The MPG challenge was done in conjunction with the
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Hypermilers Meet-up on May 17, 2008
Purpose:
1) Conduct first local MPG Challenge.
2) Set up a system and methods for future local MPG Challenges.
3) Experiment with methods to see how future runs could be better.
Participants:
Jud Engles (bestmapman)
Auston Hensley (lamebums)
Dean Regis (not registered)
Larry Trowbridge (Diamond Larry)
Hadi Allameh (Hadi Allameh) Observer
Kayleigh Fisher (lyekka) Observer
Hadi (back seat), and Dean (driving)
Auston (passenger seat), Larry (driving), Kayleigh (back seat)
Vehicles:
Car 1: 2007 Prius (Jud's) Package 2, EV switch, rear wiper delete, antenae delete, aero hubcaps, EBH
Car 2} 2007 Prius (Larry's) Package 4, Coastel EV mod, hot air intake, EBH
Course Location and Conditions:
We set a 5.1 mile course through Ft. Thomas, KY. The route was a round trip. First going one direction about 1.25 miles then a turn around. Return on same route past the start point an additional 1.25 miles with a turn around, then back to the start point. It is generally level. For most of the trip it is 4 lane with 25 MPH speed limit. The weather was partly cloudy 70F with light but gusty winds of no particular direction. Start of first run 2:00 PM. start of last run 3:30 PM.
Car Set Up:
2 prius. Tires at 80(Diamond Larry's) and 60(Jud's) We forced chaged the SOC to 7 (green) bars before each run. The reason we did this is that Larry's scangauge does not have a SOC readout so to get an equal start we charged till it turned green and then stopped. Each run was with 2 participants and 1 observer. 3 people in each car.
The runs:
Run 1
Car 1: Dean Regis - Score: 99.9+ MPG recorded off of MFD (scanguage was not reset at start)
Car 2: Larry Trowbridge - Score: 104 MPG. About 1/2 way through Larry realised he was not warmed up and still in S3
Dean's MFD
Larry's scanguage
Run 2
Car 1: Jud Engles - Score: 166 MPG
Car 2: Auston Hensley - Score: 156 MPG
Auston's scanguage
Jud's scanguage
Run 3 Note: Jud requested that Larry get an additional run since his car wasn't warmed up correctly the first time.
Car 1: Jud Engles - Score: 171 MPG
Car 2: Larry Trowbridge- Score: 148 MPG
Jud's scanguage
Larry's scangauge
(No scanguage picture)
Run 4 Note: Jud and Larry switched cars for an additional run. There was some concern that one car was reading higher than the other. It was felt for future runs to see if there was a big difference between the cars. (see lessons learned)
Car 1: Larry Trowbridge- Score: 156 MPG
Car 2: Jud Engles - Score: 175 MPG
Jud's scanguage
Larry's scangauge
Overall Comments:
1) Great numbers by all participants.
2) Thanks to Diamond Larry for sharing his techniques.
3) Homefield advantage is very important. Knowing the terrain, lights, stops is a great advantage.
Lessons Learned:
1) 5 miles is to short a distance. 10 miles may be better.
2) A scangauge with a SOC readout is a must. Setup is difficult and during the run, not have the SOC setting is a big disadvantage.
3) A calibrated scanguage with a correct MPG readout is a must.
4) A 4 lane highway is a must. The lower the speed limit the better. Possible 2 lane will work, but ther must be NO traffic.
5) The average speeds were sub 20 MPH so plan accordingly.
6) Have someone designated to record (photograph the results) we missed one.
7) Each participant should be able to drive each vehicle to minimize differences between vehicles.
8) Make sure the cars are warmed up and in S4.
Some additional pictures:
Larry in action
One Sweet Screen
The best thing for me was that I was able to share what I know and do and have it help someone improve.
Linear Mode
