re: Range what number do you get? 90-91 Owners

[GOLDCYLON]

Ok a quick question if I may. Upon filling up my 91 twice a week and when I say fill it up im the kind of guy that pushes in the extra 2 gallons lol what number to you get for "range"? My highest is 418.


Reason I have to ask is becuase my fathers range on his 1996 LT4 is over 500? So I have to ask WTF? I know the LT4 is not more fuel efficient than the LT5 and the fuel tank is not larger. Any thoughts out there folks?

[karterdon]

I can't tell you the range - But the trip to B.G. down and back I got the following according to the trip meter for avg. fuel economy.
Trip from chicago to B.G - 21.3 MPG
Trip back to Chicago - 23.3MPG

We were doing the speed linit due to sever rain in both directions.

Don Yoakem
91- #267 Dark Red Met.

[Paul Workman]

On the surface it would appear both cars driven the same would compare very closely. But, looking at it more scientifically, one quickly can identify too many variables at play to draw anything but a general comparision. (e.g., driving habits, terrain, A/F tables, MAP vs. MAF hysteresis, O2 performance characteristics, A/C usage, day/night driving proportions, make and sizes of tires, tire pressure, body style, aerodynamics, weight differences (i.e., that wide butt, wider tires)...etc, etc.)

That said, I seem to recall getting 1 to 1.5+ more mpg with my '95/LT1: "same" displacement & gears, but different tires/sizes (BFG KDs on the LT1 car vs. GY F1/D3s on the Z) etc. But too, the torque curve of the LT1 was such that it would cruise in 6th at 55-60 mph without "lugging" (read: feeling doggy) like I seem to feel the LT5 doing in 6th at those speeds. I find myself running in 5th in the Z until I get above 60 where I didn't w/ the LT1...The LT1 seemed to have more grunt in city traffic conditions and low throttle settings than my LT5 does, specifically between 1500 and 2500 rpm - typical traffic/highway cruising rpm.

According to the (trip) computer...My mileage on a recent trip averaged 27+ w/ cruise, 100% highway speeds of 65-70 and some of it had some "roll" in the terrain. But, after including some stop and go traffic upon destination (day trip to the "House on the Rock" tourist trap ) upon return the average was just a bit under 24...23.7, I wanna say. Sounds like it is pretty close to what others are getting for similar driving situations (with I assume the 3.45 gear).

Then too, I expect "RANGE" is somewhat ambiguous compared to actual miles/gallons calculations/comparision.

Daryl...Maybe you two should trade vehicles for a year and compare?

P.

[blackjack]

i wonder how precise those electronic doodahs really are?
bj

[GOLDCYLON]

Im getting a solid 22-24 MPG on the freeway and an easy 20 around town. Beats my 2007 Ford F-150 that gets maybe 14mpg or 9 mpg while towing


I am sure a lot of factors play into the range as Paul aptly pointed out. I was just wondering what other folks were seeing when they filled up to the top. I also noticed yesterday the range accuracy is rather dubious as my range total stayed the same one the freeway for about 44 miles before it started dropping.

[Aurora40]

The range is based on reasonably short term economy. Cruise lightly with a full tank, and 25 short term MPG would = 500 miles (25*20) in range. You could have over 500 easily.

[gbrtng]

Originally Posted by blackjack

i wonder how precise those electronic doodahs really are?
bj

Best approximation based on gas gauge level, injector pulse width averaged over a short interval and recent history. Since these cars' gas gauges drop slowly at first and the last few gallons disappear in an instant, I don't bother looking at the range at all. After a few tanks you'll get the pattern. Just don't try to stretch out the last few gallons to prove a point, the fuel pumps need some liquid to stay cool and happy. I'm always on the lookout for a fuel stop when the gauge nears 1/4 left regardless of range remaining.

[GOLDCYLON]

Originally Posted by gbrtng

Best approximation based on gas gauge level, injector pulse width averaged over a short interval and recent history. Since these cars' gas gauges drop slowly at first and the last few gallons disappear in an instant, I don't bother looking at the range at all. After a few tanks you'll get the pattern. Just don't try to stretch out the last few gallons to prove a point, the fuel pumps need some liquid to stay cool and happy. I'm always on the lookout for a fuel stop when the gauge nears 1/4 left regardless of range remaining.

Well hopefully nobody does unless you enjoy a duel fuel pump install. I usually fill mine up at 1/2 full. I always set the trip odometer just to make sure the float is close and im not having a 40 MPG week .

[bradslt5]

I agree with the above . filling at 1/2 full to keep the pumps i find that the milage is pretty close 1-2tenths off . i other ihave seen 500 on the other indicator but very rarely. my milage with 3.92 gears on the highway is between 23.5 - 25.4 depending on speed . i use the cruize control 80%of the time .

[tomtom72]

Yea me too on the 1/2 and no less than 1/4 for "time to fill up"....them pumps gotta stay cool.

I must have something wrong with my car....I can't seem to get better than a 20 avg, if i'm lucky.....I think there is something wrong with my right leg ....maybe I should get the paper & pencile out?

.....or it's the people I cruise with.