I'm currently a proud owner of a '94 Montego Blue FD. Unfortunately, it's my only car so it is indeed my daily driver. Given the bad MPG on this car, what RPM would you guys recommend to shift at to maximize efficiency? And since driving this way affects carbon build up, how often would you guys recommend redlining given the goal is to promote efficiency without compromising engine life?

 

If economy is what you are after you got the wrong car.
Drive it like ya stole it,is a good way to keep the engine happy!Babying the car will only carbon it up.

 

I'm with misterstyx69....if you're worried about fuel efficiency that much, get another car. Makes as much sense as buying a Prius and asking about performance mods for track days.

But I disagree on the "driving it like you stole it" philosophy. That's typically translated to "beat the **** out of it...it's good for it". It's not.

 

Well ya Sarge..the wording is a little excessive..lol.
I mean don't treat it like it's going to shatter if you drive it.I mean really,if you spent the money to get the car,and it just sits there,why not leave it at the dealer lot and just drive by and look at it?You'll save 15K!
I buy a car and I drive it.That is what it was meant for.Driving.It's got 4 wheels that make the car roll anywhere you point it,so I am starting it up,.Hitting the gas and going where ever the hell I feel.
IF I wanted a ornament,I would buy a Lawn jockey!
gas mileage?..I don't care!..I bought it to drive remember?.
I pay for it, I use it.Gov't gets the gas tax..so if suddenly they get a change of heart and say we don't want your tax money then that will be the day I get a Electric scooter and put solar panels on my Portable garage.
I think I am going to by a Hummer,so I can put my Rx7 in the trunk and drive it to the track.,then show everyone my Economy car!

 

I drive mine too. Some years of autocross along with a several long hard mountain drives and cruises. I was pretty sure I knew what you meant, but just worry how some of the younger crowd take it.

Besides, with better oils and cars that are often pre-mixing 2 cycle with tuned standalones instead of the stock ECUs...and especially with inexpensive AI systems (turbo cars) and occasional water injestion for the NA's, IMHO there are more alternatives to reduce carbon than there were two or three decades ago.

 

Alright, thanks for your guys' input. I guess i'll just suck it up and drive her the way she wants to be driven haha.

 

Don't they say "a redline a day keeps the mechanic away" or something to that tune?

I try to open my engine up when I can to keep her happy, just remember to warm up and cool down and you'll be sweet.

 

i recommend shifting at 8k

 

^That's fine. If it's legal and safe...and maybe even if it's not totally legal, it's fun to open it up occasionally. It's a high performance car and that's why you bought it in the first place. But bouncing it off the rev limiter to control carbon is unnecessary heat and stress and (IMO) silly for the reasons stated above. And that's what I sometimes hear from some newer and generally younger owners. Running the car hard is like drinking fine booze. It's great in moderation, otherwise it still hurts the next day.

 

Having been in a situation like yours (dd-ing an FD - albeit for a very very short time) this suggest might come off as overboard but it is the hard truth.

BUY a DD!!!
Buy a 2000-ish civic for a good price - or whatever other inexpensive but reliable car you might feel more strongly about. I bet with gas savings, you'll have broken even within 1 or 2 years depending on how long your commute is. Not only that, but if something DOES happen to your rx, you won't be stressed to get it back out.

Don't toss this advice away! A DD is the single best "mod" you can do.

But to answer your original question, around 3500 rpm seems to offer good fuel economy in most cases. For carbon buildup, when you take your car out, rev it out once or twice. Don't sit there and let it warm up for 20 some minutes, just get in and drive. NOT hard until it is warm. When you're getting close to your destination, stay off boost, let your car "cool" down a bit. When you arrive, don't sit there for 3 minutes with it idling, and if you have a turbo timer - ditch it!
That all ads up to carbon buildup!

If you're really serious about keeping carbon buildup down, consider purchasing a downpipe (either aftermarket or one from a JDM car with no pre-cat) as well as a simple water-injection kit. Both of these could be had for a very reasonable price. Also, search this forum for a thread regarding steam cleaning your engine. There is an awesome walkthrough and results in most cases are excellent.

Good luck with the car!

 

^ I agree. I do not own a 7 yet (looking and ready to buy), but do own an 8. Wrong cars to own if fuel economy is a concern. Even when i have gotten 24MPG in my 8 I still hate putting the miles on it sitting in boring driving to and from work in stop and go traffic.

I drive an 88 Olds to work ever day, doesn't bother me one bit. I got it for free basically. Its great, no useless miles on my "weekend" car, cheaper insurance, much better mileage, etc...

 

I think I might be able to get an odyssey from my uncle to use as a DD. On another note, what gear would it be best to open up at? Second gear seems to be the only "legal" gear to redline without speeding

 

Just dont look at the MPG

 

first gear goes to 40 mph , and second to 70 , third you are pushing over 100 already to redline at so first and second gear pulls , JUST be careful of cops ... apperantly they dont like it when you go from 30-80 very quickly... I got the 700 dollar lawyer bill to prove it.

 

yep..good tip is Get a "parts car"!
...........that is a car that you drive to go and get Rx7 parts.Lol!