NitrouStang96
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- Dec 7, 2007
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I'm not sure it would have as much effect as you think unless you're driving a boxy, non-aerodynamic, low-torque, short geared car. Something that's running 3k-4k RPM when fast in the interstate.well to be honest I really have no interest in hyper-miling, but rather the break even point. I still want to get there as soon as possible, but there is a point at which if I drive a bit slower, I'll actually get there at the exact same time as driving faster. I'm sure if I did an equation you'd end up with two curving graphs intersecting at some point...
I took it very easy once on a trip to LA and back - accelerating slowly, keeping low RPM, driving around 70mph. Best mileage I could get.
22-23 MPG
Up the 15, however, is a different story. On my way to West Covina and back, the whole trip is desolate and everyone is going pretty fast (90+ mph). I set my cruise to 105mph and had the windows down, going up and down the mountainous and hilly terrain in areas. Brief runs to 130mph. About the worst case scenario you can imagine. One the way back, I was up and down due to traffic, but averaged between 85mph and 100mph.
19-20 MPG
Not much difference at all, IMO, when you consider the drastically different circumstances. Only 40 miles difference between stops to fill up on a long trip (figuring 13.5 gallon fillup and 3 MPG difference).
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That's with 3.55 gears and a supercharger, but I checked my mileage in 2001 on a 400 mile trip in the Carolinas back when the car had only exhaust mods and the stock 2.73 gears, driving 80mph @ 2k RPM.
32 MPG
Best bet for highway miles is a tall gear, evidently