've hit 18.5mpg with it on long trips, but only 10-12 around town, but she's for fun. Though I did choose a good compromise between power and economy with 3.23 rear, and a stout hydraulic roller cam. Planning on replacing the auto with a 5spd overdrive eventually.

My interests in pursuing peak mpg are mostly seeing how well I can do with what I have.

[SVOboy]

Your truck is doing pretty good by my approximations, almost beating some people on here with 2.4l sedans,

Anywho, I always used to think hondas are worthless for speed but then I realize they can run low 13s and still get 30+ mpg and I don't mind all the people that build the hell out of their cars so much anymore.

What kind of stuff have you done to the truck and what does access cab mean?

[Matt Timion]

Welcome welcome. Glad to see someone else from my neck of the woods.

Do you have any idea what the EPA estimates are for your Toyota Tacoma? Are you surpassing the EPA estimates?

[GasSavers_worthywads]

Originally Posted by SVOboy

What kind of stuff have you done to the truck and what does access cab mean?

Haven't done anything besides mobil 1 oil.

Access cab is the 4door suicide door extended cab arrangement.

Possible future mod is remove the belt driven fan and replace with electric. Should help warmup time. Thinking about a tanneau (sp?) cover for the bed, but with my scangauge I may make a cheapo cover out of some sturdy plastic sheet and see what the benefit, if any, might be before purchasing anything nice.

The standard 2wd tacomas have passenger tire 215/70R15 and sit much lower than the 4wds. There's a pre-runner 2wd that has big wide tires and raised and with the same motor they get at best 22 from what I see at toyotanation.com.

[GasSavers_worthywads]

Originally Posted by Matt Timion

Welcome welcome. Glad to see someone else from my neck of the woods.

Do you have any idea what the EPA estimates are for your Toyota Tacoma? Are you surpassing the EPA estimates?

I'm beating the EPA of 20/27 handily.

This was in my wifes Honda Element, didn't have the Tacoma last year, but on a vacation through southern Utah I cranked out 30.5mpg on a couple of tanks and got around 27 overall on 2500 miles. Probably just the mostly 55-65 speeds, I can drop to 20mpg in the Element at 80mph, it truly is a brick.

[Compaq888]

Originally Posted by SVOboy

Your truck is doing pretty good by my approximations, almost beating some people on here with 2.4l sedans,

there is no almost, all you guys are lucky I'm not driving 55-60mph. Remember I get 32-33mpg at 65mph and have to drive 4-5 stops to get to the gas station. If I get a Scan guage you guys are toast cause I'll know my weak points.

[krousdb]

Originally Posted by Compaq888

there is no almost, all you guys are lucky I'm not driving 55-60mph. Remember I get 32-33mpg at 65mph and have to drive 4-5 stops to get to the gas station. If I get a Scan guage you guys are toast cause I'll know my weak points.

You don't need a scangauge to know your weekest point. You already know it. You are driving too fast. ;-)

[Compaq888]

True but the scangauge will tell me which rpm is the best for my other gears. Also it will tell me my real freeway mpg and also how much fuel in my fuel tank so I don't have to make any unnecessary stops to refuel. Pushing more than 400 miles is risky. I always want to know how much I got left and a fuel gauge is not very accurate.

[Sludgy]

I'm eternally grateful to everybody at Gassavers. Without this site, I'd never have heard of Scangage. I just ordered one. For $129, it's the best automtive bargain out there.

[MetroMPG]

just try not to run off the road while staring at its digital goodness. instant feedback is crack cocaine to the mpg addict.

i know. i'm hooked on mine. (haven't run off the road...yet)