ScanGauge and RPM help

[homerj742]

Hey guys, I'm a new Prius owner (3 weeks), I purchased a used '05 Prius. So far, I'm getting about 50mpg hand calculated (52mpg according to the display).

I need a brief description about RPM's and how this will help my fuel economy, will having a scangauge help?

I'm also thinking of getting a shark fin antenna, and a stiffening plate (I got hit by wind today and you can really feel it!).

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. thank you!

[efusco]

Easiest answer is to try to accelerate and maintain RPM b/w 1700 and 2300rpm. When you're going to slow for 1700rpm you should try to glide. When you have a hill coming up start accelerating early at 2300rpm so that you don't to exceed 2300rpm during the climb.

It takes practice and there are exceptions, but this will have a major impact on your FE.

[homerj742]

Cool, so this scangauge seems worthwhile investment. How difficult is it to install???

[efusco]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(homerj742 @ Apr 5 2007, 05:09 PM) [snapback]418467[/snapback]</div>

Cool, so this scangauge seems worthwhile investment. How difficult is it to install??? [/b]

Worthwhile financially? No way...would take many many thousands of miles to make up in fuel cost what you could save with it.
Worthwhile for the fun of it and to learn more about your car...absolutely.

Install is very easy...but I don't have one so I'll leave it to others to explain. I use CAN-View.

[Rangerdavid]

There is hardly any "install". Its plug and play. It plugs in under the dash just above your right knee, and then run the cable to where ever you want to have the unit placed. I posted the owners manuel in PDF form under another thread in this forum, its easier to read that the small print one that comes with the unit.

See if you can order one from Danny, he may still have some extras left from our group order. Right now I have my displaying RPM, Volts, MPG, and engine temperature. All good information to have IMHO>

I recommend the ScanGauge II. I don't have a can view, but others do and can recommend them as well. I believe the can view is more detailed and provides more info and analysis that the scangauge does. You won't go wrong either way. Good luck!!

[Highly ImPriused]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Apr 5 2007, 06:20 PM) [snapback]418473[/snapback]</div>

Worthwhile financially? No way...would take many many thousands of miles to make up in fuel cost what you could save with it.
[/b]

On the other hand, if it saves you a couple of $75 diagnostic fees for check engine lights coming on (works on most other cars too), it pretty much pays for itself. At least that's the way I'm going to try to justify getting one.

[efusco]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Highly ImPriused @ Apr 6 2007, 09:05 AM) [snapback]418761[/snapback]</div>

On the other hand, if it saves you a couple of $75 diagnostic fees for check engine lights coming on (works on most other cars too), it pretty much pays for itself. At least that's the way I'm going to try to justify getting one. [/b]

Rationalization is a beautiful thing isn't it!! I've rationalized about $2000 worth of add-ons to my Prius!

[Ari]

Here's the reference for the MPG gain when keeping RPM between 1700-2400:
(hobbit's website)
http://www.techno-fandom.org/~hobbit/cars/sweet/

With the SGII and hobbit's method I've added at least 2MPG to my previous record, and it's improving every day.

SG installation is also discussed in this thread, I posted my stealthy-but-easy install pics in there:

http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=3...mp;hl=scangauge

[homerj742]

Thank you guys for the references, I'm reading up right now!

Another quick question, I just purchased a 7yr/100k warranty. Will any modifications void this warranty? (ie- Antenna, Scangauge, BT Tech plate)???

[Bob64]

As long as you remove those modifications before you take the car in for service, you should be fine... generally manufacturers do not like modifications... It's akin to overclocking a cpu.