Drafting does save fuel
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Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,681
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From: Seven Devils NC
Drafting does save fuel
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 ... 
Safety Car
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From: Anchorage Alaska
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
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Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Seven Devils NC
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Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Seven Devils NC
Thats all .........I am sure data is flawed in many ways....
Last edited by RaleighSS; Jan 10, 2009 at 12:03 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Belleville Il
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!!!
!! 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!!!
Moderator Emeritus
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From: Always living in a state of Confusion.
Gone, but not Forgotten
Cruise-In 5, 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09
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.
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.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: montreal quebec
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/
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/10...-improve-mile/
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Qualicum Beach British Columbia
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!
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!
Racer
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: liberty mo
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
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Retired but working
Cruise-In VI Veteran
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.
Trouble is if that semi brakes you have the bumper in your windshield. Not good for the paint.
Team Owner
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From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC