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lugging the engine for the best mpg

4834 Views 23 Replies 8 Participants Last post by  Insightful Trekker, 
P
Hi guys,

Please have mercy if you think this issue has already been covered: I pledge that I did have searched the forum, and haven't found a satisfactory answer, nor topic that is devoted to this.

In short wording, I am concerned that chasing the best mpg number could be damaging to the Insight's engine. (This obviously seems a bit paradoxical, right?) What I frequently find myself doing is driving around 1500 rpm, gas pedal floored to maximize the assist (like when my speed drops on a hill, and my battery is full).

Now every normal gas engine would suffer from this kind of lugging practice, loading it to the max at low rpm's. My question is purely technical: is Insight engine in any way designed to handle this abuse better? Perhaps the VTEC valve system helps a bit, or perhaps it is just tuned to work ok at low rpm's...

Does anyone feel competent to speak for the engine designers? I would be most thankful, and would sleep better too!

Thanks!
Predrag
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#2 ·
The best MPG comes from _not_ using the IMA system at all :!:

"Lugging" the engine has _some_ additional wear issues, but there are many more significant. VTEC is a wide RPM advantage (don't have to compromise a low end cam vs. a high end one). It doesn't significantly change engine "wear".

Simply stated for _best_ MPG AND engine wear rollercoaster the hills and downshift to minimize IMA usage (and WOT (wide open throttle).

I'd recommend searching the MPG section too :!: ;)

HTH! :)
 
I

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#24 ·
predrag said:
We can take this off the forum and into emails, I suppose, but I'd love to know your schedule and how would you price such a setup.....

Thank you!!!
Predrag
Click to expand...
SEE:
Buy / Sell, "MIMA PRICE finally"
http://www.insightcentral.net/forum/vie ... php?t=3349

Any further "price" negotiatoin should be taken to email. :)

Mike does provide an available email addy :!:
 
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