<VV> Better mileage with top down

Joel McGregor joelsplace at earthling.net
Tue Aug 23 16:26:46 EDT 2011


I think it's well proven that up to the point of failure the hotter it runs the better the mileage as long as the a/f ratio is correct.  Mine needs less fuel for the same a/f ratio at 425 than it does at 375.
You have to strike a balance with reliability/longevity vs mileage.
My 3800 Buick that was getting 27mpg suddenly dropped to 16mpg when the thermostat decided to run at 175 instead of 195.  It jumped right back up when I replaced the thermostat.
Joel McGregor

 J R Read; virtualvairs at corvair.org
Subject: <VV> Better mileage with top down

Further consideration leads me to think that Yenko Style flaps would be the
answer to better "pressurization" of the engine compartment since this would
still provide a seal at the deck lid to body area VS opening the (entire)
lid at the front edge.

I suppose that testing of both methods would be needed to confirm which way
is best.

If I did not loose track of the "subject line" the test would also need to
include whether a hotter (I suspect is correct) or a cooler running engine
provides better gas mileage.

Later, JR


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