How can I save gas?
#21
In my experience, a tune can increase both power and mileage by advancing the timing a little. One or two degrees will improve both. I've tuned plenty of cars with adjustable distributors and driven over 500,000 miles on them before and after.
The reason I do not have a tune on my 2013 3.7 is that I trust that Ford used the parameters that give the best performance and best longevity for my engine. I drive my cars about 200,000 miles and I do not want engine troubles. I would consider a dyno tune-only if I can watch and see what changes are being made. Btw, I've tried premium and regular, mileage seems to be the same.
I have a tune in my 2009 Solstice GXP 2.0 turbo. The tune came from GM and did not affect the factory warranty. I can only run premium in this car now tho-so any increase in mileage(if any) is offset by the cost of the gas. It did add 30 hp and a few surprised looks from people who don't know what it is and try to pass or cut me off.
I do run K&N filters in all of my vehicles, I did notice a little improvement in mileage in the 3.7. I believe the car will always pull in the proper amount of air, but the easier it is to pull the air( less work for the engine) the better the mileage. I saved the original filter and put it in for a few days when I clean the K&N. I think Ford (inho) might think using an oil type air filter might create problems with owners who put too much oil on them and mess up the sensors. I wash mine and let it dry one day, oil it and let it set another day and look for runs.
I am very impressed with the 3.7, I get over 30 mpg on the highway and my best 0-60 is about 5.5 seconds. I don't baby it, I usually have a couple of good burn outs on each drive. Whats not to like? 305 hp and 30 mpg on the highway?
The reason I do not have a tune on my 2013 3.7 is that I trust that Ford used the parameters that give the best performance and best longevity for my engine. I drive my cars about 200,000 miles and I do not want engine troubles. I would consider a dyno tune-only if I can watch and see what changes are being made. Btw, I've tried premium and regular, mileage seems to be the same.
I have a tune in my 2009 Solstice GXP 2.0 turbo. The tune came from GM and did not affect the factory warranty. I can only run premium in this car now tho-so any increase in mileage(if any) is offset by the cost of the gas. It did add 30 hp and a few surprised looks from people who don't know what it is and try to pass or cut me off.
I do run K&N filters in all of my vehicles, I did notice a little improvement in mileage in the 3.7. I believe the car will always pull in the proper amount of air, but the easier it is to pull the air( less work for the engine) the better the mileage. I saved the original filter and put it in for a few days when I clean the K&N. I think Ford (inho) might think using an oil type air filter might create problems with owners who put too much oil on them and mess up the sensors. I wash mine and let it dry one day, oil it and let it set another day and look for runs.
I am very impressed with the 3.7, I get over 30 mpg on the highway and my best 0-60 is about 5.5 seconds. I don't baby it, I usually have a couple of good burn outs on each drive. Whats not to like? 305 hp and 30 mpg on the highway?
#22
what is a CAI going to do? nothing. If he's worried about gas mileage, then it's safe to assume he's not blasting around at WOT much if at all. as I already said, almost all of the pumping losses are going to be at the throttle plate because he's puttering around with it barely cracked open. the (theoretical) increase in airflow capability of a CAI just doesn't matter if the engine isn't demanding that airflow.
Buying stuff to try to improve mpg is a waste of time, money, and effort. He'd spend more on the mods than he'll save in gas money.
Buying stuff to try to improve mpg is a waste of time, money, and effort. He'd spend more on the mods than he'll save in gas money.
CAIs are a waste 99% of the time...especially if someone is just going to be putt putting around town
#23
as I already said, almost all of the pumping losses are going to be at the throttle plate because he's puttering around with it barely cracked open. the (theoretical) increase in airflow capability of a CAI just doesn't matter if the engine isn't demanding that airflow.
Btw, I tried a bunch of tricks on my old 2000 3.8 auto, advancing the timing by rotating the crank shaft positioner sprocket, under drive pulleys, dual exhaust, and K&N cold air kit, my best mileage was 31.6 on two consecutive tanks,calculated manually, driving 80 mph through Iowa. This model was rated at 27 on the highway, probably at 60 or 65 mph, not at 80 mph, so this is a pretty big improvement.
#24
Am I missing something? Does this mean I never need to clean or replace my air filter cause there are other losses? If driving with a dirty air filter loses mileage, why wouldn't using a better-easier flowing air filter improve mileage?
