Moist
Member
Few prerequisites:
This is the 2003 V8. No VVTI on this engine. Not tested any VVTI ones.
2003 Body and spoiler with no hood scoop.
I know there are different spoiler designs between different versions and a no spoiler version. Not sure the aerodynamic effects and how that translates to fuel mileage.
Additionally, I have the standard 5 speed auto. I have heard of exactly one v8 4 speed in my lifetime. I know they exist and there are very few, but this guide will most certainly not work for you 4 speed v8 drivers.
I am also a full time 4WD driver, but you 2WD users should actually get better mileage anyways. This guide should help you still.
I am also not sure about using engine braking, I don't personally use it much.
As for the milage gauge, reset it before you start, but also reset the average MPG meter. It seems to impact the MPG reading. It is fairly accurate, despite nobody knowing how it works.
Preparation
Ensure your car has adequate fluids and DOES NOT overheat with poor airflow over the radiator. This will be critical later.
Tires may need specific air pressures in them depending on what you have. I rock aftermarket Toyo A/T Open Countries running 40 front and rear.
Ensure the engine is warm enough to be able to reach overdrive. If the engine is too cold, it will refuse to shift into 5th gear. Generally this is never an issue, but it is worth putting in.
Be prepared to sweat it out. No A/C for hypermiling.
If you reeeeeeaaaalllyyy want to improve mileage run below 1/2 tank at all times. Even better if sitting at exactly 1/4 tank. It doesn't have too much of an effect but you'll notice it in traffic.
MODS:
Anything to improve airflow into engine. Good air filters are a must. I'm not sure about forced induction, but I don't think it is worth your time. Especially for superchargers. (If you can even find a supercharger that fits an 03-04 v8)
Exhaust mods may also help, but I don't know for sure. I have no idea on how the v8 runs with different backpressures. If anyone has any info please post! I'm interested to hear!
Deflector for the roof rack. I have a Yakima one, and it is one of the most important mods I have. It is a simple plastic "board" that attaches to the roof rack to deflect air over the bars.
I have seen a somewhat noticeable mileage increase using this. (about .5 mpg extra) Best of all it eliminates the noise of my Geo Prizm rack fitted to a 4runner.
The angle it sits at DOES matter significantly. Generally the less of an angle the better. (I use my sunroof tilt to get it to have less of an angle when weather permits)
Tires and Tire size have a large impact on your MPG. I have slightly larger tires than the stock ones but cannot remember the size right now. Rims might impact it.
I have cheap American racing ones with no spokes. Basically a plate connected to the tires. It might be a slight drag reduction but I doubt it's noticeable.
Raising the vehicle height will hurt MPG. More drag to deal with. Lowering it I'm not sure about. My "Lowering" seems to be doing my 4runner favors in MPG. (about 1 inch lower on front and rear due to bad struts and springs)
Engine computer tunes I have no idea about for the 03. If anyone has info please provide! I'd love to test this one.
The How To Guide For the Interstate and Highways
The 2UZ-FE mated to the 5 speed transmission is not the worst v8 on milage I've ever seen.
Generally highway it makes 14-17 at interstate speeds (75 & up here). That's if you're in overdrive at least. The more ham footed you are with the throttle the worse it is.
The trick will now be to stay in 5th gear at as low of an RPM as possible, without being at a speed that forces the transmission to hunt between 4th and 5th.
That speed (for the stock 03/04 4runner) is 60-70 MPH. I've found better luck in between 64-68, but weather conditions and temperature change this range. Although it is NEVER above 70 unless modifications have been done.
At <65 you risk dropping into 4th gear on hills. Which greatly decreases mileage.
I find that sticking at 67-68 will yield about 17.3-19 MPG. (Again very dependent on temperature and wind) on a fairly flat stretch. (Nebraska is very flat no elevation to test)
You can also drive based on RPM. Just stay at or below 2K RPM in 5th. I like to sit the needle right below 2K. But sometimes the 1.7K ish range does favors.
