Re: [Amc-list] Mobilgas Economy Runs

["Jeff Reeves" <amcnut@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I believe those runs were done at low speeds (@30-35 MPH) under controlled conditions. I think that Tom's surmise of thin lubricants can be a safe one, and I'm sure the tires were probably inflated rock-hard. The cars were the basest models available. I've also seen some documentation that the drivers of the cars used in the Mobilgas run were barefoot while doing the test. By driving barefoot, the driver can better moderate his touch on the accelerator and brake because of improved sensory input. 
And no, contrary to some urban myths, it is NOT illegal to drive barefoot anywhere in the USA--the only known exception being that Alabama motorcyclists have to wear some kind of shoe. (And, to address a pet peeve--no US states have *any* laws, health department or otherwise, stating that bare feet in general are illegal: all those "by order of the health department" signs are pure BS)

I personally drive barefoot more than shod mostly because it's a personal preference. I find that I can "feather" the gas pedal in a way that prevents abrupt throttle movements. It also helps prevent overtaxing the brakes. 

I also installed an old-fashioned vacuum/economy gauge on my Jeep that has helped temper my driving habits. It's surprising that tootling along in overdrive isn't always a bright idea. I find that at low speeds on back roads the vacuum gauge jumps higher when I lock out overdrive and get the RPMs up to about 1800 or so on my Jeep.

Jeff Reeves
Auburn, GA
94 Cherokee Sport
81 Spirit GT
72 Javelin SST


Message: 10
Date: Sun, 25 May 2008 21:13:41 -0400
From: "Bruce Griffis" <bruce.griffis@xxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: [Amc-list] 17.339 MPG around town
To: "AMC/Rambler owners, drivers and fans." <amc-list@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Message-ID:
<a72582d20805251813p71ea02d3i35ad7703a886f0c6@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
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I'd love to learn more about how they did those Mobil runs! I'm sure
there are a lot of tricks out there. Time to start researching.

On Sun, May 25, 2008 at 8:26 PM, Tom Jennings <tomj@xxxxxxx> wrote:

>
> I wonder what cheats they pulled to get 30 mpg from those Mobil
> Economy Runs! I assume thin oils everywhere, good for contesting
> but not so good for longevity!
>
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