All ways to get better gas mileage

[ejp2fast]

So in this day and age I and sure glad i am driving what I am and not a H2 Hummer or Expedition. Thought i would start a thread on all ways to get EVEN BETTER mileage out of the lil Festy. I have an automatic, so thats the first thing that hurts me... i am on the lookout for a 4 or 5 spd parts car.

Weight is also bad, so i am keeping it clean of debris and parts that find their way to the back seat and hatch area.

What about removing the catalatic converter? I am in Oklahoma, no emission laws or tests to pass... less backpressure on the engine may result in better mileage i have heard. i may do this later.

I've also been watching my tire pressures as incorrectly inflated tires have a negative impact on mileage.

I heard this a while back about putting magnets (i don't know size) on either side of the fuel rail to help align the hydro-carbons before they enter the chamber for better efficiency on combustion ratio. anybody else heard about this? i am sure there are some variables but is this really effective?

i just overhauled my engine 600 miles ago (new rings, rod bearings, valves, springs, minor port and polish on head) and i am seeing 32-34 mpg.. this is CITY though, as I drive 7 miles to work with 5 stop signs. i am "disappointed" i am not getting better.

[dahodges]

35 is the best you are going to get with a auto. You are doing the right things otherwise. Just treat the gas and brake petal like you have a egg between your foot and petal. In city driving 5th gear will not help that much.

David

[MeeMo]

The cat is actually not hurting the MPG at all, in fact on my Durango removing it would actually harm it since the computer is programmed to work most efficiently with it. I'm in a non-emissions area too but I'll keep mine. The magnet thing sounds like snake oil, would like to hear someone explain that fully. Driving with extra weight and under-inflated tires is definitely a bad deal for MPG so take care of that for sure. Actually, although the manufacturer calls for 35 PSI on my Durango, I run them at the tire's spec of 41 PSI. It makes the ride a little stiffer but it does help MPG. The biggest MPG change I made on it was to add a K&N cold air intake. Now that stuff may sound good, but even still the hog Durango only gets 16 MPG!!! It was getting ~12 when I got it. This Festy is gonna save my financial life.

Oh, and aside from careful driving habits, keep the little guy tuned up too.

[Pu241]

I've also been watching my tire pressures as incorrectly inflated tires have a negative impact on mileage.

Good idea for this thread been thinking of it myself, but you beat me to it!

Low tire pressure will negatively impact mileage.
Higher pressure will positively affect MPG, up to a point!
over pressure will increase wear in the center of the tire, adversely impacting ride, and possibly handling.
The key is higher pressure, but not too high.
I currently run what the max pressure is on the side wall, no more!
Ride is not pleasent, but I have lowering springs up front and it wasn't a smooth ride on a lumpy road anyway.
Handeling is good and MPG is better!

[Bathtub Tom]

"I drive 7 miles to work"

Thought about getting a bicycle?

[ejp2fast]

"I drive 7 miles to work"

Thought about getting a bicycle?

HA! yeah... actually I have. Biggest issue is CRAZY DRIVERS and the fact that I have business casual wear and no shower/change area.

[ejp2fast]

The biggest MPG change I made on it was to add a K&N cold air intake..

anything for a 1.3 Festy as far as cold air intake goes? what about the intake sensor, how do you deal with that if it was a homemade job?

[MeeMo]

anything for a 1.3 Festy as far as cold air intake goes? what about the intake sensor, how do you deal with that if it was a homemade job?

I'd like to know the same thing! I just got Pud so all I have to go on is the Durango. I'm looking to do everything possible to save MPG with the Festy.

[todd00]

i was wondering about the tire pressure myself. i know some on the metro forums increase it alot, but i did wonder how much that would effect handling and wear on the tires. so thanks for being this up.

[jglutz]

Increased tire pressure reduces the contact area with the road which reduces the rolling friction of the tires....a good thing for mpg. Also...the increase in tire pressure increases the tir diameter which increase the circumference which increases the distance traveled per tire revolution...also a good thing for mpg

However; inflate the tire to the point of pizza cutters is VERY VERY DANGEROUS!


Removing the cat will only help if its clogged....it will not mess with the ECU on the Festiva. On most late models...there are two O2 sensors. The second is after the cat and the ECU will detect if the cat is clogged or removed.

Want good milage per tank....do what my son does....he siphons out of his sister's car.

[philiow313]

good upkeep is very important. i keep my festy running tip top and i get anywhere between 42-50mpg depending on how i drive the sucker.

[CharlieZ]

philiow313
Got a front view picture with those 7" rounds? Sounds interesting.
Charlie Z

[ejp2fast]

Want good milage per tank....do what my son does....he siphons out of his sister's car.

Hey, theres an idea. I could siphon out of the wife's 01 civic tank....

[rancheeto]

I'd like to know the same thing! I just got Pud so all I have to go on is the Durango. I'm looking to do everything possible to save MPG with the Festy.

as far as i kno, you cant get one from any parts place b/c of how the mass airflow sensor is. but i am currently tryin to figure something out to get around that.

but if anyone has already, i would deff. like to know what you did.

[elcamino1]

Slow down,don't race from light to light,don't carry anything in the car you don't need.
Give your car a good waxing.