High mileage ford festiva improvements and mods!

[Devonddd]

What can I do to get better mileage in my festiva I just bought the one after crashing my old one which got 38-43mpg. I'm getting only 28-33 in the new festiva! I have replaced so far. Spark plugs and wires, fuel filter, air filter, valve cover gasket, headgasket, and back wheel bearings. Help!!!

[Safety Guy]

First, let us know what year and transaxle and equipment you have. You should also post where you are.

Karl

[Devonddd]

First, let us know what year and transaxle and equipment you have. You should also post where you are.

Karl

1993 Ford Festiva GL,with the stock 1.3L motor and tranny. It's got the bear minimum no ac and everything is manual. It's at 198k miles and I live in northern Minnesota

[TominMO]

Make sure the rear wheel bearings and brakes are not dragging, for starters. Stick a can of Sea Foam in a full tank of gas, to clean up the combustion areas and injectors. Is it a 4-speed or 5-speed manual tranny? The 5-speeds will obviously get better hwy mileage.

[Huli]

Re: High mileage ford festiva improvements and mods!

^+1
Don't forget tires!
Rolling resistance is a mpg killer!

[Devonddd]

It's a 5 speed and the tires aren't new but the got the right psi

[TorqueEffect]

Check for fuel tank leaks, this is what is currently killing my mpg the most.

[crazyrog17]

I've found alignment plays a big role. If it's way off, the tires will be fighting each other before they put their energy to the ground for forward motion. That's a waste of gas.

[Movin]

Thin slick high tech oils, Cam timing and ignition timing and a little extra of the latter, Clean injectors and a new denso O2, and do not use Bosch spark plugs. Exhaust and intake clean and free breathing. No old batteries or monster stereos that can turn the alternator into a dyno the entire time you are driving. If you have access to Ethanol free gasoline for nearly the same price, use it. Make sure your ECM is reading 190F or so to get best lean mix from the engine control module.

Nothing beats regearing your speedometer to read about 30mph fast on the freeway , Its incredible!
I never saved so much money!

[karynkailanisfestiva]

Hello, this is my first Festiva. so what's wrong with Bosch spark plugs?

[TheNewAmericanSpirit]

Distributor cap and rotor can both be replaced for less than $20. If those have corrosion on them you might not be getting a good spark.

[Team Lightning]

The only thing wrong with Bosch plugs is a few prople on here don't like them. I've used them since my Festy was new with no issues. I've had Bosch Plats +2's in it for over 2 yrs with no issue

[Zanzer]

Hello, this is my first Festiva. so what's wrong with Bosch spark plugs?

Nothing, I've been running them for years.

[1chrisapple]

that is just regular copper plugs.imo I think platinums and all the rest are really money gimmick

[Zanzer]

Platinums are for higher output spark systems like DIS and COP. They use the platinum electrode for longevity purposes. I run copper cores in my Mustang but I have to change them more often.