Everyone talks about driving "easy" to save gas money. You may actually be burning more. What you call easy may not be so easy on the motor. What I have found on my 5 speed is my shift points need to be no less than 2900 in first and second and ride 3rd to about 3400 and 4th to 2900 before shifting out of each, If I am cruzing I pick a gear that stays about 2500-2900 and I make optimal mileage like that....Like I stated before these motors seem to be built for a higher rpm than I am used to "SBC's" and 31's seem to be the best balance in gear compensation with height and overall rolling resistance.

 

I drive how I please (even using A/C) and end up driving about 1/2 highway (back road highway) and 1/2 city... I get 17mpg regularly... it helps that the "city" speed limit is 20mph and the highway I'm on is 55 and not 75....

I'm glad I got the manual...

 

Well i actually just did a tune-up two weeks ago, and my tires are at street pressure. Although I do need an alignment, that could be a big part of it. RegularGuy412 I'll use that formula next time, thanks.

 

I once read that you can greatly increase mileage by accelerating slowly up to say 40mph, turn off the engine and coast to around 5mph. Re-start engine and repeat. It is only useful when very low on gas, looking for a fill up station.

But then I also read that the engine must be turned off for 30 seconds, or a minute, to save gas cuz it sucks up gas. But that may only be the old carburator days, not fuel injection.

I believe I still get 20mpg by driving with the imagined egg between foot and pedal cuz physics wise, accelerating to the stop light, everyone does it, is very wasteful. Also when not rushed, doing 55mph or 60mph on highway saves a lot also.

Still I long for the high mileage motorcycle days when I could drive all day, anywhere, anytime and gas cost never entered my mind.