My 'Best Tank'...

[XFi]

My mission, and I chose to accept it, was to see how good of mileage my car was capable of under controlled conditions. I reached 50 mpg last tank and it got me thinking about my commute...lots of lights/traffic. How much mileage could I get if I drove a constant 40-45 mpg with very limited stoplights and traffic.

Today I had off of work and decided to proceed with this little 'best tank' project.
1. I lightened my vehicle by just over 60lbs...removed the spare, jack, PASSENGER SEAT and a few panels.
2. Next I installed a Ram-Air / CAI. I know this goes against alot of posts regarding WAI and restricting the air intake, but I had good results with this in a previous Metro.
3. Chose a route that would provide limited stops and obstacles while providing a cruising speed of 40-45mph.
4. Drive at least 200 miles for accuracy...as not to skew the numbers.
5. Fill up at the same gas station, same pump and same way (did not top off) as last fill.

So off I was this afternoon. I know this is probably HERESY driving this many miles for no really good reason, and using up gas when we are trying to save it, but that obviously didn't stop me. I guess I have been hanging out on this site too long and have recieved BAD influences . This has definately become a hobby and may be bordering on an obsession. I drove on RTE 611 along the Delware river (beautiful day for it too) back and forth in a section between Pipersville and Easton. This kept my speed average maintained speed around 40-45mph. Also there were no long hills, just alot of small ones. Took alot longer than I thought to complete 200 miles in one shot at these limited speeds. I guess I should have done the math prior to departing. Any way, to make a long story not much longer, I completed the stretch and refilled at the same gas station (even the same pump) and let it 'click off' just like last fill and did not top off.

The results were good. I was hoping for 60+mpg but 58.07 will work.

200.6 mi 3.454 gal = 58.07mpg

Now the trick is to modify until I can do this on my EVERYDAY commute and not just under specific conditions.

[SVOboy]

I wanna see HAI vs CAI data from you, young man!

[kickflipjr]

Good job. I am planning on going to dayton, ohio. Hopefully i will get 40-45mpg. I have yet to drive 100% highway.

[krousdb]

Originally Posted by MetroXFi

Today I had off of work and decided to proceed with this little 'best tank' project.
1. I lightened my vehicle by just over 60lbs...removed the spare, jack, PASSENGER SEAT and a few panels.
2. Next I installed a Ram-Air / CAI. I know this goes against alot of posts regarding WAI and restricting the air intake, but I had good results with this in a previous Metro.
3. Chose a route that would provide limited stops and obstacles while providing a cruising speed of 40-45mph.
4. Drive at least 200 miles for accuracy...as not to skew the numbers.
5. Fill up at the same gas station, same pump and same way (did not top off) as last fill.

Dude! We think alike. I did something very similar yesterday. I removed the passenger seat, mud flaps, floormat and a 10 lb trim panel in the rear which squeaks anyway. That was good for about 50 lbs. Then I drove to the park which has a road that cirvumnavigates a lake, about 5 miles per loop. The speed limit is 15-25MPH, 2 stop signs and 2 stop lights. I made two loops at average 20MPH, 5th gear at 600-1000rpm, 60F and I had the roof removed. The SuperMID said 72 MPG!

[XFi]

Would be much easier to check mileage if I had the SuperMID! I have to rely on actual fill ups. Can't wait till I mount up some stock 145 tires! Can't see myself giving you a run for mileage, but if I can turn some high 50's consistantly, I will be happy.

[SVOboy]

Get yourself a superMID, I am!!! I'm very excited about it too.

[krousdb]

Anyone else want a SuperMID? They are $160 each shipped. Maybe less with combined shipping if I order more than one. Matt???? I know you want one. Can you hear it calling you Matt? The SuperMID is calling you Matt.....

[MetroMPG]

i'm going to jump in here to say i would *definitely* order one of these if i didn't have OBD2.

just about everyone who participates at gassavers would benefit from FE instrumentation. buy a scangauge or buy a superMID.

unlike some of the silly technical mods we spend time and money on, these devices WILL pay for themselves if you use them to "mod" your driving style. you need faster feedback than fill-ups at the gas station to do be able to do that properly. and once you get one, you'll be able to properly measure the in/effectiveness of your other mods too.

buy one. you have nothing to lose. if you don't like it (you will), someone else will buy it from you. even used scangauges are selling for nearly new prices (last time i looked).

[SVOboy]

Yay, standing up for the little guy,

RH77 needs to get one,

This would so easily smack most mpg testing to the ground.

[Matt Timion]

Originally Posted by krousdb

Anyone else want a SuperMID? They are $160 each shipped. Maybe less with combined shipping if I order more than one. Matt???? I know you want one. Can you hear it calling you Matt? The SuperMID is calling you Matt.....

It's tempting..

I'm a bit hesitant however b/c of the lack of a case and the fact that MPG isn't supported.