MPG improvements?

[LetThatBassDrop]

So I was just wondering if there was any mods that didn’t break the bank that’d improve fuel mileage? Other than removing the back seats or something like that. Lol.
1.4l auto hatchback. I average 26-27, which is super low compared to most of you guys. I coast as much as possible, drive like a grandma to be honest (always have) and my driving is about 50/50 city/highway and where I live the city isn’t even stop and go like people think when they hear city, it’s long stretches of 35-45mph just about everywhere. There’s 1 stop sign and 1 light on my 8 mile drive to work just as an example.
I don’t know. I feel like I should be getting way better MPG.
What say y’all?


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[66roadie]

One way is to install & use a vacuum/boost gauge. The turbo is a gas guzzler & learning to keep out of the boost range & with as much vacuum as possible will greatly improve mileage.

 

[cndctrdj]

I think there is a thread about this already. But they are a ton of things. Lose weight. Add air pressure. Drive differently and more slowly. Those are the free things

 

[SuperSonic15]

Try this forum...

Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - Ecomodder.com Fuel Economy Forum

Click on Hypermiling tips :banana:

 

[mja]

pretty much free:
1) Bolt stock air dam on with real bolts (0-5$)
2) OBD2 torque app + wifi or bluetooth transmitter (12$) = vac gauge
3) Set cruise control
4) 93 octane gas (2-3$/tank)
5) Don't port intake manifold
... I've calculated no differences on mpg/tank at different tire psi on the sonic. I think this only applies for thin and tall tires.


Things that make the most mpg improvement:
1) Driving style
2) Tune
3) Low rolling resistance tires
4) Lowering kit (GM kit)
5) Underbody panels
6) Weight loss

 

[walkncontradxn]

One way is to install & use a vacuum/boost gauge. The turbo is a gas guzzler & learning to keep out of the boost range & with as much vacuum as possible will greatly improve mileage.

I've actually heard contradictory things with small turbo cars, like staying in a higher gear and almost flooring it to build boost at the low end where the small turbo is best...? No scholarly references of course

 

[mja]

I've actually heard contradictory things with small turbo cars, like staying in a higher gear and almost flooring it to build boost at the low end where the small turbo is best...? No scholarly references of course

Please no one ever do this! Never lug a turbo motor especially in a highway cruising gear. Do some data logging to see why this is a bad thing.

 

[66roadie]

Please no one ever do this! Never lug a turbo motor especially in a highway cruising gear. Do some data logging to see why this is a bad thing.

Also hard on the clutch or auto trans.

 

[walkncontradxn]

Please no one ever do this! Never lug a turbo motor especially in a highway cruising gear. Do some data logging to see why this is a bad thing.

For sure don't lug the engine, not trying to get nock, just saying don't avoid boost, using the engine where it gets best torque (i.e. when building boost) is more likely to get you better gas mileage.

 

[66roadie]

For sure don't lug the engine, not trying to get nock, just saying don't avoid boost, using the engine where it gets best torque (i.e. when building boost) is more likely to get you better gas mileage.

Torque = power. Power requires fuel. You'll get your worst gas mileage under boost. It takes patience and practice to drive a turbo car economically without lugging, especially a tiny turbo like ours. I think it's easier with a manual trans but I've never driven a turbo car with an automatic.

 

[walkncontradxn]

Yeah I'm prolly not describing it well, but I averaged 35+ mpg with occasional highly aggressive driving and now there car is running on off-road tires and still getting 35+. My previous comments were focused on techniques for accelerating and building speed efficiently. Creeping up to your Target speed and avoidng boost has never worked for me. To be more specific, to accelerate I would try to keep the rpms where the engine has good torque (2500 - 4500rpm) and accelerate moderately quickly to speed but not going full throttle but pretty well passed 1/2, then once at high speed go to the highest gear the car would ride in without lugging or slowing. Have had my ride since 2011 and haven't had any issues. But it's really what works best for you and your area. I've put over 120000 miles on it.

 

[mja]

Ya walkncontradiction, there's good torque at low rpm but check this out...at low rpm, the rotating assembly spins slower & the combustion process is the greatest contributor to engine stress (load stress). As rpms raise, the movement of the rods/pistons eventually become the greatest engine stress (inertial stress).

Load stress will vibrate the crank more than inertial stress. Ignition retard and valve timing are used to compensate a low load - high torque demand, but it's not good for mpg or engine life.

In a lower gear like 2nd, load stress occurs for less overall length of time, so it's not much of a factor. Under boost (heat + pressure), load stress is more than an n/a motor. More timing pulled = worse mpg.

Load stress is even higher with high compression engines, direct injection turbos, diesels, or charge compression ignitions (Mazda skyactiv)

edit.. 2500-4500 in 6th is pretty high, not sure how to reach that in 6th cruising around. Maybe a 6AT cruises at higher rpm?

 

[walkncontradxn]

Good stuff here, can't argue. I'll work on trying to be more succinct in future posts. Just to clarify, meant 2500-4500rpms and giving it a good amount of throttle for getting up to speed THEN once at speed just going into highest gear u can for the speed your goin. Not saying to keep it at 2500-4500rpm while cruising.