ptjones

Nice job Frank, I don't think it's right that your hatch isn't flush. GasPod time to test and also the front end. :) Paul

fbov Thanks IMO the Grill Covers give the biggest improvement specially when it gets cold. I'm working on testing air filters to find the least restrictive. Also improve ram air effect on intake system. :) Paul

I can tell you that my lifetime Brake score is 98% if that is any help. Paul

Now it seems there are several of us that are getting the same 1or so MPG inprovement with GasPods. Paul

I do not recommend blocking off the top grill because the right half is for the engine intake and hopefully the air is somewhat pressurized and the left half opening cools the top of the engine compartment. Today I took some packing tape and taped up the hood. Will see if this makes any difference on my trip back to Georgia from Flagstaff, AZ via I-40, US 78, I-20, GA 27.

Recompence are you having any rubbing problems on the spokes? The wheels don't seem to be same with some rubbing on the inside and others on outside spokes.I'm getting dust on wheels too. Paul

The wheel covers need to be at least 18" to 18-3/4" in diameter and would recommend polycarbonate. I've had my covers on over 2,000 miles and am having some rubbing issues on the spokes. It appears that the wheels are exactly the same because it is rubbing on the inside spokes on one wheel and the outside spokes on another wheel so I need to come up with another solution. I have my covers mounted with a 1/4" screw through the center and I made an aluminum cap to go on the back side of the wheel so I could screw into it. It only takes a few seconds to install or uninstall the covers. Also I put a nylon 1/4" x 1-1/2" long screw about 1-3/4" in to keep the covers from turning. Paul

fbov the way I understand what you are doing is sealing the hood so no turbulance is created and improving aero. Are you also improving air presure to air intake? I would like to try it when I get a clear understanding what is going on. Paul

wamba2000 You would have made it, but I understand your situation, but you have to take care of family first. :) Given your 11.8gal trip # you are good for 12.5gal trip# for a 13.5gal actual. Maybe next time. Good Luck Paul

I'll do some testing with/without GasPods and wheel covers on my 14 mile test loop when I return home to GA next week. My pods are 1" from the back of the rear roof line. Will be glad to report back on Forum. Also need to do some some testing to determine what is the ideal coolant temp for the best fuel economy. My testing shows that the ICE update has caused the coolant temp to increase by 10 degrees. I don't know whether Ford is making the engine run leaner which would explain the improvement in fuel economy on the highway. I'm going to video the shutters to see if they stay closed to a higher temp. Will keep you posted with new findings. And yes I'm lucky my other half puts up with my experiments! Glad you're feeling better and hope things work out with the car. paul

Frank, thought has crossed my mind taping long pieces of different colored 1/4" ribbon on top, sides and back of car to see air flow pattern. Will see if I can make some time to experiment. Anyone have connections to someone with a wind tunnel!?! LOL

Adair, thanks for the love! I for one am not in this for oneupmanship or bragging rights. I've always been interested in aerodynamics and fuel economy. My initial interest began with modifying a 1970 Ford Pinto improving mpg from 24 to 30mpg! Gas prices had doubled from 25 to 50 cents a gal! I was disappointed in my C-Max fuel mileage when outside temps dropped and started experimenting beginning with grill covers. From there the challenge focused on ways to further gain mpgs. I believe the majority if not all here are "testing" to determine the max fuel stretch under fairly controlled conditions. I agree that we all need to be alert at all times. Unfortunately we can't control the other drivers as Jus experienced this past week. I look for opportunities to test my ideas as with this trip from GA to AZ with my co-pilot ready, willing and able to share in the challenge of long distance driving! Part of the fun of this Forum is exchanging stories and ideas and sharing in each other's accomplishments! Each time a new name is added on the "club" is a gold star moment! It would appear that the gas pods and wheel covers have made a difference this trip. For the time being I'm done for now until I figure out another mod to test. Sooooo....C-Maxers....be safe and have FUN!

Thanks foto! Not pressing my luck on way home. I'll need a real good reason like addtl mods to push it again. My next goal is to get 50mpg at 70mph on tank of fuel.

Filling up in Weatherford TX after grueling 25+ hour drive from Newnan GA with extremely supportive wife fixated on Candy Crush on her iPhone! Last fumes evaporated at 896.2, 909.4 on Garmin GPS. Will post photos when we get settled in hotel tonight. Unfortunately we drove several hours in rain in Texas as I was hoping MadMax would make it to 900!

Congratulations fotomoto :yahoo: You just raised the bar higher. I'm leaving this morning on my trip to Phoenix to see family and if we can do +900mi Paul

I'm guessing between 1/2-1gal. left. from my experience. :) It will be interesting to see what your actual # are. Paul

Did you run out of gas? Great job I knew you could do it! I hope you ran it dry so you know how big your tank is and how that correlates to SmartGauge. :yahoo: Paul

Air has 78%Nitrogen in it already so the difference is Pure Nitrogen has no water in it. Paul

I have 38K on my CMAX and just checked my tires with tread depth gauge. All tires are very close in wear with 6/32 outside and slightly more on center and inside. It would appear running higher PSI is a good thing from tire wear stand point. BTW my Master Gauge Lifetime score is 45.9mpg with 79% HWY and my last trip two weeks ago I got 63.4MPG and 875mi on that tank. I have been averaging about 52MPG's without that tank for the last couple months. I'm always looking for ways to improve MPG's and my latest is wheel covers. :) Paul

#4 works for me. LOL :)

Interesting that all of us using GasPods see some benefit. Paul

By My Calculations you should have 2gals left and should make 800mi. and don't forget the gas can.LOL :)

I was thinking about the time on your trip gauge when you filled up. I take a pic with IPhone every time I fill up for future study if I want too. Eventually I want to make a graph of MPH vs MPG's with mine. Several members are using 50psi(tires rated for 51psi Max) and I'm trying it now with my trip to Phoenix this week to see if it makes a difference. Paul

I have had this happen several times that I can remember, RPM's around 1200-1300 and the EV mode helping. It feels like the ICE is bogged down and having a hard time accelerating. I don't remember if it has done it since the up date, but I think so. I have a ScanGauge. Paul

And Grill Covers make the biggest difference. of all. :) Paul