Need Better Gas Mileage

[exploder20]

I have a 97 X SOHC and gas prices rose up $.07 per gallon here in Atlanta Ga. The only mods I have done are is I put a new K&N conical filter off of a 97 mustang on it. It gets aroun 14-15 MPG w/ everyday driving so I need about a 3 MPG boost or more. I am open to any suggestions (preferably the cheaper ones).

 

[PLRBEAR]

Alas.....the harsh reality. I doubt there's much you can do to improve on the 14-15mpg that you're getting. One surefire way would be to go easy on the pedal and change your driving habits......that's the cheapest solution. A 3mpg boost (as small as it may sound) is not only quite hard to achieve, it's also quite hard to make any suggestions. I can go on and on about using synthetic fluids and such, but the result are relative. Ultimately, if the gas prices are really putting a toll on the cashflow, the best solution would be to buy a car like a Subaru. That way you get car-like consumption with AWD. Life, unfortunately, is full of trade-offs. Good luck.

 

[4Wheelin]

exploder - Do you have any pics of your ride?

 

[rustytr]

Buy a car is my suggestion.lol!

 

[exploder20]

To 4Wheelin checkout my webpage at cardomin.com or at the community members atexplorerunderground.

 

[Ray Lobato]

Exploder20,
Nice ride!
When was the last time you cleaned you MAF sensor? If it's dirty it could give you back what you are loosing. What tire pressure are you running at? pick it up by a few PSI. Keep your foot out of it.

 

[Exploder99]

first get rid of those rims and get something smaller, then yank out that heavy system (you be surprised how much wire weighs). that should help alot.

 

[espnfreak]

my god! you have to lose those 20" rims. those are dragging you down a lot. get smaller ones like 17". drop the system also, those things weigh a lot. Get a borla. I got my borla and K&N in my 96 4DR, and on a trip with a light foot i used 1/4 tank (6gallons) and got 125 miles. Thats great! The borla and K&N along with synthetics and smaller tires should improve your gas milage a ton!

 

[4Wheelin]

Screw the performance, I say just build a show car. You already have the rims and the system. Toss exhaust and a K&N and possibly a chip but I really like the way your truck looks and I wouldn't change what you have.

 

[exploder20]

Are you guys freakin smokin aint no way in hell I am going to get rid of my 20's. It has always got this gas mileage even with the stocks in fact it gets more mileage on the highway but the city really sucks.

 

[undertow999]

for real i dont what they are smokin'. I like your ride man, i wish i had the money to do that to my explorer. They only thing i would do is maybe get rid of the big a$$ box you got for that 12". you could get a stealth box for the back cargo cut out but you would have to move down to a 10". But i dunno, my 10" in my stealth box hits harder then alot of buddies 12"s, so maybee something to look into. It's expensive but well worht it because the box is built specifically for you explorer. but other then that i love your explorer. lloks exactly like mine, well i mean the color. Nice ride.

 

[espnfreak]

drop the A/C unit and that will take off a load. but you'll be cooking like bacon & eggs in the summer. who needs ac right? thats what windows are for

 

[leenjen]

-

those dubs are off the hook. they wont cost that much in mpg.
i try to save gas too, but why sacrifice looks and a system.

 

[EliteConcept]

The Best way to save gas is to
1. Make sure your air filter is clean.
2. Check spark plugs.
3. LOOSE THE SYSTEM. A Stero System gets power from your alternator, which gets its power from the motor. LOUD SYSTEM EQUALS POOR GAS MILAGE.
4. Use AC only when your gonna die.
5. Check Tire pressure.
6. Accelerate Slowly, break slowly. This saves lots of gas. Believe me.
7. Loose the rims, if you want good gas milage, you gotta have basacilly what came with the truck on the truck...go smaller, 17x5 or so.

If you follow all these guide lines, you can get 17.5 miles/gallon like I do.

 

[aldive]

Better mileage is definately attainable. I now average 19.5 in town and 23 on the highway ( at up to 80 mph ).

Some simple techniques, albeit not always cheap, are as follows:

Custom cat back exhaust system
KKM filter
Synthetic oil in engine
Synthetic tranny fluid
Synthetic rear end lub
Up the air pressure in tires a bit ( experiment to find what works for you )
Performance spark plug wires
Bosch + 4 plugs
Removal of roof rack
Multi coat Zaino polish

Also very important is the WAY YOU DRIVE. Drive like you have an egg under the gas pedal.

 

[RFR2212]

Lose the system?!?!?!

I disagree....It is understandable, that if yer poundin all the time...Now, if yer not pounding all the time, it'll still draw heavy, but not as heavy....the amount of hp yer losing to run a HD alternator is more than stock, but I believe very lil to create a noticeble change.....Be happy that yer getting 15mpg....I'm lucky with my 12mpg.
Pete

 

[PLRBEAR]

Oh...and one more thing. I forget if you mentioned if yours is a 4x4. If you've got a 4x2, then there's some improvement to be had. I'm getting 16.4mpg city driving and i've got a fully loaded 4x4 EB.

 

[aldive]

There are means available for any vehicke to improve its mileage. Some are just easier....

Go for it....