Classic Aurora Mileage

[JimW]

As most of you know (or not) I took a 580 mile road trip to Cape Cod MA this past week, I dragged my friend Peter with me, and I let him drive down

Anyhow, thats not the point of this thread, I wanted to show some of the incredible gas mileage my car got while on the way. The driving conditions were about 75F, sunny, little if any breeze, light traffic. We had the cruise control set for 70 mph, and maintained about 2200 RPM with my 3.71 gearing on the transaxle. The Aurora gas tank is 17 gallons or 70L, and takes only premium fuel (91 in this case)

I was shocked, about 20 mins after a top up along the MassPike thruway, I opened the DIC lid and checked out our mileage. By this point I Peter had driven 343 kms from Syracuse NY, to that point on the MassPike. You can see my fuel gage is pressed passed the F line.

No fudging of the DIC settings took place, I wanted to establish an accurate MPG for the V8 Aurora.





Based on that data I could have driven from Mississauga Ontario (home) to Bourne Cape Cod on a tank of gas (metric that translates to 927 kms door to door, I calculated that on my way home)

[Aurora40]

Did the pump mileage match up with your DIC mileage? A figure of 35+mpg from our cars seems a bit unlikely. I assume your speedo/odometer wasn't affected by the swap to 17" tires? I wouldn't think so, but I don't know what tires you put on them.

[JimW]

Pump matched up exactly. I have never had any issues with that, its off by about 0.8L whenever I fill up (do the math to figure it out, its late now..hehe) 1 US Gallon = 3.8L

I also maintained rolling diameter and tire height of 27.1" inches when I went from 235/60/16 to 235/55/17, cross reference that if you so choose.

The point of the exercise was to ascertain mileage over long distances, not to f*** around with my DIC and try to ******* Aurora owners. I was shocked, as well as my friend when I checked it. Frankly I get tired of the misconception about how terrible fuel economy is in V8's and the Aurora in general. Its been great for me.

Mind you, I take care of my car mechanically, so good mileage is expected, not hoped for.

[dred98]

Must have changed a bit once you hit traffic though.
When I'm on cruise control at the speed limit on the highway, "instant" mileage on the DIC confirms Jim's figures at about 35 mpg. Average mileage runs about 25 mpg and includes some City driving.
That's a lot better than I expected from a V8, it's certainly better than I got from my previous two vehicles - both with V6's.

[Aurora40]

JimW said:

The point of the exercise was to ascertain mileage over long distances, not to f*** around with my DIC and try to bullnuts Aurora owners. I was shocked, as well as my friend when I checked it. Frankly I get tired of the misconception about how terrible fuel economy is in V8's and the Aurora in general. Its been great for me.

Wasn't trying to accuse you of that. But it's possible for the DIC to get outta whack. If pump mileage matches up, that's really impressive. I figured you got 235/55's but what do I know?

When I drive on trips, going closer to 80-85 mph, I always feel like I could get close to 30 mpg if I just slowed it down a bit (I usually get 25-26mpg), but getting over 35 mpg is pretty impressive for a car with a rather large aerodynamic profile. Was your drive on pretty flat roads? Most of my trips to date have been through the rolling mountains of VA, MD, and PA.

[JimW]

After getting gas on the MassPike on the Monday (top up of $12) we drove another 105 miles to Bourne, then did mostly city/hwy driving until Thursday and put in just over 15 gallons for the drive home.

Doing that city/hwy commuting had a lesser effect on the tank, I wasnt really keeping track, but was still pleased we did all that addtional driving on about 1/2 tank.

I suppose when an O2 fails, things wont be so good. Another reason why I firmly believe bolt on mods improve mileage in cars. A less restricted airbox and a high flow exhaust probably helps in the fuel effieciency department.

[JimW]

Snuck one in there before me 40..heh

I did a few 85 mph bursts to pass cars or to escape girls in Sables...long story. But 70mph is what the cruise was set at.

The landscape east of Syracuse into Albany is pretty rolling (Green Mountains) then into Mass isnt so bad (mostly flat). We didnt have to deal with to many massive inclines, but we did pass one truck runaway lane.

*edit*

Here are some picture examples of the terrain

[R4D30N]

man, im lucky to get 15


jim, with all due respect, i think dont beleive that.

almost 40 miles per gallon in this car...

maybe in neutral going down a hall... but that's it

[JimW]

Regardless, of whether you believe or not, thats what the car did. Gotta remember it was a 600 mile trip on the hwy. Almost 4500lbs rolling at 70mph at 2200 RPM, its all forward momemtum

Take a 600 mile trip (make sure your car is properly tuned) and tell me your mileage.

[SupaStealth]

Well, i regularly get about 24.5 mpg, drivin' about 28 miles to work with about 9 stop signs and 5 stop lights, i would have to say thats pretty good, my 98 taurus got about 21 with a 3.0L V6.

I'll be drivin' about 300 miles on September 1st goin' back to school in Milwaukee, so i'll have to post my mileage.