About mileage ?

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Can an engine get better mileage if emissions were not of a concern? Just curious.........SS

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: About mileage ?

Can an engine get better mileage if emissions were not of a concern? Just curious.........SS

Yes

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: About mileage ?

I guess that would depend on the engine. The older engines that thay put emission controlling devices on would get better mileage with out them. But the new engines depend on these same devices to trim fuel for the best mileage/emissions possible for the load the engine is under.

 

[mthieme]

Re: About mileage ?

Yes.
In fact, less emission equipment is on cars than in the 70's and 80's when they started (when I was a grease monkey).
Engines have been designed more efficiently requiring less emission control gadgetry. Sensors monitor everything and computers adjust what's going on constantly. This is really were I mileage is coming from - that and weight reduction.
Coincidently in the 70's we experienced our first energy crisis as you recall.
One of my mentors made some relatively minor modifications on the 2 bbl carb on his Chevy C10 and got 40 mpg. This vehicle predated the smog pump, catalytic converter and the other myriad of crap under the hood of the day.
When you can put a loose relatively inefficient '48 Chevy DeLuxe on the engine analyzer and get better emissions than a new (forget what year - circa 1980) pick your Detroit favorite, this should send up a red flag.
Well, that's my 2 cents worth to kick things off.

 

[DJ]

Re: About mileage ?

I guess that would depend on the engine. The older engines that thay put emission controlling devices on would get better mileage with out them. But the new engines depend on these same devices to trim fuel for the best mileage/emissions possible for the load the engine is under.

Agreed.

Early emissions controls were band aids, regardless of brand.

Todays engines were/are designed with all that in mind.

Less fuel burned equals less emissions. It's simple physics.

There never was a 200 MPG carburetor and there never will be. Dang physics keeps getting in the way.

We're really seeing this today in diesels. Diesels are where gas engines were a decade or more ago. They're having to choke them down with EGR systems or God forbid, UREA injection (post combustion).

Not to mention, most of the #2 diesel you buy today is garbage. I've seen cetane ratings as low as 34. Most modern diesels need a minimum of 40 (some as high as 45) cetane to run with any efficiency. I recommend cetane boosters, especially those offered by the OEM's. Your mileage WILL improve. More cetane=more effiecient burn=better MPG.

The days of letting your diesel idle are OVER. Most now have five minute shut downs incorporated in them. It is required in California.

It's actually a good idea. Nothing kills a diesel faster than letting it chug along at idle, for hours on end. Especially if it has a "particulate trap" and must "regenerate". You are gaining NOTHING. They don't burn enough fuel to generate any heat so what's the point? Other than it's "ingrained" in people heads.

 

[Shizzy]

Re: About mileage ?

Agreed.

Early emissions controls were band aids, regardless of brand.

Todays engines were/are designed with all that in mind.

Less fuel burned equals less emissions. It's simple physics.

I agree completley.

I have a friend who has an engineering degree in the automotive field. we have had some very interesting conversations about Fuel injection, engine design and alternative fuels. We were discussing going FI on my 72 Cutlass, and I was saying that it would be cool to have a "tune" for gas mileage and a "tune" for power. His response was "Dummy, you have both, the engine is running at its peak all the time since we can tune it in real time"

In my "carburator mind" I was so used to power or economy I didnt realize I could have both and all the while pollute less.

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: About mileage ?

All the above have hit the nail on the head. Any additional power that's required to reduce emissions, reduces available power for propulsion. Thus reducing millage efficiency.

 

[WizeOne]

Re: About mileage ?

Ya'll forgot one thing. If you include gasoline formulation in the emission control catagory then the answer is yes. More and more locals are going to full time E10 fuel. Eliminate the alcohol and your mileage will increase by 10 to 20%.

 

[angus63]

Re: About mileage ?

Don't forget aerodynamic body design, less weight, and tire technology all play a roll also in today's better numbers.