Quote:
Originally Posted by jbrinsfi
I don't believe that "max mpg" occurs at the peak of the torque curve. The peak of the torque curve is where ... wait for it ..... the engine is designed to make maximum torque. When do you use maximum torque? When you are pulling a big grade or or pulling a heavy load... which means when you are making maximum torque you are burning maximum fuel..... MPG is almost totally driven by wind resistance, the weight you are moving and managing momentum on hills.
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The engine manufacturers all agree that max fuel economy occurs just above the max torque rpm. As a practical matter, you have to be above this level enough so that moderate throttle pressure doesn't trigger a downshift. I look at that as a couple of hundred rpm. In my situation, max torque is at 1200 rpm and 1430 rpm puts me at 62 mph in 6th gear. This is my normal cruising target speed.
I do agree that speed, weight and driving technique are the most important factors.