Date:         Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:07:36 -0500
Reply-To:     Wesley Pegden <wes@CS.UCHICAGO.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Wesley Pegden <wes@CS.UCHICAGO.EDU>
Subject:      mpg display (was Re: Was: Electric Vanagon? Now really useful
              tips..
Comments: To: Ken Lewis <kdlewis@NORTHSTATE.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <009101c871d6$4aef35b0$0201a8c0@korky2>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Something they mention that I've wondered about, is whether it would be
feasible to install some sort of mpg display in a vanagon, that would
monitor fuel usage and compare with speed.  I know the times I've driven
cars with a mpg indicator, my mileage improved greatly as a got used to
what the most efficient way of driving the car was.  I'm sure I'd get
better mileage in the van with direct feedback.

-Wes

Ken Lewis wrote:
> Here is a site with some gas saving tips:
> http://forum.ecomodder.com/showthread.php?t=44
>
> Section 4; item #8 caught my eye. ;"Take off the alternator belt".
>   Instead of something that drastic I was thinkng of adding a circuit
> loop
> to disable/enable the alternator on my daily driver . Some sites claim
> 5 to
> 10% fuel savings.
> Spit-balling:
> The alternator would only be loaded during:
> 1> braking
> 2>battery voltage below 11(?) volts
> 3>button on shifter activation for downshifting
> 4>?
>
> Otherwise the ignition system would run on the spare battery . Solar
> panels
> could charge it during the day between commutes. All parts I have laying
> around the garage. Hmmmm....
>
> Ken Lewis
> http://neksiwel.20m.com/
>