Increasing MPG

I am looking for the best options to increase my fuel economy on my 06 DC 4x4. I have looked at K&N intakes, exhaust, headers, etc. Anyone that knows if there are certain products out there that actually help MPG, please let me know! I also just looked at www.unichip.us The system they have is almost $800, but does anyone know if it's worth it? All opinions are welcome, thanks.

 

Adjust your right foot- Using a light right foot to keep your car running is the single best thing you can do. Maybe put an egg or something under your accelerator pedal...

A Scanguage can help you monitor your driving style and track engine function.

 

^^
what he said. Also check out ecomodder.com for some tips, etc. Helped me with my DD gas mileage...

(Note: I didn't do any of that hypermilling bullshit...)

 

Because it's GAY!!

 

true...

 

Definitely.

To the OP, all of those mods won't do much to increase your MPG. You MIGHT pick up 1mpg TOTAL and it will take quite a while to recoup the money you spent.

Get yourself a Scanguage for $160, do all the basic stuff (remove excess weight, tire inflation, change air filter regularly, etc.), and lighten up that right foot.

The bottom line is, and this isn't meant to be rude but just a blunt fact, you should've thought about it before you bought it because we don't buy trucks for the gas mileage.

 

++++ for scanguage

 

yeah scanguage can definitely help with your mpg because you can monitor how your driving is affecting your consumption. I used to get 15-17 city all the time in my V6 Double Cab Long Bed 4WD and after the SG my highest so far is 21.8 all city consistently getting 18.6-20.2 all city (summer numbers)

 

Yup. Scanguage and just keeping the truck properly maintained are your best bet for miles per $ spent.

old guy tip: If you don't go offroad. Next time you need tires buy passenger tires instead of truck tires. They have less rolling resistance, perform better on pavement and wear longer.

 

+1 on what Roland said about tires. The rolling resistance difference can make up to a 10% difference in your mileage. On my 05 Accord I replaced the 15" OEM tires with 17" 50 series tires and my mileage went from 30.5 to around 27 MPG. When petrol was expensive last year the swap was costing me an extra $15 to $20 a month. But damn those wheels looked great on the Accord.

 

MPG is like chasing ghosts; it is pretty tough.
Remember, performance and MPG are not generally sleeping together.

I think the best options (unless you just like to spend money) are to:

1. stop taking it to 4 grand as a shift point.
2. get a scan guage and display
a. MPG
b. Ave MPG (you need to set up the display for this)
c. and TPS (throttle position)
d. use Premium gas.

I consistantly get 20.5 to 22.0 in town driving with a 4 L and 6 Sd; and Idont drive like an old fogy, enven though I probably am.

 

I see this a lot about premium gas = better mpg.

Could you please give a mathematical example how this is more efficient (in an economic sense). What I mean is, if you get better gas mileage with premium, how does the cost per mile compare given that you are paying more? If I get better mileage (like 2 more miles per gallon etc, and I am not saying this happens), but pay more in first place. Like to see a good example layed out that's all.

Thanks

 

One more thing about wheels and tires. If you purchase new wheels find out how much they weigh, the lighter the better. You'll find out quickly that lower weight for a given size will cost more. At the very least get a wheel that at least equilvant(sp) in weight to stock to maintain your mileage. Sometimes bigger isn't always better

Lowering the wheel/tire combination weight will lower the unsprung weight which will help the stock suspension do a more effective job.

www.tirerack.com is a valuable website to compare aftermarket wheel and tire weights, and good service

You'll be shocked at how heavy a 16x8 wheel/tire combo weighs, x4 and it's easy to shred 20lbs of rolling mass.

 

Read this thread:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/26972-better-gas-mileage-premium.html

 

More torque + bigger engine = no need for high RPMs

Remember the redline is not a goal line.

I get 12 city (that's like amazing and unheard of) in the Expedition because I keep it under 2K RPM when driving around and use a really light foot. Screw everyone else!

 

Like the rest I vote to get yourself a ScanGauge. It will teach you how to drive your truck for fuel economy. But also it does so much more. One biggie is if you get a "check engine" light it will give the error code for the problem.

 

Thanks everyone for the advice! I am looking into the Scangauge right now. Does anyone know if the Unichip programmer I mentioned above it worth anything? Their claims about hp/torque gain are quite unbelieveable. Thanks to all again.

 

Can someone point me in the right direction for the best place to get the scangauge for my truck? Much appreciated

 

I'd go here b/c you can also get a discount on a blendmount...

http://www.mgtmotorsports.com/

 

Scan Gauge or vacuum gauge, driving by a vacuum guage will most likely give you the same results as a Scan Gauge and save ya about a $100. Granted it won't tell ya codes, and how many miles till you run out of gas but WTF!