MPG and Type of Motor Oil

[sstatton]

I have a 93 4Runner V6, manual xmission, 180k miles. Bought it a year ago (had a first gen 86 4Runner years ago) and love it - in great condition mechanically, body exterior and interior. Two questions:

1) I've been consistently averaging 19 mpg with the smaller 225/75 R15 tires with mixed city, highway and some weekend 4wd roads here in Colorado. Is this typical of what should be expected? Any tips to improve the fuel economy? It was tuned about a year and a half ago. I did get a new air filter recently.

2) Motor oil - I've been a Castrol GTX regular motor oil fan for all my vehicles over the years but am wondering if there is significant benefit to switching to a synthetic oil. Would that likely improve the life expectancy of the engine? I really would like to drive this vehicle for years to come with this engine.

 

[Hyde802]

If youre getting 19 in a v6 2nd gen, youre doing good.

 

[KidVermicious]

19 mpg at your elevation is outstanding, you must drive like a grandpa .

I don't see the point in running synthetic on these older motors. I figure if it made it this long on dinosaur juice, why mess with a good thing? A quality oil filter and regular changes every 3000-5000 miles should be all you need. I don't think a conversion to synthetic would hurt anything either though, so if you wanted to, go for it.

 

[theking11863]

I have a 93 4Runner V6, manual xmission, 180k miles. Bought it a year ago (had a first gen 86 4Runner years ago) and love it - in great condition mechanically, body exterior and interior. Two questions:

1) I've been consistently averaging 19 mpg with the smaller 225/75 R15 tires with mixed city, highway and some weekend 4wd roads here in Colorado. Is this typical of what should be expected? Any tips to improve the fuel economy? It was tuned about a year and a half ago. I did get a new air filter recently.

2) Motor oil - I've been a Castrol GTX regular motor oil fan for all my vehicles over the years but am wondering if there is significant benefit to switching to a synthetic oil. Would that likely improve the life expectancy of the engine? I really would like to drive this vehicle for years to come with this engine.

Just curious, why are you running 225's? I know that's what the door jam tells you to use but I use 235's and mines full stock. I don't have any issues with rubbing or anything and gives me more ground clearance

 

[airdreams1]

There is a very little difference in brands of Standard Oil that you can buy on the shelf. They are like over-the-counter drugs. Whether you buy store brand or name brand, they are regulated and required to meet specific standards if you don't believe me just look for the round emblem that says "American Petroleum Institute certified" they all have it. There are very few exceptions to this rule. And you can buy other stuff like AMSOIL that is different/ slightly better.
Don't know if it would help much on an older car like we have to use synthetic oil. The only thing it might do is allow you to run longer without changing your oil and give slightly better lubrication to the motor. highly doubt whether you would see any miles per gallon increase......