To cruise, or not to cruise??

[Raccoonjoe]

OK, here it goes.

Was doing some thinking, and some experimenting. This is basically what we've got.

In most "modern" vehicles, the cruise control module is vacuum driven. The basic function of cruise control is to maintain the set speed during driving conditions. With an auto tranny, this means that the CC will go to WOT at times, in order to downshift and maintain speed (especially on inclines). In a manual transmission, the CC will go to WOT, but is locked into whatever gear you put it in.

If you live in a flat area, (Kansas, OK, Northern TX, etc...) this is fine. No inclines = constant velocity = better MPG. If you don't live in the flatlands, using CC can hurt your MPG with the downshifting and what-not.

What about using a manual throttle control?? Something similar to a hand-throttle setup, except with the ability to lock it in place?? This would maintain throttle position, and therefore would provide most of the benefits of CC without the constant throttle changes (the cause of the bad MPG).


The only thing that has me concerned about using a hand throttle is the "what-if" situation. What if I need to panic-stop?? When using the CC, it is automagically dis-engaged when the brakes are applied. Any ideas on how to do this with a hand throttle??