MPG Mods

I completely removed my air filter, fuel filter, oil filter, cabin filter and every other filter I could find and my mpg increased big time and so did my HP. It's amazing how restrictive filters can be. I don't plan on keeping my truck past 5k miles so its all good in the hood bro.

 

try driving 65...does wonders

 

averaged 27mpg on my 50 mi commute

 

Even 70 is good.

 

Working on this fastback cage...should help with aerodynamics and mpg. Testing coming soon after the tonneau cover and sides go on

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/custom-fastback-aero-bed-cage-tonnaue-cover-version.582736/

 

I've run a couple bottles of Lucas Oil injector cleaner and fuel system cleaner through my truck since buying it about a month ago. My first 3-4 tanks I was getting 15ish mpg and crappy throttle response. My last two fill ups have been 17ish and 18ish mpg. Calculated based on odometer and gallons put in. I've maintained the same driving habits. No cruise control. Easy on the acceleration. Air filter is brand new. Fresh oil. Tire pressure is good. I'm curious to see if it goes up anymore. I'm 1/4 into the current tank. Looking like it's going to be about the same as the last tank's mpg. I'm not saying I'm proving anything scientific or did any fancy research. I've just tracked mpg and payed attention to throttle response. The fuel system and injector cleaner seems to be doing it's job. After I finish the last two bottles I'll drop it down to 1 bottle every few fill ups.

 

What about the 2 nd gen tacoma

 

As an experiment, I drove 55 MPH on the same route that I normally drive 70 MPH. Mileage went up to 28.6 MPG vs 24.5. This was a one time only test. I'm OK being passed by idiots going 80 MPH when I'm going 70. It seems a lot different when going 55.

 

Oh good to know. I experimented trying too run at rpm's lower than 2000 at any situation freeway and city in Las Vegas Nv. I got 21.2 mpg. On a regular drive I would get 17 to 18 mpg.

 

There are definitely roads and times when you can and can't take it easier. 70-75 is better than 80-85 and 60-65 is better than 70-75. I enjoy driving more when it's less hectic. I know I'll get there a few minutes later but those extra minutes are in my taco rather than a body bag. I'll go with the flow and not slow others down but I'm glad I don't always have to lean on it.

 

Many people have had similar experience with the Lucas fuel treatment. If you plan to use it long-term, even just occasionally, you can get a gallon jug for about $30 from Amazon which is WAY cheaper than any price on the 5.25oz bottles. (Hint: keep the bottles and refill them with the gallon jug.

 

I found that a hard bed cover increased MPG by about 10% but not many miles on it yet.

 

I think Mythbusters did a test to prove that no tailgate vs net vs rear cover vs stock empty bed came out to the same mpg. I think the thought was that a large air pocket formed in the bed and acted the same as a cover or cap so there was no drag from the tailgate like you think there would be.

 

Mythbusters did a lot of tests, many of which proved nothing because they were prop/special effects guys and knew more about breaking stuff than good methodology. Entertaining as fuck though. I wouldn't take any of their results as definite except on a case by case basis. They did quite a bit of guessing after the fact to explain unexpected results and it seemed to me they would rig the outcome if they didn't like the myth.

 

They actually measured the amount of fuel that was run through the engine (not the amount to fill up the tank) and compared it to the distance driven. Obviously warmer or cooler temps could affect it and possible wind differences but overall there was basically no difference. It did seem to be one of the more meaningful episodes.

 

My cap made zero difference, or canceled out, it weighs about 200 lbs.

 

I average 20 mpg, 2nd gen PreRunner, 2.7 access cab.

 

They usually did something right and other things wrong then made their declaration. Two dudes driving two trucks two times isn't a sample size, it's a joke. Here on the forum mileages vary all over the map with many variables left unmentioned or unaccounted for. Some people can't hold a constant speed and are continually reaccelerating, the cruise control does a poor job adjusting to terrain, traffic, altitude, blah ,blah. I'm not saying they were always wrong, only that they often missed crucial details that rendered their results inconclusive. To be considered a reliable source for results they would have to have been much more rigorous. It was entertainment, nothing more. Play acting at science with a budget to make noise.

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

What country are you referring to? Would you be so kind as to post a reference to your claim?