BETTER GAS MILEAGE / MPG? Give your HOW TO's, TIPS, & SUGGESTIONS

[meyek91974]

Give all your tips and suggestions on how to get better gas mileage-

Starting this off:
I ride with max tire psi - This gives a more solid, easier rolling tire offering less rolling resistance leading that less energy/effort is needed to make it roll down the street.

 

[Flash]

In the dark ages before fuel injection the best way to save fuel was to drive as if there was an egg between your boot and the throttle pedal.

Now it's better to get to the highest gear you can and use wide throttle openings to reduce pumping losses.

I suppose I should state the obvious: keep the engine well serviced, spark plugs and leads, clean air filter.
Using a light grade of oil decreases internal losses.

But really, the best thing is how you drive.
Imagine you have to push a heavy weight and conserve as much energy as possible.
Gently get it up to speed then try to keep the speed constant.
Don't keep pushing all the way to the stoplight then slam the brakes on.

An electric cooling fan works well to reduce losses if you have to continuously accelerate.

 

[meyek91974]

I drive drive like a grandpa's grandpa

I hear ya!

I have LT235/85R16 tires and keep them aired around 75-80psi; 85 is max. When I do this, I can put it in neutral and push it with one hand to get it rolling and my thumb to keep it going.- I've tried this on my street and in a massive, flat parking lot.

Otherwise, I am sure that I'm accelerating slowly as I used to drive a tractor trailer and am used to the slow get ups. 90% of the time, I'm below 2000RPM.

I change the oil every 3,000 miles and have considered going to Royal Purple full synthetic, but MAN is it not cheap.

Aside from a clean air filter, I have thought of making an air box with better air flow. I am curious if anyone has ran an opened airbox or intake through the fender but not a goofy counter productive snorkel????

HAS ANYONE TRIED THE E3 SPARK PLUGS? Their claim to fame is to be the best/most efficient spark plug made - and I think they have a satisfaction & lifetime warranty

 

[2TimingTom]

Not drive my SAS'd/SOA'd Explorer.

 

[meyek91974]

what is "SAS'd/SOA'd Explorer"

Not drive my SAS'd/SOA'd Explorer.

What is SAS or SOA?

 

[2TimingTom]

What is SAS or SOA?

Check out the link to my registry in my signature to see my build. SAS = solid axle swap. SOA = spring over axle.

 

[Greg_DonWindsor]

All synthetic fluids in oil pan, tranny, t-case, both axle housings. They have a greater molecular consistency and provide less drag on your power train.

Use your cruise control on the highway.

An electric fan to reduce parasitic drag on your crank.

High quality plugs and wires.

Many aftermarket tuners have fuel efficiency tuning programs available.

I use only Shell V-Power and get the greatest fuel mileage from premium gas.

 

[meyek91974]

Greg - where do I find a place to retune the computer

is this something I buy and do myself or is there a franchise of places that do this. I can't find anyone here who knows about remapping a computer

 

[Greg_DonWindsor]

I bought a Superchips Cortex Tuner. It simply plugs into the OBD2 port under your steering column, saves the stock file, and has a number of aftermarket tunes to re-flash your ECU. Many board members have used the SCT Xcal tuner as well with good results. In my opinion tuners are worth the money, if not only for the fact that most are able to read diagnostic trouble codes, and display other engine information such as intake air temperature, and many other parameters.

 

[meyek91974]

got a model or part number on that Tuner???

I bought a Superchips Cortex Tuner. It simply plugs into the OBD2 port under your steering column, saves the stock file, and has a number of aftermarket tunes to re-flash your ECU. Many board members have used the SCT Xcal tuner as well with good results. In my opinion tuners are worth the money, if not only for the fact that most are able to read diagnostic trouble codes, and display other engine information such as intake air temperature, and many other parameters.

 

[Fpo]

All synthetic fluids in oil pan, tranny, t-case, both axle housings. They have a greater molecular consistency and provide less drag on your power train.

I was just going to chime in...

 

[Nuar]

Many people seem to mention an alectric fan, but not many people seem to know how to perform the mod or what is involved. I started a separate thread on just that and its a dead thread so far. I had one person reply.

 

[1997XLTRollover]

Short of normal maintenance and fluids as stated, here is what I would do to get the best fuel economy in my ex. Now my truck is a 96 V8 AWD, your truck may differ slightly but you get the idea.

-Electric fans
-Torque Monster Headers (huge improvement in fuel economy and power)
-4406 Transfer case swap and the ability to free wheel the front axle
-Factory size tires
-Good tune
-Pull roof rack and seal any large gap, basically do what you can to make it more aerodynamic, keeping it clean and waxed can help too.

 

[Greg_DonWindsor]

Many people seem to mention an alectric fan, but not many people seem to know how to perform the mod or what is involved. I started a separate thread on just that and its a dead thread so far. I had one person reply.

It's been covered extensively. Use the search function. Flex-a-lite's black magic series is a popular choice. The install requires use of a special fan clutch removal tool, and spending a little time bending the universal bracketry supplied with the fan to make it fit. The wiring is not difficult. You can accomplish this with regular hand tools in a few hours.

 

[Nuar]

I have been searching around. I found something about the flexalite fan but it was a little vague. I'll keep looking.

 

[kindred4x]

Aldive was a great member, and he did very good gas mileage data after every mod he performed, his posts are the best info on gas mileage on this forum in my opinion. Here is a link to his 30+ mpg explorer. http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=137531