Smaller instead of taller gears?

[DarkObsession]

Originally Posted by proj3ktpat

35 is fine in forth, and I will even go into 5th at 35 sometimes if the road is flat and I don't have to accelerate. At 55 6th gear should be perfect and you should see really good gas mileage. If a big hill comes up, or you need to accelerate quickly just drop it down a gear or two, and then go back when you're done. I highly doubt a gear swap like that would be worth your while, not to mention you would be hurting the performance of your car a little. If you're looking for better mpgs maybe try some hypermiling techniques.

This is essentially how I drive my car and I've never noticed it bogging or anything like that.

5th is pretty low in this car (and 6th is insane) but you can still go 5th at 35 MPH if it's a flat road.

[Mikes SS]

Well i have had the car for almost 2 years and I average 12 mpg on the DIC at every fill up. It gets lower with spirited driving. The only mods i have are a CAI and, hi flow cats and exhaust.

[mtcwby]

Originally Posted by Mikes SS

Well i have had the car for almost 2 years and I average 12 mpg on the DIC at every fill up. It gets lower with spirited driving. The only mods i have are a CAI and, hi flow cats and exhaust.

I have had mine for over 2 yrs and over 36000 miles, and I have never gotten below 17 mpg no matter where or how I drive(with the exception of racing on the road course where I'm lucky to get 100 miles on a whole tankful). And that is with over 700 rwhp, with a S/C and cam.

[zebra]

Originally Posted by speedster

Remember that GM spent a lot of research time developing the engine/transmission/rearend ratio/tire size for optimum all-around driving conditions. Hence, it is hard combination to beat. Lower (and/or higher) rpm does not necessarily mean higher efficiency or less wear. These motors have fairly large ports and require a certain level of airflow for a higher volumetric efficiency. Just my < .02.

psh... don't listen to this guy! he acts like he helped develop some über-awesome custom engine setup for his car or something
i don't think he really knows what he's talking about

Originally Posted by Mikes SS

Well i have had the car for almost 2 years and I average 12 mpg on the DIC at every fill up. It gets lower with spirited driving. The only mods i have are a CAI and, hi flow cats and exhaust.

don't use the DIC to calculate fuel mileage. use your odometer (or set a trip counter) & fill up til the pump clicks every time. divide miles by gallons pumped. my car always reads wrong.