I read that another member here does a 1-3-5 shift for better fuel economy in the city. Will I break anything doing this? I just tried it this morning doing 2000 RPM shifts and it seems that it does 2 things:

1). Less shifting takes place
2). Less throttle is used

I recall GM's having the 1-4 skip shift which is rather aggressive based on our gearing. But the 1-3-5 shift seems do-able as long as you're not trying to race. My concern is wearing out something in the process.

 

I did it a lot over the weekend. It really works well too. I managed to get 27 mpg on a 100 mile trip with a lot of redlights and back roads and really conservative driving..

 

I don't see anything you need to be concerned about with 1-3-5, I do that all the time, I owned 3 different year mustangs in the last 4 years, and didn't have any issues with either one (including the one I have now).

 

Do you let off the clutch pedal slowly for the 1-3? What RPM do you shift at? I noticed that the car jerks a lot for the 1-3 at 2000 RPM but only "clunks" for the 3-5 if I just quickly dump the clutch after each shift.

I will definitely keep an eye on the MPG. It seems the 1-3-5 would be convenient and cost-effective.

 

Mechanically, it shouldn't do anything that's bad. All you're doing, obviously, is skipping a gear. Nothing says you have to go 1,2,3,4,5. No different than down shifting from 5 to 3 (or 2 ).

 

It will cut into your forward-motion fun quotient by 40%.

 

I shift and let the clutch out normally on the 1-3-5 shifts.. Shift at around 2000-2500 rpm

 

I think the gas station's already doing that.

A month ago it cost me about $32 to fill the tank. Now it costs me upwards of $54.

Let's stop wasting time and just label the oil exporters a terrorist organization and clean house.

 

This.

I've been experimenting... Indeed the 1-3-5 is the way to go. And don't mash the throttle of course...

It gives you about 2.5 MPG more... from 16 to 18.5, in my case... But I'm not done experimenting.

Other tricks are the hypermiling thing... I don't say turn off the car, but turn off the A/C, go into neutral and let it coast when you can, take turns faster in coast mode... time lights... all that stuff.

But where's the fun in that? I planted the throttle leaving work right into the freeway, and shifted three times... 1-2(fishtail power scratch!)-5... 70MPH, set the cruise, and off I go home.

Fun!... and 3 MPG!

 

Sounds interesting. Never thought I would consider the whole saving gas thing since it really doesn't bother me right now being where I am. I will have to keep that in mind when I return.

Let's put it this way. When I left, gas was in the $2.70s. I don't want to know what it will be when I return 15 months later!

 

Gotta post it:
Be safe over there, Ice! I appreciate you, and the entire armed forces, doing what you people do for the rest of us, and want you all to come home safe and sound when your tours are over, ok? Thank you!

 

Very interesting topic. Subscribing.