(no subject)

[growler_south]

You'd think a lightweight 2-seater with a relatively small engine, especially a Toyota made from components left over from their sensible family cars, would get great fuel economy. In the interests of science (and just a little to do with the glorious sound the MR2's engine makes at 7500rpm) I set about disproving this assumption.

It was hard work, but someone had to do it. 29 litres of fuel over 217km renders 7.5km/litre, or 17.5mpg.

Seventeen point five miles per gallon.

Although I acknowledge the level of mercilessness I've applied to the MR2 in the last week, I have to admit I was expecting slightly better mileage, perhaps in the early 20s. Unless you're driving a Chevy Tahoe, 17-and-a-bit is thirsty. The only thing emptying faster than the fuel tank was my wallet., and I suspect that once you add tyres, brakes and clutches to that equation the cost of running would be surprising. And not in a good way.

Thankfully there is a solution, and one Paul is familiar with: treat it nice, like a regular car. Let's see how she runs when treated respectfully over the next couple of weeks.

Comments

[smellykaka.livejournal.com]

Ah. Is this a different MR2 to another you've been driving? (I thought I remembered a comment about being normally aspirated). I'm confused!

Anyways, I like superchargers. They make a luverly noise, and the off-the-line torque is great.

[growler-south.livejournal.com]

This one's had a bit of messin' about done to it- off the line torque isnt so hot, it bogs down if you fluff a launch, but it more than makes up for it above 3000rpm. And a good launch is absolutely unbeatable. I'm very happy.

[smellykaka.livejournal.com]

Hmmm. That's ugly. I was going to ask if you'd done anything evil with the drive pulleys on it yet, but if it's not running right it might be best to leave that alone :)

[growler-south.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure if is running right or not- I'll be giving it a damn good tune up soon, checking the ECU for error codes, measuring all the sensors jsut to be sure it's actually meant to take off at 3000rpm. Dont get me wrong, it still drags off hondas below that, it's just *lots* more powerful above.

[smellykaka.livejournal.com]

If it's yer typical Toyota ECU, just disconnecting the fuse to it for 20 seconds might get you running better. The 3S-GE ECUs are notorious for learning dumb behaviour over time. Every time I reset mine I get better response for several weeks.

(I happily volunteer to come for a ride if you want a second opinion ;) )

[growler-south.livejournal.com]

Second opinion away!! I really need to drive another SC AW11 to compare.

[smellykaka.livejournal.com]

I haven't driven an AW11 SC, but I have driven an SC Levin with the same engine in it. That one was hotted up and was lethal when it got further up the rev range but was also silky smooth around town.