Instantaneous mpg gauge for average vehicles - GreenHybrid

ericbecky · #1 (**permalink**) 04-28-2004, 02:39 PM

Does anyone know if any company makes an "instantaneous mpg" gauge that can be retrofit for non equipped cars.
I know some cars and vans have instantaneous guages, and perhaps they could be modified for other vehicles in some way. For example, my in-laws van has one mounted up high along with a compass etc, but it's not very convenient to view while driving.
I was thinking more of a "JC Whitney" on- size-fits-all type of unit that could be dash mounted.
Does this type of guage exist?

Rick Reece · #2 (**permalink**) 04-28-2004, 03:14 PM

In the 70's I had a JC penny car computer. It had a flow sensor in the gas line and magnets on the drive shaft to measure distance. It provided instant and averaged fuel economy. I also had a JC penny battery and got free replacemnts for nearly 20 years. Have fun, RIck

Stevo12886 · #3 (**permalink**) 04-28-2004, 04:17 PM

oh man, i would really like one too, i wonder if there is some way to take one from a junked car and retrofit it....hmmm

ericbecky · #4 (**permalink**) 04-28-2004, 06:21 PM

exactly what I was thinking. There have to be plenty of cars that had them in them that are just sitting unused. The thought of trying to make it work is waaaayyyy out of my league, but still... there must be someone that has enough knowhow and ambition to make it work.
I really think there is an untapped market for such a project.

writebrain · #5 (**permalink**) 02-13-2008, 08:17 PM

See http://www.scangauge.com/, for a retrofit mpg guage for any car since 1996.
They sell one for $169, or $159 on Amazon. All I know about it is what I've seen in the ads. What it really needs is a big marketing push and a lot of buzz and word of mouth, appearances on Oprah, etc.
Imagine if everyone started getting immediate feedback on the effects of their driving! How much less oil would we need to import?
Maybe we can't all afford or justify buying a hybrid, but most people with cars could afford $159, if they can make it back in fuel savings in a year or so.