suggestions for improving mileage... chipping?

[emas]

Unlike my 1997 Explorer which met/exceeded manufacturer's specs for mileage (17-21), my 2004 is getting far less (14-17 mpg).

I am looking for ideas for any modifications that can get me to the 20+ mpg range. Just replaced the standard Ford air filter yesterday for a K&N, but am not expecting to see thatmuch improvement from that.

Any ideas???

 

[snocross1985]

open intake, custom cat-back exhaust, tuning via Bamachips, Electric fan...

Search. A member on here with the screen name Aldive has acheived gas mileage around 32-38 mpg. Search for his quest for 30 as well as his elite registry. Good Luck.

 

[emas]

Thanks,
Which would you do first?

 

[snocross1985]

Intake, Exhaust, e-fan, tuning. Just my .02 worth. I would do intake and exhaust before tuning.

 

[dogfriend]

Jettison all unnecessary weight. Rip out the carpets, headliner, extra seats, spare tire, etc.

Oh yeah, the glass too. That stuff is heavy.

 

[emas]

Intake, Exhaust, e-fan, tuning. Just my .02 worth. I would do intake and exhaust before tuning.

Thanks,
Where would you point me to start researching options and instructions for these?

 

[snocross1985]

Search here on the forum bro. Use the search function above, and you will find a ton of info.

 

[emas]

I've done mods to other cars but am not quite sure what you mean buy "open intake", "e-fan" ...?

 

[dogfriend]

By open intake, I think he is referring to an aftermarket intake system that replaces the air filter housing and tubing leading to the throttle body. K&N makes these and there are several other brands too.

E-fan means electric fan. Replacing the belt driven fan with a thermostatically controlled electric fan may increase fuel economy by eliminating the hp loss caused by the belt driven fan.

I was joking about ripping out the carpet, but it is true that reducing the weight should increase your mileage, especially city mileage. Unfortuately, Explorers are relatively heavy vehicles, so the city mileage is nicht sehr gut.(not so good)

 

[Dr Plastic]

....E-fan means electric fan. Replacing the belt driven fan with a thermostatically controlled electric fan may increase fuel economy by eliminating the hp loss caused by the belt driven fan.

I too am thinking on going this route. Is there a "How to" on the installation of the fan?

TIA

 

[dogfriend]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=140251&highlight=electric+fan+install

There may be others, this is the first one I found.

 

[aldive]

I too am thinking on going this route. Is there a "How to" on the installation of the fan?

TIA

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=140251&highlight=electric+fan

 

[grumpy]

Put more air in the tires.