Try and drive with the wind. You can expect anywhere from a .5 to a 1.5 MPG increase.
Cold temperatures usually yield worse MPG. I think it may be due to denser air.
If you roll down windows I recommend it being the rear seat ones and slightly rolling down rear windows. It allows crosswind through the car while not impacting forward airflow much.
The Semi Trick
There is one trick though to push it beyond the 20 MPG range. It needs practice but is very doable. Watch your temp in the summer if you have a bad radiator. It does require some luck.
Look for a Semi truck/Tractor Trailer. Specifically the ones with the box trailers without any rear aero. What you will do is provided it is within the 65-70 MPH range on flat ground, you will enter the disrupted airflow that the trailer leaves in it's wake.
This doesn't always mean tailgating. You can usually enter 2 or 3 car lengths behind it or just put the nose in the airflow. It is easy for me to tell because my steering shakes worse when I'm in the airflow.
You can see it really well in the rain. Watch how the drizzle kicked up wafts behind the trailer, then slowly back down.
Different airflow conditions like a head or tailwind, or air temperature do greatly impact this strategy.
Do not do this to UHAULS or trucks driven by regular people. Especially UHAULS, they often are not driven by experienced truck drivers.
If they go above 73 on straights don't follow. Wait for a new one. If on hills they go down to 55 you are fine, just be very conservative on throttle when getting back up to speed.
Don't be afraid to go above 70 on downhills to keep in the airflow.
The reduced drag will make up for the loss. Just don't go above 75 at max.
Recognize that the length of the disrupted airflow will shrink at lower speeds forcing you closer, don't get too close as that's unsafe. If it is consistently like this it may be time to find a new truck. (it is worth noting it is more than okay to go slower than 65, so long as you stay in 5th gear)
I have a CB and will usually try to contact whoever I'm behind as a courtesy. (be careful with this a lot of truckers hate that regular cars can have CB radios.) Generally if they move lanes to the left follow them no matter what. You have no idea why they're moving unless they tell you over the air. You must be focused for this strat because you can no longer see far ahead.
The highest MPG I have ever made without the semi strategy has been 21.2 MPG from Lincoln to Omaha last summer. It was with a weak tailwind. I think I was holding 65 flat.
The Highest MPG I have made with the semi strategy has been 25.6 MPG. Summer evening same route. 89 degrees outside. No wind. Rear windows cracked halfway down. Used >1/8 tank of fuel. Truly lucky. I have a picture somewhere and will send it in a reply if I can find the SD card.
Highways will be your friend since their speed limit is usually 65. Often times there is less room for wind to slow you down too.
City Traffic
There isn't much you can do. The only thing I've found that helps is to not accelerate much and to stay moving at all costs. Even if it means you brake super early and long so long as you retain some momentum and don't sit and idle you are fine.
FIN
I will update this guide as info comes in on other 4runners. Additionally I am willing to do more testing, and provide pictures or more detail on my findings.
Most importantly though I want to hear your strategies!
This is the 2003 V8. No VVTI on this engine. Not tested any VVTI ones.
2003 Body and spoiler with no hood scoop.
I know there are different spoiler designs between different versions and a no spoiler version. Not sure the aerodynamic effects and how that translates to fuel mileage.
Additionally, I have the standard 5 speed auto. I have heard of exactly one v8 4 speed in my lifetime. I know they exist and there are very few, but this guide will most certainly not work for you 4 speed v8 drivers.
I am also a full time 4WD driver, but you 2WD users should actually get better mileage anyways. This guide should help you still.
I am also not sure about using engine braking, I don't personally use it much.
As for the milage gauge, reset it before you start, but also reset the average MPG meter. It seems to impact the MPG reading. It is fairly accurate, despite nobody knowing how it works.
Preparation
Ensure your car has adequate fluids and DOES NOT overheat with poor airflow over the radiator. This will be critical later.
Tires may need specific air pressures in them depending on what you have. I rock aftermarket Toyo A/T Open Countries running 40 front and rear.
