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I've just joined and would like some tips.

I own a 2003 Honda S-2000, which is a 4 cylinder, 2.0 Liter, six speed manual transmission, two seater convertible. Combined mileage, last year (2007) was 23.8 Mpg.

I also own a 2002 Jaguar X-type, six cylinder, 3.0 liter,with a five speed manual transmission. It's a hard top. Combined mileage, last year (2007) was 23.9 Mpg. In both cars, last year was my best year for Mpg.

I seem to be hitting the target Mpg for combined driving, city and hwy, for both cars, but I do coast, out of gear a lot. Turning off the ignition does not seem very safe to me.

Now on both cars, I am: now bumping tire pressure up to 35Psi vs 32 Psi recommended, started using easy in, easy out parking and am keeping the hwy speed between 55 and 60 mph. I drive mostly with the top down,in the Honda, and no air. I'm now using cruise control whenever possible, even in the city, and am trying to "play the lights."
[Sorry, don't have all the lingo down yet.]

I'd like some practical tips on gear usage, right now, I try to get into the highest gear possible for the speed to keep the rpms down as much as possible. I am also trying to keep rpms lower that cruise rpms as I accelerate through the gears to cruise speed.

As stated, I'm bumping tire pressure to 35 Psi, max is 44 psi on both cars according to the sidewalls on the tires. I take it that some of you are much more aggressive in this area.

Thanks,

DR

Hi DR:

___Welcome to CleanMPG and you are about to embark on a journey or “lessons” of a lifetime.

___By all means get those tires pressed up to 44 psi. It says it right on the sidewall. I go even higher but I expect twice the miles out of my tires with better traction, more even wear, better handling, less chance of hydroplaning and an overall safer tire over its new almost double life expectancy ;)

___Some 0W-20 or whatever is recommend for your S2000 on the next oil change and install a ScanGauge! After that, time to read, practice and exceed your wildest expectations if you want. A convertible with a stick? You are going to have a lot of fun :)

___Good Luck and welcome.

___Wayne

Also, try shifting around 2,000 RPM when possible. I made this adjustment on my Honda Insight where I used to leave a stop and shift at 3,000 RPM through first and second. I noticed a dramatic improvement by just changing these two shift points.