It's not fair you guys at high altitude, I have to slog throught the soup here at 320' msl.

 

Yes, but isn't gas cheap in Texas? You are so near all the oil fields and refineries! You probably just pound a 20 foot pipe into the ground and get all the free gas you want. Right?
-J

 

The drip gas (gas condensation from a natural gas well) pings a bit and does a number on the filter. ;-)

 

True. I was in your neck of the woods last weekend and was going to check and see if you were going to "boat night" in Port Huron. Crazy party scene on the Black River the night before the Mackinac race for those that don't know. But as it turned out we were all wiped from the road trip so we didn't even make it.

Question about the MPG Challenge... is there an effort to equalize vehicles? For example, if I was to strip a bunch of weight out of the FEH to improve my number would that be compensated in the scoring?

What is the time limit by the way?

 

I heard it was just a "friendly comparison" and no, there were no rules other than a time limit and mileage limit to complete the course.

Scores were % over EPA.
Some stripped out all excess weight, some didn't.
Some had just the driver, some had passengers & cargo.
Some had double recommended psi in the tires, some didn't.
Some removed side mirrors and roof racks, some didn't.

Some you could tell were "hard core",
and some just wanted to see if they could get a personal best.

I'd love to put together some type of hybrid rally in the Colorado area, if anyone is interested, give me a shout, and I'll get the ball rolling and organize something. I think there needs to be regional events, so we don't all waste gas trying to learn how to save gas. Sounds kind of counter-productive to drive cross country to a MPG clinic, doesn't it????
-John

 

<<<<<<I think there needs to be regional events, so we don't all waste gas trying to learn how to save gas. Sounds kind of counter-productive to drive cross country to a MPG clinic, doesn't it????>>>>

I agree. As much as I would have liked to attend Hybridfest - I could not justify driving over 800 miles each way to the event. If anyone in the mid atlantic area wants to start something - count me in.

 

Let's plan in the "Events & Gatherings" Forum on this site.

For the mountain zone check out:
https://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/...ad.php?t=14635

 

anywhere in Texas is liable to be a 500 mile drive. But I would love to meet and greet some of y'all

 

Just drove up from Alabama to Michigan on I-65. Left AL and drove 420 miles at 70 MPH before filling up. I got 29.9 MPG on that tank. Decided to slow down a bit and drove 65 MPH for the next 470 miles and filled up again. I got 33.1 MPG on that tank. So it looks like that extra 5 MPH (70 vs. 65) cost me about 10% in fuel economy. Mine you, my MMH is quite new, just turned 2,000 miles on the odometer on this trip.

It's always been obvious that driving slower saves fuel but I think with a hybrids the savings is even greater when slowing down. I wouldn't be surprised if a steady 60 MPH didn't yield 36 or even 37 MPG. Of course, that's pretty hard to do on a Freeway/Interstate without getting run over!

 

Yes! 99% of hybrid owners will agree with you.
In my 2005, the max. non-EV ( or mixed ) driving MPG is about 48 MPG at 48 MPH. Some may argue that 50 MPH is a hair better, but "48 @ 48" is easy to remember. Also, 1800 RPM is close to ideal, 2400 RPM second best.
I keep my tank average up above 36 MPG by trying to keep it under 2400 when ever possible.
-John