View Single Post
  #7  
Old 06-03-2008, 09:18 AM
SwampYankee's Avatar
SwampYankee SwampYankee is offline
New England Hick
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: CT
Posts: 1,501
Quote:
Originally Posted by mpolli View Post
So here is my question for your consideration:

How much MPG improvement will you get with a new air filter? The commercials say "up to 10%" The Gov't says the same thing. I heard another ad say "up to 2 MPG".

I have thought about it and I think that in a fuel injected car, the savings will be minimal, unless you have been driving off road a lot or somewhere really dusty and the filter is clogged beyond normal levels.

I have not changed my filter in about 3 years and I have a new one ready to put in. I have a very accurate trip computer (ScanGuage II) that I have had for a while and I have it dialed in, so I can run a scientific test comparing old filter to new filter.

I am looking for ideas on what "scientific" tests to run and what results you expect me to find. I have some ideas that I have discussed with some engineers. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?
I heard that ad as well and was leery of the claims.

Since it's a MythBusters thread, I've wondered at what point you're better off shutting a vehicle off vs. letting it idle. Does a vehicle use any more fuel at start-up than it would idling for a period of time (like the fluorescent lightbulb theory of using more energy at start-up than leaving it on-which was busted unless you we're only returning to the room about 18 seconds later or something) What's the point where fuel savings comes into play? 3 min.? 5 min.? I'm curious as to whether it could make a difference with our drivers/salepeople when making multiple 1-3 case deliveries over the course of the day.
__________________

1980 300TD-China Blue/Blue MBTex-2nd Owner, 107K (Alt Blau) OBK #15
'06 Chevy Tahoe Z71 (for the wife & 4 kids, current mule) '03 Honda Odyssey (son #1's ride, reluctantly) '99 GMC Suburban (255K+ miles, semi-retired mule) 21' SeaRay Seville (summer escape pod)
Reply With Quote