drastic ways to increase fuel economy?

Question

I've got an 89 ford probe automatic that is currently getting an average of 33mpg, as shown by the electronic fuel indicator, and it's been confirmed by me through gas receipt and odometer calculations. I have headers, k&n panel filter, and have been thorough on the maintenance. Tires are new and properly inflated.

I drive more responsibly than anyone out there. I start out slow at lights, anticipate stops, don't go over 65mph on the interstate, etc.

So i have all that down, I have excess weight removed from the car, Now i'm just wondering how much further some people take it.....


I could remove all the seats except the driver seat, not have a spare tire in the back, what other ways have you guys increased fuel economy?

*** I don't use air cond. ever, and i drive with windows up year round to decrease drag from the wind.

Answer 1

the next step is to mount a sail on it..
have you ever had a car that had 400+HP
smoke the tires now and then.
life is to short to be so anal
i will have to do a donut in my 4x4 with the air on after reading that

Answer 2

If there are any parts houses out there that sell a wrap around bumper with a spoiler that's close to the ground that would help measurably. Anything you can do to limit the air from rushing benieth the car which causes aerodynamic drag will help.

A sensible rear spoiler would help break the air as it flys across the back window and trunk lid. Normaly air across the trunk actually causes a vacuum. You can see this for yourself on any car as the rear tailight / trunk is usually more filthy than the front. The hood sides and roof will be clean but the tail is nasty.

Answer 3

Depending on your car's gearing, 65 mph might not be the optimal speed for cruising. I saw my best mileage in my Thunderbird at around 70-75, and the aerodynamics are probably pretty similar to your car. No guarantees on this point, though.

Accelerating slowly is better than flooring it, but moderately brisk acceleration can be better if it lets you get off the gas sooner. You will probably see improved fuel economy if you rev it to around 2500-3500 RPM when you're accelerating. (This is actually a technique used in fuel economy contests...acceleration at the engine's most thermodynamically efficient speeds followed by coasting, repeat)

You could tape up all the gaps on the car. This is done in top speed runs to reduce wind resistance. At the speeds you see every day, though, it probably won't make much of a difference.

Not having a spare and removing your seats is a little extreme. It would work, but damn, dude, at this point, I'd say "get a motorcycle."

You should scope out Probe forums and see if there's any ECU replacement/plug in/reflash/whatever that will yield improved fuel economy. (Some cars, like the WRX, have things available that will yield both improved power and economy)

One of the biggest things you can do is drafting. I wouldn't recommend it anywhere but on the highway, though, as you would have to be following at unsafe distances to do it at low speeds. On the highway, though, a semi doing 80mph punches a HUGE hole in the air. Pickups with travel trailers can be even bigger (worse aerodynamics). You can follow 2 seconds behind and still get some effects.

edit: Nitrogen in your tires will do approximately nothing. It might save you a gram or two of weight. (Literally, a gram or two) There are no other practical effects.

Using higher octane fuel won't help you either, unless you're having preignition (knocking), in which case you're damaging your engine and not getting the efficiency you ought to be.

Answer 4

After all that you have given us, I agree with the poster that suggested "anal retentive."
If you want better mileage get a more efficient vehicle.

You can try a fuel catylyst, but I am not sure how effective they are. I suggest synthetic oil PLUS one of the synthetic additives. I forget the name but it can be found at autozone. Something with X in it's name. (The molecules are smaller than that of the oil, so the additive fills in micro scratches and such.)

Other than that, your only option is to remain at or near the 35 mph range. (which isn't real good on the transmission)

One poster suggested nitrogen for your tires. You can get nitrogen put in, but for the price that I have seen (12.00 a TIRE) any savings is lost in the cost

Answer 5

You could remove all of the sound proofing material.
Remove all the carpet and door panels. Remove the stereo, that is like 3-4 pounds.
Remove the stock seats and put in lighter racing seats.
Swap out the hood for a lighter carbon fiber one.

Answer 6

Lower the reciprocating weight of the engine/power train.
Find the lightest combination of wheels and tires. Put in a stick with a lightened flywheel and clutch. Use alum. lug nuts. Drill your brake rotors.
For ever 1 lb you lighten the reciprocating weight of the power train- you gain about the equivalent of 15 lbs of reduced static load. Just by going to alum lug nuts you can save a lb.

Answer 7

I think they will help if you do highway driving speeds. The mileage sounds terrible though. My wife's 2000 sl1 gets 37 hwy with the automatic transmission. The high rpms might be adjusted though. Thanks for trying to get us out of Iraq. Since we are there to protect the oil flow, it's a great idea to use less, I think.

Answer 8

if you are driving more than 55MPH you have to use the a/c because at high speed travel you will spend more gas with the windows down than using a/c

and try to add MSD the high intensity of the spark will give you a better combustion improving gas millage

add to the motor some ground cables too and volt stabilizer

i have all of these in protege 5 and that work beautiful and gas mileage has improve

Answer 9

only drive if you NEED to. get an oil change. replace the fuel filter, the air filter, get new spark plugs, use a higher grade of gasoline, balance tires, grease wheel bearings, or any number of little things, they add up.

Answer 10

have the air changed in the tires sorry I don't remember the type but a good tire shop will have it its nitrogen or hydrogen or something like that