These high fuel prices have all of us thinking about lowering costs and
increasing fuel efficiency, I'm sure. I'm in the same boat, and feel I'm
paddling with one hand.

I've been thinking about all this stuff and questions come to mind that
perhaps some of our Guru's can answer. In fact, anybody that has any
ideas please chime.

It's a known fact that to increase mileage, get rid of the weight. It
was done. We now have aluminum engines, basically, and a lot of aluminum
and plastic in cars.

Another feature in modern times ...... control fuel flow through
judcious monitoring and control with sensors and computers attached.

So what else can be done? How much tighter can the fuels be squeezed to
get more efficiency? I realize that a lot of things go into fuel
efficiency, but considering just the engine alone, and no other factors
such as gearing, tires, aerodynamics, weight, etc, how else might one
increase fuel efficiency - ie mileage per gallon. Take a Vanagon with
WBX vs a Vanagon with a TDI engine. The latter gets more mileage. Why?
what really makes the difference? Is it possible to do something with
the fuel to increase the BTU's released? Which is what it is all about,
given that all piston engines are heat engines. I know there is a
specific ratio in pounds of O2 to pounds of Fuel, so would better mixing
before ignition improve the burn and produce more heat? I know one can
run peak pwoer, rich best power and lean best power, but if running for
maximum heat, how would one protect against heat erosion in current
engines with current metalurgy?

Lots of questions, and looking for answers.

Any comments are appreciated, especially from persons of specific knowledge.

Thanks,

Regards,

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver