Engine Braking and Fuel Economy

[RandallNeighbour]

Originally Posted by BoxsterLewis

Are you guys really wanting to save a couple dollars of gas here?

Not me! I started the thread because a friend of mine is emphatic about coasting with brakes vs. engine braking for fuel economy's sake alone and I completely disagreed with him on the basis of sound logic.

I wanted some empirical data to back up his claim or mine so I could settle the argument.

Still haven't seen any yet. Great discussion and more sound logic to bolster my position in this disagreement, but no empirical data (charts, testing, results, etc.)

[Samson]

You could just buy a ScanGauge II and find out exactly when fuel is and isn't being delivered (along with a bunch of other info).
http://www.scangauge.com/

[Houston C4S]

Randall,

You could just ask me...

- Mark

[RandallNeighbour]

Originally Posted by Houston C4S

Randall, You could just ask me... - Mark

Great! You've got my email address... shoot me a copy of the empirical data on engine braking and the effects it has on fuel economy in your possession.

Opinions based on sound logic have already been shared, so there's no need for any more. I want a published study by a reputable source. Got one?

[SoCalKen]

Originally Posted by RandallNeighbour

Not me! I started the thread because a friend of mine is emphatic about coasting with brakes vs. engine braking for fuel economy's sake alone and I completely disagreed with him on the basis of sound logic.

I wanted some empirical data to back up his claim or mine so I could settle the argument.

Still haven't seen any yet. Great discussion and more sound logic to bolster my position in this disagreement, but no empirical data (charts, testing, results, etc.)

Having said that I agree with your friend. With your car in neutral you will start coasting sooner resulting in less fuel usage. End result you will probably be off the gas and coast for 3000 yards vs. waiting to engine brake and be of the gas for only 2000 (coasting numbers random) yards. I don't believe it's the actual braking process but the habits associated with it, ie: initiate fuel saving coasting earlier.
Ken