ORIGINAL: BootCamp
I realize the MDS will probably not make it into the manual / 6 speed Challenger. While I'd like to "have it all", I realize that's rarely possible. I was just very impressed with the avg mpg this (by modern standards) large V8 got in combined driving - which exceeded the EPA estimates by a fair percentage.
I was also implying that we were told that to get the best mileage out of our '06 RWD R/T (which is still completely stock except for the addition of vent visors on the windows), we should use the cruise control as often as possible. Since I proved - at least to myself - that the computer isn't always better, I'm making a generalization that the auto-stick 5 speed may not necessarily be a better performer than the 6 speed manual (for lower e.t.'s) in the eighth and quarter mile stats as previously indicated/thought.
I've driven standard transmissions for over thirty years now in everything from dirt bikes to VW Beetles to heavy-duty Mack tri-axle dump trucks. I'm not claiming to be the best in the world, but if a standard transmission has a chance to beat the computer controlled auto-stick, I think I'd have a shot at making it do that.
I have to choose between the auto with MDS or the manual without. I think the 6th gear in the manual will help make up a good deal of the mpg difference.......
Decisions, decisions.....
If I opt for the SRT8, the decision is easy - 6 speed manual since neither 6.1L tranny offers MDS.
As for the pic, you're both very welcome. We took quite a few. If I can get a chance to sort through them and clean a few up, I'll try to get some into a photo gallery for anyone who's interested in seeing them.
Okay, I certainly understand that. I have found that the EPA ratings are awfully conservative numbers and you can get much better if you learn the tricks on how to drive a certain vehicle. I've been able to get in the lower 30s with my Intrepid when the EPA only rated it at 26 originally. I would definitely agree with you that the computers are not always better. I don't know how flat the roads are in your area, but in my area there are plenty of hills and generally just as your about to hit the top of the hill, the darn automatic will downshift and surge ahead which burns up unnecessary gas. If you are on road in somewhere like Nebraska, then cruise control probably will yield better results. Having manual control will certainly aid this problem, plus manuals tend to be more efficient in the first place as well as the fact that this automatic was not designed for fuel efficiency to begin with. Also if you want to help the fuel mileage, try dropping in a K&N standard performance drop in filter, I did that on my Intrepid and it helped the fuel mileage by about 2 mpg.
Honestly BootCamp, I think anybody could beat that transmission. The 5-speed unit you have does not really yield an advantage over 4-speeds if you look at the V6 model that they decided to go back to a 4-speed over it since the results were the same. The shifting is not the fastest either. I'm hoping you are right about the 6th gear in the manual part. I've been hoping that they will for once choose the gearing wisely so then they can maximize fuel economy and acceleration.