Yet another newcomer

[Rick Rae]

Hi, folks.

I'm transitioning from about 200 commuting miles a week to a situation that'll have me on the road more like 200 miles per day. Obviously, this means fuel efficiency is becoming even more important to me than it already is.

I've been achieving better than EPA ratings for a long time just on general principles (no jackrabbit starts, coasting towards red lights, etc.), but for the last month or so I've been consciously trying for better FE numbers. I had some success on my own, but my first week with a ScanGauge II has been an eye-opener: Some things work the way I expected, but others are really counter-intuitive!

Equally valuable was finding CleanMPG, GasSavers, and so on. You guys have been a tremendous help! In the couple of weeks I've been browsing as a guest I've picked up some great information, so I figured it was time to join up so I can at least say, "Thank you!"

I doubt I'll ever be a true hypermiler (way too much urban and congested highway driving for that, I think) but I'm going to push my numbers as far as I reasonably can.

Cheers,
Rick

[omgwtfbyobbq]

Cabby eh? What's the trans code?

[MnFocus]

Originally Posted by Rick Rae

my first week with a ScanGauge II has been an eye-opener: Some things work the way I expected, but others are really counter-intuitive!


I doubt I'll ever be a true hypermiler (way too much urban and congested highway driving for that, I think) but I'm going to push my numbers as far as I reasonably can.

Welcome to GasSavers ,fellow Rick!

The SGII is a fantastic tool isn't it ? It amazes me all the driving techniques that have been ingrained into the psyche that are blown away by observations .

Don't doubt yourself on the hypermiler thing as it gets incorporated into your drive style and *any* improvement becomes positive for the wallet and enviroment ...graduating to home and office .

You've got your garage open ,I see, and you've got a good start with a positive attitude Stick around we can help !

[Rick Rae]

Wow, scary-fast replies!

Originally Posted by omgwtfbyobbq

Cabby eh? What's the trans code?

It's a DLZ transmission (replaced at about 50K miles, so it has half the mileage on it as the rest of the car).

Originally Posted by MnFocus

The SGII is a fantastic tool isn't it ?

Believe it. I figure between gas money saved and occasional CEL issues it'll pay for itself before the year's out. It quickly earned an honored spot on my dash right alongside my GPSr (which I simply don't drive without, anymore).

I was talking to my older brother about the ScanGauge (he's the motorhead in the family; I just drive 'em, he builds 'em) and his comment was:

Takes me back to my teenage years when I had a gauge hooked up to the manifold to indicate gas mileage... Stone age, but it did help to create a "save gas money" attitude... If it makes you more aware, it certainly can change your driving habits!

... so I guess the FE mindset goes way back in our family. (Heck, my dad had an Isetta for many years...)

Originally Posted by MnFocus

Don't doubt yourself on the hypermiler thing as it gets incorporated into your drive style and *any* improvement becomes positive...

Oh sure, no doubt... but there aren't as many opportunities to experiment with P&G as I'd like, rarely do I get to coast in to a red light the way I'd prefer due to vehicles behind me, etc.

Stick around we can help !

I'm hopeful I'll eventually be able to give something back as well, if nothing other than "paying forward" to those who come after me.

Rick

[MnFocus]

Isetta ! There is one running around here ! Cool retro !

p&g isn't the only technique for achieving FE - as I'm sure you know and will discover as time goes by . Your car(s) may take to a hybrid style of technique very well and thats the secret finding what works for you and expounding on it .
Good FE

[cfg83]

Rick -

Originally Posted by Rick Rae

...

... so I guess the FE mindset goes way back in our family. (Heck, my dad had an Isetta for many years...)

...

Rick

An Isetta?!?!?! You mean one of these? :

Bubble car
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bubble_car
Attachment 619

Coolio.

CarloSW2

[MnFocus]

They are sweet !

[Rick Rae]

Originally Posted by cfg83

An Isetta?!?!?! You mean one of these?

Precisely. Yep, my dad was nerdy-cool long before Urkle. He bought two used: one functional, a second for parts. I have photos of it around here somewhere; I'll post 'em if they happen to turn up.

Even though the top speed on the thing was only about 40MPH and it had a left-handed shifter, I've always thought it would be cool to own one (as homage to dad if nothing else). Maybe someday...

Rick

[Hockey4mnhs]

welcome your doin fine!!! just stop in as much as you can

[Rick Rae]

Originally Posted by Rick Rae

I have photos of it around here somewhere; I'll post 'em if they happen to turn up.

HAH! Found 'em! Or one, at least.

Enjoy...

Rick