RaleighSS

So I was heading down I95 tonight and noticed something kind cool ... I had Cruise Control on at like 72 MPH .... Crapy video and kinda short did not have memory stick in there so it ran out quickly but ya kinda get the picture.... like 31-33 instant MPG behind the truck.... like 26-29 MPG out on my own ...

ferrari red vette

and when you get all the rock chips on your front bumper and hood.. your gona say CRAP!

Alaskanpilot

This is a case where it will cost you a few bucks to save a few cents.

RaleighSS

Very true.... when i run out there i have my bra on with shelf paper 1/4 to 1/2 way up the hood.... keep a roll in the trunk still dont hang out back there long ... just something i noticed

ljthe2nd

That what your mileage should be at 72 mph. You have proved drafting does not save any gas.

RaleighSS

? Not sure i understand

DsC5

mpg should be in 30 ish @ 70 mph. Before I did the work to my car I averaged 30-31 mpg on 70-75 mph trips.

bencini231

but sounds like you got that covered.

ljthe2nd

I didn't know that you weren't stock.

RaleighSS

Ok.... no science here could have gone up an incline causing more fuel needed .... could have got a gust of wind... Car is not near stock with G5x2 Cam / TSP Heads / Headers MPG SUCKS around town or if you just tap the throttle.... I just thought this was cool ... Actuall went in and out about 20 times in 10 miles up close and far back from the truck... Figured i would capture and share ... Thats all .........I am sure data is flawed in many ways....

itzza427

Interesting!! Personally kinda dicey running that close,,,but thousands of NASCAR drivers can't all be wrong!! Way back when I took a little trip on an old British 500cc thumper(single cylinder) Not much power,,but when I would approach a Semi it would start gaining speed at the same throttle set and would keep gaining when I was along side (inside the bow wake of the truck). As soon as I broke clear it would feel like I hit the brakes. Just a bit more dramatic demonstration of what you shared with us!! Pushing air cuts speed and fuel mileage!!!

Silverbullet00

I prefer out front, clear view and the associated worse gas mileage myself!

IrishMac

People always think I am full of when I tell them I can average 28-29 mpg (6-speed manual) when driving 65 or so on the highway. I'm only pulling about 1500RPM's with the 3.42's.

c5mtl

check out mythbusters...they proved it....drafting in extreme/dangerous cases resulted in likje 40 gain in economy..safer results gained 11%

http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/10...-improve-mile/

versatile

I agree that drafting does save fuel.
About 20 years ago a few of us drove down to California from B.C. in 2 identical new Mustang Gt's ( sad but true ) Driving the 300 miles or so between bakersfield and los angeles I drafted the car in front of me so close our bumpers were touching now and then at 90 MPH.
Paul ( car in front) used 3/4 tank of gas to my 1/2 tank.
On the way home he drafted me and we had same results. I used 3/4 tank to his 1/2.
What can i say.........young and stupid!

1slowFRC

I always prefer in front then in the rear ...screw the 1-2 mpg!

Cool little vid though and I understand you were just sharing your input.

doughboyofkcmo

i drive one of those big rigs and i wish idiots like you wouldnt do that to us professional drivers out there. its a hard enough job with all the stupid drivers out there we got to look out for ,we dont need fools tailgating us at 70mph or at even 50 mph

Benpup

Mythbuster had an entire program on this. They saved 4 mpg two feet back from the DOT bumper of a semi.
Trouble is if that semi brakes you have the bumper in your windshield. Not good for the paint.

rws.1

AU N EGL

that was before the government mandated 10% EtOH added to gas. as in two years ago.

Dont think those low 30s are too possible with a C5, or a modded C5 like SSRaleigh's