Gas performance tips
- Thread starter crespoh69
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Devbot
New member
Well, you're gonna have to remember at absolute best these cars got 20-25mpg brand new. I would try and work out what you're averaging right now and see how much you have to work with, because it may not be much. I did the math sometime late last year and even at 300k miles with all my extra weight and larger tires I'm still getting about 16-17 (I exclusively use ethanol free gas fwiw) - so realistically, not bad whatsoever.
Aside from monitoring your driving habits, cutting down weight and using the right size/type of tires there's very seldom you can do. It's a 20+ year old V6 after all with incredibly low compression. Basic maintenance goes a long way; fresh filters, healthy injectors and spark plugs, all that jazz. I like to run a couple bottles of Redline SI-1 every so often to keep my valves free of carbon and my injectors nice and free (typically run 2 bottles through 2 tanks, back to back). If you really wanted to you could look into the basics of hypermiling, though our cars would suck ass at it.
Aside from monitoring your driving habits, cutting down weight and using the right size/type of tires there's very seldom you can do. It's a 20+ year old V6 after all with incredibly low compression. Basic maintenance goes a long way; fresh filters, healthy injectors and spark plugs, all that jazz. I like to run a couple bottles of Redline SI-1 every so often to keep my valves free of carbon and my injectors nice and free (typically run 2 bottles through 2 tanks, back to back). If you really wanted to you could look into the basics of hypermiling, though our cars would suck ass at it.
"The oil's in Texas but the dipstick's in DC"
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Twan
Senior Member
Just report the post and move on. These guys try and do this all over the forum.
brillo_76
Elite Member
I never seen these get that kind of milage in my area. Before 10% or more ethonal. They would have gotten maybe 1 to 2mpg more. These were known for reliability and durability.
The most I have ever seen was 20 mpg on a highway trip. I bounce around from 18 to 16 or so. On winter I fluctuate down to 14 at times.
I have one right now getting 9mpg until I change its front oxygen sensor. It thinks it running lean.
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The most I have ever seen was 20 mpg on a highway trip. I bounce around from 18 to 16 or so. On winter I fluctuate down to 14 at times.
I have one right now getting 9mpg until I change its front oxygen sensor. It thinks it running lean.
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Driving habits are going to be the biggest impact on fuel economy. Accelerate at a normal pace, try to coast whenever possible/realistic, braking is wasted energy, and limiting your top speed will go a long way towards increasing mpg. I limit my top speed during my commute to 60 mph instead of 70 mph. It adds 1-2 minutes, but increases my average mpg by 1-2 mpg.
Another factor is vehicle maintenance. Spark plugs have a 30k mile service interval for the 5VZ. Replacing the air/fuel sensor also will help your fuel economy. Under inflated tires cause more rolling resistance which also affects fuel economy.
The absolute best way to save money at the pump is eliminating extra trips and maximizing the trips you do have to take. Similar to a penny saved is a penny earned, an ounce of gas saved is an ounce of gas earned.
I’d also recommend downloading Gas Buddy so you can check nearby gas stations for the cheapest price available. I went a step further and got a credit card that gives me 5 percent cash back on gas purchases.
Another factor is vehicle maintenance. Spark plugs have a 30k mile service interval for the 5VZ. Replacing the air/fuel sensor also will help your fuel economy. Under inflated tires cause more rolling resistance which also affects fuel economy.
The absolute best way to save money at the pump is eliminating extra trips and maximizing the trips you do have to take. Similar to a penny saved is a penny earned, an ounce of gas saved is an ounce of gas earned.
I’d also recommend downloading Gas Buddy so you can check nearby gas stations for the cheapest price available. I went a step further and got a credit card that gives me 5 percent cash back on gas purchases.
brillo_76
Elite Member
Those are good tips and so are devbots. Being I live in a rolling hill area as the middle of the state has mountains. Not much I can do to change mine. Others may have areas that are a lot better for fuel efficiency on these rigs..