Btw, I tried a bunch of tricks on my old 2000 3.8 auto, advancing the timing by rotating the crank shaft positioner sprocket, under drive pulleys, dual exhaust, and K&N cold air kit, my best mileage was 31.6 on two consecutive tanks,calculated manually, driving 80 mph through Iowa. This model was rated at 27 on the highway, probably at 60 or 65 mph, not at 80 mph, so this is a pretty big improvement.
Btw, I tried a bunch of tricks on my old 2000 3.8 auto, advancing the timing by rotating the crank shaft positioner sprocket, under drive pulleys, dual exhaust, and K&N cold air kit, my best mileage was 31.6 on two consecutive tanks,calculated manually, driving 80 mph through Iowa. This model was rated at 27 on the highway, probably at 60 or 65 mph, not at 80 mph, so this is a pretty big improvement.
#25
I could be wrong here. If so, I hope someone comes along to correct me.
I don't think a somewhat dirty air filter reduces your gas mileage on a modern car. The computer adjusts the air/fuel mixture to optimum.
Obviously, you have to replace the filter at some point. You don't want chunks of dirt getting sucked into the engine.
Performance is a slightly different story. In "normal" driving, a somewhat dirty air filter doesn't matter. It does matter if you live at WOT. The reduced maximum air flow will reduce performance.
I don't think a somewhat dirty air filter reduces your gas mileage on a modern car. The computer adjusts the air/fuel mixture to optimum.
Obviously, you have to replace the filter at some point. You don't want chunks of dirt getting sucked into the engine.
Performance is a slightly different story. In "normal" driving, a somewhat dirty air filter doesn't matter. It does matter if you live at WOT. The reduced maximum air flow will reduce performance.
#26
If driving with a dirty air filter loses mileage, why wouldn't using a better-easier flowing air filter improve mileage?
where a CAI can help you is if you're trying to make more peak power. once you're at or near WOT the pumping losses of the throttle are pretty much gone, so now the upstream stuff is worth modifying.
Btw, I tried a bunch of tricks on my old 2000 3.8 auto, advancing the timing by rotating the crank shaft positioner sprocket, under drive pulleys, dual exhaust, and K&N cold air kit, my best mileage was 31.6 on two consecutive tanks,calculated manually, driving 80 mph through Iowa. This model was rated at 27 on the highway, probably at 60 or 65 mph, not at 80 mph, so this is a pretty big improvement.
#27
JZ, this may come as a shock to you, but most of us on this site believe we can improve almost every aspect of our Mustangs, speed, handling, appearance, exhaust and sound systems. I think you should loosen up and have fun with your cars or sell your Mustang, if you actually own one and get a Volvo.
#28
I will say from experience with my 3.8l and with my 4.6l that adding a k&n filter WILL increase the fuel mileage by 1-3 mpg. I also know that when I went to the BBK CAI with 93 dyno tune I lost mpg with the 4.6L
Also going duals on my 3.8l. Caused a slight loss of mpg due to loss of back pressure.
Not sure if the 4.0l reacts the same way though
Also going duals on my 3.8l. Caused a slight loss of mpg due to loss of back pressure.
Not sure if the 4.0l reacts the same way though
#29
I think you should loosen up and have fun with your cars or sell your Mustang, if you actually own one and get a Volvo.
Originally Posted by PNYXPRESS
I will say from experience with my 3.8l and with my 4.6l that adding a k&n filter WILL increase the fuel mileage by 1-3 mpg. I also know that when I went to the BBK CAI with 93 dyno tune I lost mpg with the 4.6L
#30
highly unlikely the filter gave you that. With all of the CAFE pressure on automakers, if a slightly more expensive air filter would return a real 1-3 mpg improvement, they'd be on all production cars already. we as humans are prone to "confirmation bias;" if we expect an action to have a certain outcome, we'll unconsciously do things to try to reach that outcome. In the case of trying to get better fuel economy, if we change or add something to our cars in hopes of better mpg, we often subtly change our driving habits, almost always without realizing it. It's the change in driving style that gets you the improvement in fuel economy.
If you actually knew anything about CAFE standards then you would know it isnt just about gas mileage and power. Cars are tuned for optimal emissions at the sacrifice of fuel mileage.