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Mike Kamm
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Gas mileage thread
I'd like this thread to be for all of us to share our tricks and tips to get more fuel mileage out of our cars and trucks.
I am preparing an inexpensive 2000 Mazda Protege to be my daily driver. It's a DX model which means it has the smallest of the available engines offered: 1.6. It's supposed to get 31-34 on the highway. I'm shooting for 38 or so.
I plan to remove about 100 lbs. of useless things out of it. Things like the spare tire [when's the last time you've needed one honestly?] I haven't change a flat tire in 20 years. The jack and tools - get rid of them. Just as in racing, weight is the enemy. I might toss the working A/C system as well. Floor mats - gone. If you don't really need it, get rid of it.
I will advance the timing 3 to 5 degrees. This helps most cars gain fuel mileage.
Lastly, I will buy the skinniest tires I can find for it. Wide tires waste fuel. Why does almost ever car have them today? Have you ever seen the narrow tires on the Honda Insight? That's what I'm talking about. I'll run them at some fairly high pressures too.
I also plan to run thinner oil. I will use the new 5W-20 grade. Maybe 0W-20?
I feel my goal of 38 is realistic. How about you? What have you done to increase your gas mileage?
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5/14/2008, 10:01 pm
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ZX2 2000
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Re: Gas mileage thread
It depends on how far you want to go. think aero. Belly pan, block off the grille as much as possible, remove the side mirrors, things like that.
To go along with what you ahve done, lighter oil in the trans axle, a more efficient exhaust, stock mufflers are corks.
Use synthetic oil. I use Amsoil 0w-30.
One thing, above all. Educate that right foot.
RC Vedder 2000 ZX2 Have seen 40mpg.
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Dick Vedder SL #1
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5/15/2008, 7:14 am
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Dave 48
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Re: Gas mileage thread
I have gained about 3 mpg on my Jetta Diesel (43 mpg) by coasting a lot. It is not legal to do but if you pop it in neutral at every chance and just let the engine idle it will not use as much fuel. Especially if you are going down hill, also never use the brakes, brakes are for sissies. Plan your drive and always be looking ahead so you can coast and never use the brakes. Coasting will sometimes piss off the people behind you though (I usually cave in and step on the throttle then).
Those are my tricks,
Dave B
PS if you have a diesel you can also go the grease car route with old cooking oil. Graham Jones has one in his Jetta and if you only count the diesel he buys (The old cooking oil is free) he averages 80 mpg with no loss of power or AC etc. You have to deal with filters and other potentially objectionable rituals but it works and we diesel guys are not tied to the gas pump.
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5/15/2008, 7:50 am
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Snakes Malone
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Re: Gas mileage thread
This is how I get better gas mileage. She ain't pretty but with the recent engine rebuild she'll do about 60mph and get 80mpg.
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5/15/2008, 8:09 am
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Mike Kamm
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Re: Gas mileage thread
Good stuff guys!
I have given it some additional thought today and have come up with a plan to remove both sway bars to lighten the load even more. I have other cars for performance driving, so it is ok for this one to be a bit lame. I'll also run a 13 lb. motorcycle battery.
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5/15/2008, 4:22 pm
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chutch84
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Re: Gas mileage thread
While at the car auction last week I saw a little 1993 GEO Metro coming down the line. It had a few dents and scratches and the passenger door would not open,other than that,sounded good and the car was pretty solid. It was an ugly putrid green color.
Now typically,lets say,a year ago,the auctioneer would have to struggle to get a $100 bid on these econobox deathtraps. By the time the car was getting up towards the auctioneer to be sold there was a swarm of about 100 people around that little S...box. you would have thought they were selling a Ferrari!!! It went for $2100....WOW!!!
Next in line behind that car was a 1999 Ford Explorer that was waxed up like crazy,ran very quiet and was beautiful....the auctioneerr struggled to get a whopping $1050!!!!
Fuel pinching is even on the minds of car dealers today...Four cylinder cars are bringing a premium price at the auction.
Gas Guzzlers and pickups,and SUV's are at an all time low!!!
Claude H.
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5/15/2008, 7:49 pm
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erniey
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Re: Gas mileage thread
What everyone else said, plus get the car aligned to zero toe in on both ends or as close to it as possible.
A/C delete? Might as well rip out the seats too since no one will want to ride with you 
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Ernie
#24 Ford Slocus ZX3
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5/15/2008, 9:40 pm
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Dave 48
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Re: Gas mileage thread
That reminds me before you take out the AC Mike, cars are more aero dynamic with the windows closed making a good cased for keeping the AC. I don't know which is better the reduced weight or closing the windows but I would keep the AC.
Dave
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5/16/2008, 7:03 am
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ZX2 2000
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Re: Gas mileage thread
To go along with Dave's post. With a fuel injected gasoline car, coasting in gear with the throttle closed will turn off the injectors. I pretty much do the things Dave said.
Stopping and starting are mileage killers.
Short shifting helps.
Mike, another thing, a less restrictive intake,ie:filter, gentler bends,cold air etc.
Ram air would help, but not much a low speeds. Lower the car.
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5/16/2008, 7:09 am
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Mike Kamm
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Re: Gas mileage thread
quote:
erniey wrote:
What everyone else said, plus get the car aligned to zero toe in on both ends or as close to it as possible.
A/C delete? Might as well rip out the seats too since no one will want to ride with you
Thanks for the replies about the A/C system Ernie and Dave.
I actually removed the back seats but my wife made me put them back in. She does not want my son to ride in the front with an air bag.
Regarding the aerodynamics: I read something about that two days ago. The article said that with a very un-aerodynamic vehicle like an SUV, it is true you are better off keeping the windows closed and a/c on. But with the average [low roof] automobile, the drag on the engine from the a/c is worse than the aero losses of open windows. I have never owned a car with working a/c so I don't need it. We don't live in Arizona. Why carry around 40 to 50 lbs. worth of equipment if you only use it two out of twleve months a year? Keep in mind, we are talking about my $250 commuter car here. The a/c will stay in our Saab family station wagon.
I will be removing the exhaust manifold today to see where it is leaking. The dealer said it is probably cracked. If it is, I will be replacing it with an OBX header from ebay. This would eliminate the front pre-cat as well. I hope this does not create an issue with the check engine light. I'll check on the Mazda forums first. Lots of guys there have that header on their cars.
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5/16/2008, 7:35 am
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