I installed the 16t sprocket a while ago. I'm loving the lower rpm at freeway speed and my mileage is unchanged. 68 to 80 mpg. 70 to 75 seems to be my average. Before and after
the upgrade.
My thinking is this. As FLAJIM mentioned you now only turn 4500 rpm to do 55 mph.
This equates to one very important fact....
Lower ring speed.
Winding out a motor is bad for components and one of the important ones is your rings...
...And your valvetrain... Anywho...
We know redline is prolly 8k to 8.5k rpm but the engine can't live long at high rev.
So this mod and keeping your speed below 65mph is a great way to increase longevity
imho.