Nope. I never stated that either. Don't put words in my mouth. However, if it was possible, they would do it because it would allow them to raise their CAFE, and, therefore, they would be able to sell more of the gas-guzzling 3mpg rockets.

Where the hell are you getting that number?? Do you have ANY concept of how those fuel economy numbers are measured?? Please do some reading on the EPS mileage test methods, both the current ones and the proposed new test methods before opening your trap.

Proposed new method:
http://www.epa.gov/fueleconomy/420f06009.htm

More detail about the procedure here:
http://www.epa.gov/otaq/cert/factshts/fefact01.pdf

And for a very in-depth explanation of how they want to begin determining the new numbers, read all 179 pages of this:
http://www.epa.gov/fueleconomy/420r06017.pdf

Lots of good, factual information here:
http://www.epa.gov/fueleconomy/regulations.htm

Suffice it to say, the OEMs do a lot more than drive it at 55mph to measure that number.

edit: Found a great graphic re[resentation of the individual dyno tests they run with the vehicles...
http://www.epa.gov/nvfel/methods/quickdds.htm It's way more involved than driving at 55mph.

First, the correct URL would be http://www.gearvendors.com
Second, here's a GREAT quote right from the first paragraph of the manufacturer's site:
Notice they do not say, "Lower RPM = greater fuel economy". The key, as we've all tried to explain already, is maintaining that RPM that will generate that power necessary to move the load at peak efficiency. That does not necessarily mean lower RPM.


What the hell does that have to do with fuel economy? Yes, the high OD gearing allows him to go that fast, but do you really think he gets the same fuel economy at 100+ as he does at 55??? In your dreams!

Altitude makes no significant difference in your height. However, astronauts' spinal columns do, in fact, lengthen in the weightlessness of space. From that statement, and applying your logic, F is force on you which is gravity, so gravity=f, height=h, and s is your spinal column, so since gravity in space goes down, and it's related to your spinal column, if F goes down, h must go up!! I just proved it mathematically!

 

This thread is immensely entertaining....

 

Headwind, Tailwind, altitude, weather (Hot or Cold) some lower torque engines use more fuel with heat and A/C. weight in vehicle (luggage, # of passengers) Tire size, wheel size, slight upgrade, slight downgrade, fuel (cheap gas or even putting premium in a 87 rated engine will decrease MPG and performance) all things that affect OD performance without the gears even changing, these are things that will change MPG while staying in your OD gear. Generally speaking, RPMs is where OD usually makes you money, if you cant get decent RPMs to continue steadily, and you cant keep it in OD because of too many hills and whatever else, its not saving you much. if any. anyone who remebers 4 speeds remembers those moments where its hard to decide between 3rd and 4th,in 4th your flooring it with little response, and in 3rd the RPMs are just too high (mostly uphill). something to think about... even if it doesnt save you gas,in one way or the other, that 5th or 6th gear is helping your car alot!!!

 

The faster you go, the more wind resistance... the more wind resistance, the more your vehicle has to push, the more it pushes, the harder it works... and so on... you get the point.

P.S. after you wash your car, watch the water... once you hit about (considering its a calm day) 55, it starts to really begin "rolling" back, up your windshield and hood etc. As you accelerate FROM 55 on, watch how the water responds with the increase of every 5-10 MPH... You'll understand the difference between 55 and 70MPH at that point... this experiment works on a calm rainy day as well.

 

 

This is a HOOT!! I'm going to idle my truck to work from now on. The money I save in gas will offset the pay I would lose by showing up a week late. Oh wait, my truck is an automatic so if L increases (hills), F remains constant, R remains constant, then S drops to a big fat zero. I'm sure my boss will understand if I'm paradigm stuck at the bottom of a hill. LOL!!! Lighten up people and "let it go".

 

They did "let it go" - three years ago. LOL

 

Dangit greencrew!! You had me thinking I was responsible for reviving an old a$$ thread!! I had to come back and check the dates. I KNEW I found this under the "new posts" link. Actually faawrenchbndr brought it back to the top. oh well, our bad. LOL!!

 

does f still equal u?? Notice that masterd revived this 4 days shy of a year ago also, i love this place