Better MPG, what do I need?

DrIftKi7Vg · #1 01-28-2011, 03:20 PM

I'm looking to get better MPG on my 3.0. What I did so far is add a new cold air filter. Cleaned up my IAC, MAF and throttle body. And about to clean my fuel system with a fuel system cleaner at my next fill up. Already did a oil change from Valvoline to Mobil One fully synthetic fuel economy blend. And changed my oil filter from Fram to Motorcraft. Did that about 300 miles ago. But still feel like i should be getting more MPG. I don't know how much I get now (need Ultra Gauge) but anything I can do to see my gauge needle stay put and not drive itself down to E, I would really appreciate it. Thanks for your help.

FireRanger · #2 01-28-2011, 03:23 PM

Other than regular maintenance, it is all in your right foot. There is really nothing you can do or add that will add more MPG than the money it costs to do the mod. Driving style and terrain make 95% of the difference.

DrIftKi7Vg · #3 01-28-2011, 03:31 PM

I see. Well I try to stay at 55 on highways and I'm hitting 2500 RPM. Doing 50 and under in small streets or at night time hits me at 2000RPM. So I'm guessing stay in the 2000RPM range?

btm757 · #4 01-28-2011, 03:34 PM

Tuner would help

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at 55 my rpms are right at 1990-2010rpms of course I have a 4.0 and auto trans.

FireRanger · #5 01-28-2011, 03:51 PM

More than 65 on the highway will start to take a huge toll on economy. And keep your acceleration normal rather than hot rodding it.

A tuner is one of those things you can do that may or may not add some, but it costs 10x more than the few dollars you'll save.

brobes600 · #6 01-28-2011, 03:56 PM

try Zmax. it bumped me up 4mpgs. autozone sells it for 35 i think. it works wonders and its for fuel and oil so it cleans fuel lines and injectors and engine from gunk

FireRanger · #7 01-28-2011, 03:59 PM

Any increase from a product like that just means it was really messed up to begin with. If your engine is NOT already a total mess, it won't do jack.

pooleo · #8 01-28-2011, 04:07 PM

I think that you got a truck and as long as your getting between 16-25 (varying engines) your doing alright!

01DangerRanger · #9 01-28-2011, 04:16 PM

underdrive pulley, will pay itself back in no time. i drive pretty slow and do coasting to lights that are red. when i accelerate i only hit about 2500 so i can get good gas and thats with auto so its hard to do haha

DrIftKi7Vg · #10 01-28-2011, 04:17 PM

Well thanks guys for the help, but I think that what Matt said, just keep your foot off the pedal, well don't be pushing hard and going crazy and the MPG should be fine.

FireRanger · #11 01-28-2011, 04:17 PM

That's a good cheap modification. Just remember it will result in your alternator spinning slower, which could be a problem if you are accessory heavy at idle. You can get an OD pulley for the alternator to compensate.

DrIftKi7Vg · #12 01-28-2011, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 01DangerRanger

underdrive pulley, will pay itself back in no time. i drive pretty slow and do coasting to lights that are red. when i accelerate i only hit about 2500 so i can get good gas and thats with auto so its hard to do haha

Once my dad comes back from the Merchant Marines, I'll get that and me and him will install it.

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Quote:

Originally Posted by FireRanger

That's a good cheap modification. Just remember it will result in your alternator spinning slower, which could be a problem if you are accessory heavy at idle. You can get an OD pulley for the alternator to compensate.

An OD pulley? Never heard... Oh and are you still up for the meet

FireRanger · #13 01-28-2011, 04:46 PM

If you put a bigger pulley on the alternator, it will spin faster. Overdrive

Depends, when is it?

DrIftKi7Vg · #14 01-28-2011, 05:03 PM

In the summer for sure. Probably June,July month. Then one in the Fall around September,October

FireRanger · #15 01-28-2011, 05:05 PM

Cool. It's a long drive from where I am (Rockville MD). But I'd be down for that as long as it isn't a weekend I'm already out or on an FD shift.