Aloha nui from SF Bay area, any element drivers?

[slokine]

Hello,
I just got a used 2007 honda element lx 4wd back in april,
since then I've put on magnaflow exhaust,injen ram air intake, and I have replaced the plugs with some denso extra long lifes. I heard this vehicle was not the best at saving gas, but it beats my 2007 Z71 crewcab that I sold.
I recently have been laying off the gas, after getting the intake it was always tempting to stomp the throttle, but now I'm used to it so time to save some gas! I usually cruise at 60-65mph on cruise. Unless I wake up late, then it more like 70-80. Anyone else out there with a honda element? How do you save gas with this box?

[FrugalFloyd]

You should be able to beat EPA by 35% if yours is an automatic, and by 60% if it's a manual, just by modifying your driving habits. The main habits to change are driving fast, and keeping your foot on the gas. I'm in the Bay Area. We should meet up for a driving clinic where I could show you how I can get >50 mpg with my boxy xB.

[imzjustplayin]

Is that percent based upon "new" epa numbers or "old" epa numbers? For the automatic, does that involve shifting into neutral or engine off coasting?

[FrugalFloyd]

That's over the generous 2008 EPA figures. No EOC with automatics, but yes for NICE-on coasting.

[imzjustplayin]

eh, I really can't recommend shifting into neutral especially after the transmission failures of cars that used to do that in software in order to save gas.

[FrugalFloyd]

Documented examples of transmission failures from NICE-on coasting? Post some links, please. Also, what's the link to software?

[theholycow]

Engine-on coasting is completely harmless with GM automatics. AFAIK, Honda automatics are even ok for engine-off coasting.

[bowtieguy]

slokine,

beware of sensationalism in regard to truly achievable fuel economy, especially for vehicles not really made to excel in that realm. some would illustrate and manipulate their mpgs for who knows what motivation--some wanting to believe in an idea, others perhaps honestly miscalculate.

you can beat the EPA estimates, enough said. just research and study here and other sites, then enjoy the ride(pun intended) to what you might achieve.

[slogfilet]

We do have a 2005 Element... my wife drives it mostly, I drive the VX. We get a pretty consistent 22mpg in the Element. Not the most fuel efficient option out there, but we do love it. We basically just use it for camping or when we need to take separate cars (we carpool to work in the VX.)

[imzjustplayin]

Originally Posted by SentraSE-R

Documented examples of transmission failures from NICE-on coasting? Post some links, please. Also, what's the link to software?

http://www.gassavers.org/showpost.ph...36&postcount=4