Date:         Thu, 16 Oct 1997 11:59:20 -0600
Reply-To:     Eric Small <Eric_Small@SABRE.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon mailing list <Vanagon@Gerry.SDSC.EDU>
From:         Eric Small <Eric_Small@SABRE.COM>
Subject:      Re: What is rpm @ 70 mph?
Comments: To: tony@moorelab.com
Content-Type: text/plain

Tony Moore wrote to me:
>hey eric,
>
>what kind of mpg are getting with your '86?
>
>tony

Tony, For 1992 I averaged 17.34MPG. In 1993 I put 15X7 wheels and 215/65 tires
and immediately dropped to a 15.5MPG average. Of coarse this is only partially
due to the larger tires as with the improved at-speed handling I naturally drove
faster!  When I moved to DFW, TX (reformulated fuel) in 1995 it dropped again to
15.0. I installed new injectors and O2 sensor this year and am now getting
between 15.5 and 16MPG. My parents visited us here in TX a couple of weeks ago
and he drove the van through several tanks at my 68year old dad's more leisure
pace for an average of 17.1MPG. Needless to say I was subjected to a great
lecture on the economies of driving more slowly... in one ear and out the other
:)

I hear folks on the list talking about 25MPG... I dont know how they could
possibly achieve this unless they are speaking of an imperial gallon. Even the
EPA indicated that the van would get 17 city and 19 highway and they are usually
optimistic.

Has anyone else got different results?

Eric Small
Dallas, TX
'86 GL