Mods for improving MPG

[28.]

Actually, there are a lot of gas saving technologies that work pretty well...

Higher compression (10 or 11:1 vs. 6-7:1)
Electronic ignition (vs. points)
Fuel injection (vs. carburetor)
Overhead valves (vs. flathead style)
Variable valve timing
Multi weight oils
Multiple cylinder displacement
Drive by wire throttle
Variable intake runners
Piston coatings (to reduce friction)
Metallurgical advances
Aerodynamic enhancements
and much more

It's the reason a 20 horsepower Model T gets the same gas mileage as a typical T4R.

You're right though, every single manufacturer would use it (and does).

Everything on that list is pretty much old news.. I'm guessing [MENTION=15213]MikeInNH[/MENTION] meant new technology that you can go out and add on to what is on there now..

 

[Ask10]

^^Yeah, it was supposed to said be in a tongue and cheek manner as it was said that "if something worked, everyone would use it", and I just wanted to add it is in fact, true. Manufacturers aren't stupid.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Using just the 4R's built-in Average MPG gauge, I came in at about 21.5 by the time I stopped driving. In ideal environmental, traffic, etc. conditions, I can see where someone might reach 23.

The factory MPG gauge? ound:

You mean the "Lie-O-Meter?"

Or the "Wish-o-meter?" (as in, "I wish I got this kind of MPG?")

From what I've observed, that meter typically reads ~ 2 mpg high on a regular basis (when compared to hand-calculating.) So your 21.5 was most likely 19.5 or so - respectable for a V8, for sure, but not out of the realm of possibility.

I've had that meter show me getting 25 mpg before. No, it wasn't 25, hand-calculated it came out to 21 - 22, but that was under absolutely ideal conditions (gentle downhill driving from Laramie, WY to Denver, speeds at 55 - 60 mph.)

Actually, there is one "gadget" that the OP could buy that would help at least a little: Something that shows real-time MPG can help you adjust your driving so as to maximize MPG. I've used both the Ultragauge (UG) and the Scangauge II (SGII.)

Currently I run an SGII on the 4runner because it will monitor transmission temps, which the UG does not. I have the UG on my DD Mazda B2300 pickup (A/K/A Ford Ranger) which has a manual transmission. Both have helped me get better MPG by showing me exactly what kind of driving causes my MPG to plummet and what allows it to soar.

Whether the SGII or UG will save you enough money to justify the cost is, IMO, irrelevant because they are useful diagnostic tools to show you what is going on with your vehicle, so they serve other purposes as well, the MPG monitoring is just icing on the cake. They can also show you diagnostic codes and even reset your CEL (useful for me since the Mazda has been throwing a code for the last year.)

The best thing about the aftermarket gauges when compared to the factory gauge is that you can calibrate the aftermarket gauges to take into account bigger wheels, etc. My 3rd gen had the notoriously unreliable fuel gauge so I used the SGII as my default fuel gauge, since it can show DTE - Distance To Empty.

I think I wrote up a comparison between the UG and the SGII a couple of years ago, I'll see if I can find it.

 

[M1911]

The factory MPG gauge? ound:

You mean the "Lie-O-Meter?"

Or the "Wish-o-meter?" (as in, "I wish I got this kind of MPG?")
.

Agreed. It is at least 2 mpg optimistic, often more.

 

[Pathfinder5243]

how come my 06 sport edition v8 weighs 6,001 pound?

i have 16.4 per gallon on the display with 265,70,17 nitto a/t grapplers ,removed HCF filter and thats it!!!

6,000lb? Really

What are your guys' thoughts on exhaust systems?

I have the TRD and love it.

 

[Martinjmpr]

6,000lb? Really

Since the curb weight of a V8 4x4 4runner is about 4500lb I can only assume he carries 1500lb worth of weights in his T4R.

 

[M1911]

At the rate of current gas prices. This thread shouldn't even happen. Enjoy the runner. ️️️

While I am certainly enjoying the recent drop in gas prices, I am also sure that gas prices will eventually go back up.

 

[M1911]

Since the curb weight of a V8 4x4 4runner is about 4500lb I can only assume he carries 1500lb worth of weights in his T4R.

That, or he just can't understand the difference between curb weight and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ☺

 

[Lewis&Clark]

At the rate of current gas prices. This thread shouldn't even happen. Enjoy the runner. ️️️

I was going to say...spoken like someone who doesn't live in California. But you not only do, you live near me.

Hate to tell you buddy, but you have less than 48 hours before your gas prices begin to skyrocket. Parts of AB32 -- the legislation passed in 2006 to reduce carbon emissions by 20% throughout the state -- take effect on 1/1/15. In particular, it's the part that begins adding a MINIMUM 15 cent per gallon additional tax on all commercial, retail, and jet fuel. In other words, expect not only your own gas to go up quite noticeably, but we may begin to see the prices of food and other products go up over time as the additional tax is levied on industry.

 

[bpowa]

I was going to say...spoken like someone who doesn't live in California. But you not only do, you live near me.

Hate to tell you buddy, but you have less than 48 hours before your gas prices begin to skyrocket. Parts of AB32 -- the legislation passed in 2006 to reduce carbon emissions by 20% throughout the state -- take effect on 1/1/15. In particular, it's the part that begins adding a MINIMUM 15 cent per gallon additional tax on all commercial, retail, and jet fuel. In other words, expect not only your own gas to go up quite noticeably, but we may begin to see the prices of food and other products go up over time as the additional tax is levied on industry.

Any vast amount of money you do to it its still going to average of {not worth spending money}. Basics like inflating tires, and keeping your intake system clean is the only thing worth doing.. This goes for any vehicle.

The v8 is epa estimated... what 19mpg? I myself have oversized tires and a slight lift. Averaging 16.5 with "normal" acceleration is about what i expect. Before I changes the wheels, I was getting 18mpg.

Yes it sucks.. I do however am aware gas prices will rise and fall. Just like home prices in the bay. And no I dont feel bad for the idiots who decide to buy a large V8 due to falling gas prices. :der: Im content with paying under 3 bucks a gallon. Considering inflation I think that fair. As for now.. I'm just enjoying it..

 

[ran]

Gassing up tomorrow.
__________________
2007 SE V6 4x4

 

[beliy25]

i am 100% positive.6001 lbs lol.

whats ur weight?

 

[M1911]

i am 100% positive.6001 lbs lol.

whats ur weight?

That is gross vehicle weight. In other words, that is what the truck would weigh if you put the maximum payload in the truck.

The curb weight, with full fuel but no payload, is about 4600 lbs for a V8 4x4. If you don't believe me, go take it to a scale.

 

[beliy25]

That is gross vehicle weight. In other words, that is what the truck would way if you put the maximum payload in the truck.

The curb weight, with full fuel but no payload, is about 4600 lbs for a V8 4x4. If you don't believe me, go take it a scale.

Curb weight 4,530 lbs.
GVWR 6,005 lbs.
u r right !!!