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Devbot
New member
Those are good tips and so are devbots. Being I live in a rolling hill area as the middle of the state has mountains. Not much I can do to change mine. Others may have areas that are a lot better for fuel efficiency on these rigs..
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That's probably the most important thing, imo - if OP lives in a hilly/mountainous area like us, forget about it :rip:
My 4runner used to do easy 20-21 MPG at highway while I lived in Reno NV. Soon after moving in to Louisiana and then to West TX, it dropped to 16 MPG on Highway (11-12 City). Have you tried running while OD is off if going around 55 MPH? I am trying it now and see some improvements. Too early to fully confirm.
brillo_76
Elite Member
Yes sir. I gave up years ago. [ except my front O2 sensor] 9mpg is just not a good thing..
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Usually a bad O2 sensor will force the ECU to run things rich. By definition, you can get better mileage under lean conditions but it risks detonation and higher engine temps. Running rich is safer, generally speaking, and the ECU goes into that mode with a bad O2.
I just got 19.8 mpg on my 236k rig! Best I've ever gotten. I just bought a v8 4th and was following it back with no tags. the 2uz got around 18 mpg under same conditions. Pretty much flat highway around 70 mph.
I just got 19.8 mpg on my 236k rig! Best I've ever gotten. I just bought a v8 4th and was following it back with no tags. the 2uz got around 18 mpg under same conditions. Pretty much flat highway around 70 mph.
jross20
New member
I can sometimes get 19-20 if I keep the RPM's under 2000, but it is a delicate balance. Still dealing with some general issues that make the fuel economy go down even if I do baby her.
:beer:
brillo_76
Elite Member
It is hence why I am at 9 mpg. It's dumping fuel like crazy you can smell it at the exhaust. Being the O2 have a life span I am starting with it. If the sensor is defective and says it's lean when it's not. This is exactly what you see. Unless I have an intake leak which I don't think I have. I get this sensor replaced. I just need to remove the cat pipe as PO used the wrong nuts and I can't get then off on vehicle. It's not being driven around at the moment. It's on my list.
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Reinout
Member
It's been said a few times but look at your driving habits and where you're driving.
The best thing you can do though besides getting a bike or walk for short trips... Have your friends drive their cars so you don't have to worry about it at all. ☺
Romeo1
Member
Not sure if it was the timing belt job, going to C rated mud terrain tires instead of E, or the addition of some more belly armor with less drag, or a combo of all the above. But, my 99 did 22.4 mpg on Saturday running 65-70 mph from Spanish fork UT to Burley ID. Last year it did 19mpg. Obviously that’s a highway run for the best mpg possible, but still, cracking 20 on M/T’s….. I’ll take it.
Equipment health, tire selection/inflation, and driving habits are the main deciding factors in economy in my opinion.
Equipment health, tire selection/inflation, and driving habits are the main deciding factors in economy in my opinion.
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Consolidating and planning errands better and microdosing edibles (joking).
Edit: discovered that screwing around with that kickdown cable too much can wreck your mpg BTW.
Best mpg I get is the trip back from CO, basically all down hill and guessing it probably runs a lean for a while after being up so high?
Edit: discovered that screwing around with that kickdown cable too much can wreck your mpg BTW.
Best mpg I get is the trip back from CO, basically all down hill and guessing it probably runs a lean for a while after being up so high?
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Been playing that 2000 rpm game myself lately too (when traffic allows).
There are some good tips on here, but wanted to add. Take another 1/8 to 1/4 mile to speed up and slow down. So many people race up to the stop sign, stoplight, etc, and then it's hammer down till they get back up to speed. And your best mileage happens at around 60 mph give or take. As a benefit, if you happen to have a wreck, it seems injuries are much more extensive when you are traveling faster than 60. With that said, I do drive over 60 on interstate or 4 lane. Just a few of my observations.
On top of this it should presumably make your transmission live longer. And there is that saying about avoiding t-bone wrecks... "never be the first or last through an intersection".