I should have made myself more transparent. Though I do shift at 2K, my attention is at minimizing acceleration. In some instances I even wait to accelerate on the highway until I start going downhill

I'll try a higher RPM shift point, but that would typically require more acceleration = dumping fuel.

uberhahn

 

I have filled 18.9 gallons in my tank once (I did almost run out) not sure the gasstation pump was measuring correct (or I overfilled due to the slow running pump)

 

Well, there's a "zero crossing" point of power-to-fuel consumption and right now, you're burning too much fuel for the power you're making (i.e., you're running rich). You can burn the same amount of fuel, but make more power, by pressing on the gas more. That will let more air in, the fuel consumption will stay the same (to a point) but you'll make more power.

These engines are designed to run at 3000-3500 RPM all day, that's the sweet spot. It's one reason why I get 18.5mpg on the highway at an 82mph _average_, but blow 12.5mpg in the city and stop & go traffic.

There are other factors involved of course, but one key one is the _efficency_ of the engine.

 

Excellent point. I have found that at 65 MPH my fuel MPG was lower than at 75 or even 80.

Despite what all the media talking heads are spouting about me driving 55 MPH will save me fuel - I find that 75 nets me better MPG than 55 ever will. Apparently they have not looked at the newer engines and the "sweet spot" that they operate.

Of course they are also telling me to roll down my windows while sitting in traffic. HA - here in Phoenix, I would like to see how long they would last with a 150 degree surface temp on a 4 lane highway.

 

Ha, now I read all that ^ above.


Well this past tankful I tried an experiment. I drove conservatively for the majority of the tank - slow acceleration, freeway cruising at 65-70, um....that's it really, not much more to it.

My speedo/odo is off a bit, so that said...
The fuel light came on at 240 (Actual: 269) and I filled up at 250 (Actual: 280). I put in 16.75 gallons, so that means I got roughly 16.7 MPG. I bet if i really babied and drove efficiently in the right conditions I could get 300 miles to a tank.

It's no Corolla, but not bad I guess for lifted and armored on 35s.