Maybe I'm speaking motorcycle when I approach the gearing subject and thats why things might not make sense. Everyone has a different way of explaining things. We'll see if we can clear this up. You would be correct I do use 4th when cruising. I've upped my shift firmness in all gears so I can usually feel them, but when I'm passing I'm guessing I don't feel the down shift to 3rd and then when I'm hitting around 80 mph WOT I feel it shift good and firm to 4th. Long shot......As far as gearing/tires goes I'm seeing what your seeing 50-57 MPH=18+MPG
60-70 MPH=17-17.6 AVMPG
75-80 MPH=18-20 MPG 4th Gear TC Locked out
Irritating isn't it?? My RPMs at Hwy speed 60-70 MPH 33" tires is between 1800-1950. With stock tires RPMs at Hwy speeds were between 1900-2150 if I remember right. It did help a little, but not significantly enough to be worth the money if your tires are still good. Mine were brand new!! and the tire shop only gave me like $40/tire for them b/c they don't sell General Tires!!
Jack: We're saying the same thing.......just differently.
Lower Axle Ratio/Bigger tires= Taller Final Drive Ratio= Longer pull in each gear/less RPM
Higher Axle Ratio/Smaller Tires= Lower Final Drive Ratio= Faster Revs/Goes through gears faster
I don't know about going to a Lower Drive Gear Ratio......I don't think the ROI would be worth it. Honestly I value your opinion and appreciate the input, but I think I'm over thinking this
Very interesting concept indeed!
But if anyone wants some first hand experience or has any thoughts on the e-fan setup let me know.