Maximizing Fuel Economy - Tips and Tricks

This Section is about getting more out of your current vehicle. Sure you could run out and get one of those new super gas saving cars however that isn't always practical for everyone. Especially when it's so easy to improve the one you already have. So why don't car manufacturers make cars as efficient as possible? That's easy , the big car makers are in business to make money and they are trying to cut costs on every single component on that new car , so they aren't always interested in the best materials as much as the best part that will get the job done for the cheapest price.

There are several ways to make a vehicle more efficient . Reduce drag and rolling resistance .Increase the efficiency of the engine by helping it to breath easier , Improve the spark and burn of the fuel in the engine itself. Mainly what you are out to achieve is to make high performance improvements to your cars stock components without dumping more fuel into the mix. The key to making improvements to your vehicle is to access the cost effectiveness of whatever you are planning to do first . You can do that by taking the cost of the item you are looking to install and calculating the potential increase in horse power/fuel savings over the course of a year and taking into consideration how long you anticipate owning the vehicle.

For example , let's say you are considering to install a programmable computer module in your car or truck , and it costs $300.00 and you are anticipating an increase in gas mileage of 20% or from 24 to 26.5 miles per gallon. Based on the beverage of 10,000 miles of driving per year at $2.75 a gallon the cost of operating you vehicle would have gone from ......about $1127.00 to $1026.00 all things staying the same it would take 3 years to recouped your investment to this one modification. If you where planning on keeping this vehicle for 3 years , it would be a good investment . This of course isn't taking into consideration using this with other modifications .and that gas prices are doing nothing but going up.

Different Aftermarket Parts

K&N Air Filter

Installing an K&N air filter is probably the easiest thing anyone can do to increase their MPG. K&N is the leader in aftermarket performance filters and makes everything from replacements for stock filters to Performance applications. The great thing about these air filters is that it's the last one you will need to puchase for your car and are guaranteed for a million miles

This is an easy 20%

Vortex Type Devices

There are a few new devices on the market .They work by introducing a vortex of air in the intake after the air filter and mix the air with fuel for better combustion. We have found that the best one out there is the turbonator. We where surprised to have gained a 15% improvement on our mileage from a really simply designed and easy to install device.

Spark Plugs

We recommend the use of split fire spark plugs . You will see minimal results by themselves however when used in combination with an aftermarket ignition system they multiply performance results.

Ignition Systems

There are literally way to many aftermarket ignition products out there to mention in this page but basically there are 3 options available.

Programmed chips are available for mid 90' and later vehicles that alter your cars computer ignition and fuel system settings .

Programmed modules that plug into your cars computer that allow you to set any of your cars systems to any desired level .

Aftermarket replacement ignition systems for 80's and earlier vehicles such as MSD or Jacobs that modify spark strength and duration for more efficient combustion .

Note: Best results are achieved using high performance spark plugs and a high energy coil.

You can easily see MPG gains of 20-25%

Exhaust

Replacing the stock exhaust system can reduces back pressure of the escaping gases . Resulting in better flow and increased horse power . Flowmaster makes a great muffler that increases performance without the addition of noise.

Note: Work with your local muffler shop for best results , it can also be counter productive going to big.

Tires and Wheels

You should always purchase radial tires for your vehicle .They get an average of 10% better fuel economy than bias belted. Additionally you can buy a tire one size larger than the recommended stock size making sure that they will fit .To large of tires on trucks and SUV's has a negative effect on mileage by increasing rolling resistance because of aggressive tread patterns.

By replacing your cars stock wheel bearings with high performance or ceramic bearings you can significantly reduce rolling resistance .

With enough improvements to your vehicle you will notice that your car has allot more power and it will seem like a new car.