Best mods to increase MPG

[RickyCRX]

The 4Runner's V8 is not going to "pull" like the International diesel engine, but it won't disappoint you. Your neighbors will probably thank you as well.
:bigok:

Isn't that the truth... The older noisy cummins and the PSD diesels just annoy the heck out of me. Aside from their long life/longevity, there isn't much advantage to one unless you're going to be regularly pulling a VERY heavy load. I compared mileage notes with a guy that has an F-250 turbodiesel and my V8 4Runner gets better mileage when not towing, and when we are towing, we get about the same mileage (pulling a ~3,000lb car on a ~2,200lb steel deck car hauler, we both get between 13-13.6mpg running anywhere from 70-80mph).

Yeah, he can set the cruise control with that load and has a bit more pulling power than I do, but the 4Runner just has MUCH better day-to-day manners and comfort. I can't complain at all.

Ricky

 

[SC Joe]

I checked the gas mileage on my new (to me) '05 SR5 V-8 with 32K and it got 18.7 mpg. Compared to my '99 Land Cruiser I traded, it's an economy car!!

(Plus, I had a shock today to find the insurance went down about $80 per year!)

 

[TheBlueWave]

At least I don't live in a state where the gas is $3 a gallon. [/B]

Don't worry, it will be soon!

 

[Uneek]

Don't worry, it will be soon!

Already is here, again.

 

[RL Lemke]

The best way to increase gas mileage with any vehicle is to drive the speed limit, accelerate like an old fart, and coast to stop lights. This should result in a 20% increase.

Noisy exhaust, poor filtration air filters, engine management chips, etc

 

[DB208508]

Wow I didn't know they made V4's there must be alot of engine compartment room

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Wow I didn't know they made V4's there must be alot of engine compartment room

They don't even make a V4 (is there sucha thing?) or any 4banger for a 4Runner anymore. A 4 cylinder would have to pump out at least about 200hp and some real tourque to move the 4Runners 4500lbs adequatly and in Toyota's engine arsenal there is no 4banger that could do that reasonably.

Driving mellow and keeping your tires inflated properly is your best options.

 

[Thai]

They don't even make a V4 (is there sucha thing?) or any 4banger for a 4Runner anymore. A 4 cylinder would have to pump out at least about 200hp and some real tourque to move the 4Runners 4500lbs adequatly and in Toyota's engine arsenal there is no 4banger that could do that reasonably.

And an I4 (inline-4) engine would need to rev quite a bit to keep speed...which in turns waste fuel...thus, not much savings over a well-designed V6 engine.

 

[DB208508]

Instead of a V8 or V6, our 4Runners would perform fine with a V4, and offer a lot better fuel mileage. It is just that we want a higher level of performance.

I know they dont make a v4 was being sarcastic about a post before mine

 

[RL Lemke]

The point about the mythical V4 is that we don't need the power supplied in the 4Runner, as much as power we want Toyota to offer us.

I'm experimenting with driving as nice as I can, here in Dallas. Keeping the RMP below 2000, as much as possible, with an average speed shown to be 25 mph, I am getting right under 18 mpg indicated on the dash.

 

[Barefoot]

They don't even make a V4 (is there sucha thing?)

The 120 HP Johnson on my boat is a V4

 

[ran]

V4

Now I am trying to remember who made the V4 that were going into VW bugs. Maybe late 60's or 70's. almost what to say Ford. My 67 VW would get 33MPG with a pumped 1600.







_____________
2007 SE Titanium V6 4X4

 

[Barefoot]

Bugs have flat 4s

Saab used to make V4s

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I'm talking Toyota motors specifically in a 4Runner which I did state but partial quotes hid that fact. :bash:


The rest of my quote......
"or any 4banger for a 4Runner anymore"

 

[cweta37]

Thats the funniest thing I've read on here so far. granted, its been a few days but.. it's true about driving habits, thats the best way.

I grew up with my dad working on cars and he had a 62 corvette when I was little and I still think about this every time I take off from a red light turning to green....
DUST 'EM
I have horrible driving habits and I blame it on the excitement of driving something fun.
so if you want better gas milage, I have to agree with the earlier reply, get a yaris!

 

[cweta37]

Thats the funniest thing I've read on here so far. granted, its been a few days but.. it's true about driving habits, thats the best way.

I grew up with my dad working on cars and he had a 62 corvette when I was little and I still think about this every time I take off from a red light turning to green....
DUST 'EM
I have horrible driving habits and I blame it on the excitement of driving something fun.
so if you want better gas milage, I have to agree with the earlier reply, get a yaris!

 

[ran]

V4 in VW

I had a 1967 (12v) for a few years. Back when they were customizing bugs, I remember a company selling V4 engines that would work with the transaxle. I almost think it was a Ford Industrial V4, not a plane or boat engine. when my 1500 blew part of the head, I was in a pinch to get it rebuilt as a 1640?. No time to search more for that V4. I think it had more power that dropping in a Porsche flat 4 engine. long-long time ago.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

As much good (and amusing) commentary as there's been thus far nobody has mentioned leaving it in 'N' at long lights.

I do two things that help my mileage noticeably, 40PSI in the tires and I check them often. The second thing is once I am sure the car behind me is stopping I put the transmission in neutral (if I think I am going to be stopped for 20 seconds or more). I know it helps because the tach jumps up as I put it in N and immediately thereafter the ECM reduces the fuel and air reducing the idle back to the target RPM.

Fill the tires; accomplish long stops in N.

This should kick-off the next phase... Does it save gas to shut the engine off at a red light or does it take more to shut it off and restart? Hehe, this oughtta be good.:bash: :biggrin2:

 

[Ruffian]

I like the N idea, but I think I've read some where that there is a law against that. I could be wrong.
I was told that starting (turning off and then back on) at lights will burn more gas than save.
This is why as my first mods I've done some simple things of products I've found off ebay. (Chip module and a FloBlade.) But I'm saving up for the 2 more expensive ones, Intake and exhaust.
Although it's more expensive, I also run premium gas rather than the cheap stuff. I also stay away from the really cheap poor quality gas stations. I don't go to Shell though, just find the middle of the road in prices.

 

[RickyCRX]

In a vehicle that's not designed specifically for it, burning premium will do nothing except give you lower mileage and empty your wallet faster.