fuel savings calculator

[vurtle]

I guess I am bored and finally have time to post some stuff. Here is a fuel calculator formula I came up with a while back to calculate how long it will take for your fuel mileage upgrades to pay for themselves.

To calculate how long it takes to get to your break even point, here is the formula.

first find x and y
(1/miles per gallon before modifications)* price per gallon = x
(1/miles per gallon after modifications) * price per gallon = y

then
cost of modifications/(x-y) = miles to break even point

To find your annual savings after you reach your break even point, use this formula.

first find x and y
(annual mileage/ miles per gallon before mods)* price per gallon = x
(annual mileage/ miles per gallon after mods)* price per gallon = y

then
x-y = savings per year

I think people will find out that it takes longer than they expected to break even and start saving money.

My case was a little extreme compared to most because I started out with '99 F450 that originally average 10 mpg when I bought it. 2700 rpm at 70 and 10 mpg unloaded got real old real fast. I swapped the 4.88 ring and pinion for a thin gear 3.73 set from Randy's and the results were way beyond my expectations. I am now getting 16 mpg (correctly calculated). Most of my driving consist of highway and very little towing. I sent my computer to DPTuner and I averaged around 18 mpg afterwards. Getting 18 mpg after the tune, my break even point was in one year at 6000 miles assuming a rate of $3 per gallon. My fuel savings was about $800 a year for 6000 miles.

Just incase some of you are wondering why I had an F450 and do very little towing, I got it real cheap. The 19.5s and the bigger brakes are a plus also.
Note - I have since sold this truck.

[artsamm]

Good info...I've always liked math and figuring that kind thing out.
It is good to do these kind of things first because you could be in for a surprise.

[HeavyAssault]

How do you account for the change in fuel prices from year to year?

[panheadjay]

i wish my tuner would have gained me that much. mine helped zero.also good post, dont think most people realize how long it takes to make it back up. kinda like buying a car to drive to work to save gas and drive your truck on the weekends.

[caissiel]

I use the scan gaugeII. Its a fuel mileage indicator, fuel mileage calculator, fuel cost calculator, engine protector, tool for Engine light and a coach for a heavy foot driver. All in a box and pays for itself. Pays for itself by indicating the fuelling locations that are ripping you off.

[panheadjay]

how much was the scan gauge? i'm interested in one.