For those with 30+ mpg

Malsteem · 08-20-2008, 11:23 AM

Hey all,

I see that there some of us on here are getting 30+ mpg and I am wondering what you did (in layman's terms) to achieve this. I have 97 Sidekick 1.6L, 4x4, auto trans and usually I average between 27-30 depending on if I run the AC or not. With gas being $4.00 a gallon I know any suggestions would be appriciated by all.

Thanks,
M

TheZuke! · 08-20-2008, 11:35 AM

I'd get 32 mpg during summer and 28 during winter,
and no I don't leave it idling to "warm it up"
in the winter. I think it is because the fluids
are stiffer and tolerances tighter in the drive train
when it is cold.

p.s. I drive like an old lady, no heavy acceleration,
no heavy braking (exc. emergencies) and obey
speed limits. I'll walk the extra 200' in the
mall parking lot instead of cruising for
"that perfect parking spot".

eXpReSs · 08-20-2008, 11:50 AM

THE BASICS: A professional tuneup, clean air filter, regular oil changes, properly inflated stock tires, driving habits, all should give you 30-32 highway 'out of the box' so to speak. Check my signature for additional info. There are so many additional things you can do depending on your budget.

Silentbob · 08-20-2008, 05:36 PM

When your fuel costs $10 dollars a gallon then you will feel our pain here in the UK.

eXpReSs · 08-20-2008, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silentbob

When your fuel costs $10 dollars a gallon then you will feel our pain here in the UK.

Fuel here just dropped 65 cent per gal to 3.75 USD

CodyJ · 08-20-2008, 09:13 PM

This helps with increasing gas mileage.

TheZuke! · 08-20-2008, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CodyJ

This helps with increasing gas mileage.

I'd rather use a stock air cleaner AND keep medium sized chicK&Ns
from being sucked into the engine

.

CodyJ · 08-21-2008, 05:24 AM

That stock air filter restricts it, ALOT. I have an 8v with 149k going strong... already ran engine with a water kit and plan on making it commercial soon with an intake modification before the sensors. I don't take it easy at lights even though I am not WOT either. If I don't accelerate hard you don't hear the intake on it, otherwise its really sucking. The day I removed just the intake and was stock pipe. I did it for the price and sound, not really gas mileage. I did see a slight increase. And nothing is going into my intake as long as you keep your engine compartment clean! If you are worried about things geting into your engine it happens with any filter. When I bought my tracker, rats decided to nest shit inside the stock air box. People say to much oil clogs to clean the filter clogs the sensors, but my 8v doesn't have any MAF to clog or anything else that I can't clean!

Its a great DIY mod for more gas mileage which this topic is about. Their are another few tricks I have done, but not something I can easily take a picture of yet because its not finished and I don't do that.

LowriderS10 · 08-22-2008, 01:38 PM

I regularly get 30+ mpg and it's all in how I drive. If I drive like a granny it's not that hard.

I have a K&N Filter, 1.6 SOHC 16valve with a 5speed and BIGGER than stock tires. (225/75/15)...always good oil in it (synthetic), new fuel filter and that's about it

CodyJ · 08-22-2008, 05:06 PM

Don't forget to add, new PCV Valve, new wires and plugs. A new ignition coil can help if yours is bad... its only a small tweak. Tons of stuff you can do. I drive like I stole it and get 28mpg, but I have a cracked exhaust manifold so I am taking it easy now until the weather clears to correct it.