Performance Module/Chip

Hey, I just purchased a 2009 Tacoma PreRunner, 6cyl, Off Road Package. Drove it from NJ to Southern Virginia all highway miles and averaged 21 mpg. A guy at one of the gas pumps with a Tacoma mentioned using a "Performance Module/Chip" to improve gas mileage and overall performance. I've been reading the forums that mention other options but haven't seen anything about the performance modules. Any opinions or suggestions?

 

There are none, you are already getting great gas milage with your Taco. If you want better get the 4 cylinder or buy a smaller car. Sorry to tell you that but its the truth.

Improved gas milage and improved performance do not come together. You can usually get one while sacrficing the other. Unfortunately your already getting great milage on your Taco and there is no real cheap/reasonible way to get better. 21 is at the high end of what people get so be happy.

 

It does look like 21 mpg is good for the Tacoma. My confusion is because I also have a 6cyl, 2003 4Runner, 4wd which gets 23 mpg highway. I know it's only 2 mpg but I hoped that with the 2wd and a 5 speed transmission it would do better. Thanks anyway.

 

Good post mate.

To go along with Wolfpack, performance and MPG can go hand in hand. When you increase efficiencies. Or the VE of the engine unit. You can do inside and out. Decrease restrictions/increase easy of flowing.

Best gas savers are light weight oils, and high tire pressure. Those are also the cheapest "mods". Those will have their own draw backs as well. Next is simply reducing vehicle weight, by whichever means you see fit. Lighter wheels and tires. Thinner tread tires..... Less contact patch equals less friction. However that also means less traction.

For me, it is lighter wheels, lighter drive-line components (flywheel, driveshaft), lighter battery. Then items to increase the efficiency of the engine. Then tuning units to fine tune inconsistencies of the fueling.