Topica Loopframe_Guzzi Archive


Subject: RE: fuel

Author: Charlie Mullendore

Date: Aug 14, 2005, 12:06 PM

Post ID: 1719295623



A VW TDI running on biodiesel is nearly as efficient and more
environmentally sound than any hybrid in my opinion. On my recent trip
to VMD, my brother's '96 Passat TDI (with performance chip installed)
returned 47 mpg on a mix of 75mph interstate driving and secondary roads
driven "vigorously". Don't laugh about the "vigorously" in the last
sentence - for an engine of only 1.9 liters, it has some serious low-end
torque and is great fun to drive! A friend of the family in northern CA
regularly gets 58mpg with his New Beetle TDI.

Biodiesel burns very clean (if spilled is non-toxic and is a renewable
fuel unlike petroleum diesel). FWIW, my '70 220D gets 34mpg driving all
backroads commuting to work and will hopefully (if I can afford to have
the pump rebuilt with compatible seals) be running biodiesel next year.

If I remember correctly both Honda and Toyota have 10 yr. warranties on
the battery packs. But, how harmful to the environment is the
manufacturing process and (at the end of their useful life) the
disposal/recycling process of the batteries?

Loop content: Been using the Ambos to commute lately and letting the M-B
set. At 47 mpg for Sophia and 52 for the '69, I'm not even using one
gallon per day (34 mile round trip)! Thinking ever more seriously of
building a diesel two-wheeler, but probably not a Loop. Most likely
either a small Japanese dual-sport or scooter chassis and small
industrial diesel engine. May be able to break 100 mpg! Cheers,

Paul P. Linn wrote:
 
The only thing that bugs me about these hybrid vehicles is the cost
involved
in replacing the batteries after a few years. I work with deep cycle
batteries on a daily basis and they will only last 5 years after being
discharged and charged so many times. Maybe they have reduced the cost
in
the last few years, but I was looking at a Honda hybrid a few years back
just for interest sake and it was over $3K for a new set of batteries
for
it!

Loop content:

Elvira is in the home stretch of completion. Just waiting on my wheel to
come back from being trued again ( last time the guy did a crappy job
and
then I found some cracks between the spoke holes) and I have the fenders
and
side covers to finish. She has made many many transformations in the
last 4
years but I think she is in her final configuration now. She will be my
hack
hauling custom.

Paul

-----Original Message-----
From: Jason Telford [mailto:jr-@avalon.net]
Sent: Sunday, August 14, 2005 12:56 PM
To: Loopfram-@topica.com
Subject: RE: fuel

 You can by them books and send them to school, but they just tear out
the
pages and use them in the little house out back.


Ok, that's funny.

I agree with Todd and others- so when I drive, it's a hybrid. My truck
just sits mostly, but it's nice to have available. We were getting
toward needing a new car and it just worked out well. 44 mpg
occasionally, 36 is about the worst. It's better gas mileage than my
Guzzi V11 sport.



Charlie
http://www.loopframeguzzi.com/

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