Better Gas Mileage

[xltv82003]

Does anybody have any suggestions to improve fuel economy on my 03 XLT v8 AWD? Anybody ever use that Tornado fuel Saver...if so does it help at all? How about would a K&N Air Filter help?

Thanks!

 

[aldive]

Good mileage is definately possible in an Explorer' take a look at http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=44372&highlight=quest+for

 

[Billy177]

intake
exhaust
synthetic fluids everywhere possible
apten chip
properly aligned/inflated tires

 

[DirtDemon85]

I wouldnt go for the tornado, it does the same thing as a fuel body spacer, however you can get more out of your explorer by using a throttle body spacer so do that ::

 

[X~FACTOR]

What numbers are you getting from your brand new truck?

 

[xltv82003]

I just got it a few weeks and its been pretty cold here (i am in chicago). With letting it warm up and all city driving I have been getting about 10 mpg.

 

[X~FACTOR]

Don't let it warm up more than 5 minutes. Remember you are getting 0 mpg on idle. But regardless, 10 mpg is way too low for a new truck. Bring it back to the dealer since you still have the Ford Warranty. DON'T LET THEM CONVINCE YOU THAT THIS IS NORMAL FOR YOUR TRUCK!

 

[xltv82003]

I try not to warm it up more than 5 minutes but lately it has been between -5 and -10 in the morning when I leave for work so I would rather let it warm up more. This week is supposed to be warmer so I plan on not leaving it warming up as much and wanna see the mileage.

My friend had an XLT V8 4WD and the best he ever did in the city was 12-13 in the summer and 17 or so on the road.

I am taking a short road trip this weekend so I am going to watch the mileage then too.

 

[MKoback]

I just recently purchased a 2003 Sport Trac with the 4.0L SOHC engine, and am in the same boat as far as milage. I'm getting 16 MPG/city which is what sticker says, but I figured I'd get better. I've tried the Tornado air only to go get my money back. I also have a K&N filter but have yet to yield any positive feedback. I'm looking into a KKM intake and Flowmaster exhaust (budget mods). I work for a Ford dealership and the service techs say that kind of milage is all your gonna get out of a SOHC motor. The V8 is rated close MPG wise so I'm hoping any help you can give us would be appreciated.

 

[xltv82003]

You are in better shape than I am. The V8 with AWD is rated at 14 in the city. I think part of it is the cold weather in Chicago. I am not too worried and am going to see what my mileage is when it warms up. I am going to try an intake upgrade and see if that helps. The K & N didn't help my 2001 blazer I had but it did help my 98 monte carlo.

 

[plrs x45]

Hello to all. I have a 98 V8 and I am getting 14.5 mpg. My friends dad has a 2003 V8 and is getting only 16 because it is cold here in Chicago. This past fall, he was getting 17.5 on average and he drives it hard. 10 mpg is crazy. Good luck.

 

[xltv82003]

Is that hwy mileage or city? I do all city driving. Is it an AWD or 4 x 4? I have AWD

 

[plrs x45]

It is a mix of both. He has awd. I know you are struggling with 10mpg and you have that right. I drive a 98 that gets worse milage than your 4.6. My milage is bad at 14.5 in the same Chicago weather as yours. I want to get a new one because of better milage! Take it back to the dealer! Good luck to you.

 

[J Zee109]

I just purchased a K&N Filter and have gotten 300 miles of mostly city driving for the last 2 full tanks. Before the K&N, the MOST I got was 300 of all highway.

 

[plrs x45]

When I got my flat panel K&N, it was worth 1mpg too.

 

[xltv82003]

Is it the FIPK or just the regular air filter?

 

[plrs x45]

You may get more with the whole kit. I just got the replacement panel air filter. No noticable throttle feel, but better milage for sure. Almost 22 miles more per tank.