Sactostang, thanks for the kind words...It was a great trip.
Founding Member,
After I posted last message my father in law who happens to be a long-haul trucker told me the same thing in reference to the loss of elevation. There is definately some truth to this, however, it's a little of both. It's not exactly "all down hill". Flagstaff is about 7,000 ft, Las Vegas about 2,000. This 5,000 ft drop is accomplished over 150 miles, and it's not constant. (I was monitoring elevations with my vehicle mounted GPS throughout the trip). Don't know if you ever made the drive, but for every downhill there's an extremely steep uphill climb to follow, just not quite as high as you were before, which leads to the gradual loss in elevation. it's not as if you were in a constant downhill freefall. If that was the case I would have just kicked it over into neutral.
I'm sure since you are a founding member I don't have to tell you that tire pressure has a direct impact on rolling resistance, ergo, fuel economy. I haven't let out the extra air yet and there is a big difference in rear wheel traction. I can barely get on it in a turn now and the rear of the car wants to come around.
I've been driving my 2005 mustang gt since November 2004 and trust me, I've put pleeeenty of gas in it and know what my mileage normally is.
I see you are from Southern Louisiana...hope you came out of the hurricane no worse for the wear and you enjoy your 2006 as much as I have my 2005.
TDR
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.
-- Herm Albright
As long as people will accept crap, it will be financially profitable to dispense it.
-- Dick Cavett