Hi folks,

I had to drive to Washington DC and back, 750 miles each way, this week and decided to see how far I could go on one tank. Your mileage may vary but these are the key elements:

- cruise control speed: 62-63 miles per hour when possible
- transaxle oil age: 10k miles, Type T/Amsoil ATF
- ICE oil: 9 months, Mobil 1 5W30
- tires: 44 psi up / 51 psi return, Sumitoro T4
- temperature range: 90-55F and 50-68F return
- dry/wet: ~25% in light and medium rain
- breaks: 1-2, maximum of 20 minutes each
- warmed up prior to filling tank for test
- fillup: 11.2 gal and 10.59 gal

The results:
- 566 miles, 50.5 MPG, ~51 miles per hour block-to-block (worse traffic and weather)
- 562 miles, 53.1 MPG, ~56 miles per hour block-to-block (*bladder tank, 0.7+ gallon not filled)

I was able to record the whole of the return trip with Graham's miniscanner but haven't started data analysis. I recorded battery volts current, ICE rpm and MG1 torque, injector timing and MG2 rpm. This is enough to calculate battery, ICE, fuel and kinetic energy.

It was a butt buster but with XM radio a nice enough ride. I do think better seats would have made the trip more enjoyable.

I will be looking for 'comfy chair' style seats from salvage yards. I find it important to be able to 'shift' the position during long trips and 'stretch in place.' The bottom should be able to go up/down and tilt. Flip-up arm rests would be nice. I'll handle fit but was wondering if you' all have any suggestions?

Thanks,
Bob Wilson

Operation Iraqi Oil Freedom:

Automatic, stock, project car.

My other 1500 cc car:

Automatic, stock, backup car.
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