Ensure the engine is warm enough to be able to reach overdrive. If the engine is too cold, it will refuse to shift into 5th gear. Generally this is never an issue, but it is worth putting in.
Be prepared to sweat it out. No A/C for hypermiling.
If you reeeeeeaaaalllyyy want to improve mileage run below 1/2 tank at all times. Even better if sitting at exactly 1/4 tank. It doesn't have too much of an effect but you'll notice it in traffic.
MODS:
Anything to improve airflow into engine. Good air filters are a must. I'm not sure about forced induction, but I don't think it is worth your time. Especially for superchargers. (If you can even find a supercharger that fits an 03-04 v8)
Exhaust mods may also help, but I don't know for sure. I have no idea on how the v8 runs with different backpressures. If anyone has any info please post! I'm interested to hear!
Deflector for the roof rack. I have a Yakima one, and it is one of the most important mods I have. It is a simple plastic "board" that attaches to the roof rack to deflect air over the bars.
I have seen a somewhat noticeable mileage increase using this. (about .5 mpg extra) Best of all it eliminates the noise of my Geo Prizm rack fitted to a 4runner.
The angle it sits at DOES matter significantly. Generally the less of an angle the better. (I use my sunroof tilt to get it to have less of an angle when weather permits)
Tires and Tire size have a large impact on your MPG. I have slightly larger tires than the stock ones but cannot remember the size right now. Rims might impact it.
I have cheap American racing ones with no spokes. Basically a plate connected to the tires. It might be a slight drag reduction but I doubt it's noticeable.
Raising the vehicle height will hurt MPG. More drag to deal with. Lowering it I'm not sure about. My "Lowering" seems to be doing my 4runner favors in MPG. (about 1 inch lower on front and rear due to bad struts and springs)
Engine computer tunes I have no idea about for the 03. If anyone has info please provide! I'd love to test this one.
The How To Guide For the Interstate and Highways
The 2UZ-FE mated to the 5 speed transmission is not the worst v8 on milage I've ever seen.
Generally highway it makes 14-17 at interstate speeds (75 & up here). That's if you're in overdrive at least. The more ham footed you are with the throttle the worse it is.
The trick will now be to stay in 5th gear at as low of an RPM as possible, without being at a speed that forces the transmission to hunt between 4th and 5th.
That speed (for the stock 03/04 4runner) is 60-70 MPH. I've found better luck in between 64-68, but weather conditions and temperature change this range. Although it is NEVER above 70 unless modifications have been done.
At <65 you risk dropping into 4th gear on hills. Which greatly decreases mileage.
I find that sticking at 67-68 will yield about 17.3-19 MPG. (Again very dependent on temperature and wind) on a fairly flat stretch. (Nebraska is very flat no elevation to test)
You can also drive based on RPM. Just stay at or below 2K RPM in 5th. I like to sit the needle right below 2K. But sometimes the 1.7K ish range does favors.
Try and drive with the wind. You can expect anywhere from a .5 to a 1.5 MPG increase.
Cold temperatures usually yield worse MPG. I think it may be due to denser air.
If you roll down windows I recommend it being the rear seat ones and slightly rolling down rear windows. It allows crosswind through the car while not impacting forward airflow much.
The Semi Trick
There is one trick though to push it beyond the 20 MPG range. It needs practice but is very doable. Watch your temp in the summer if you have a bad radiator. It does require some luck.
Look for a Semi truck/Tractor Trailer. Specifically the ones with the box trailers without any rear aero. What you will do is provided it is within the 65-70 MPH range on flat ground, you will enter the disrupted airflow that the trailer leaves in it's wake.
This doesn't always mean tailgating. You can usually enter 2 or 3 car lengths behind it or just put the nose in the airflow. It is easy for me to tell because my steering shakes worse when I'm in the airflow.
You can see it really well in the rain. Watch how the drizzle kicked up wafts behind the trailer, then slowly back down.
Different airflow conditions like a head or tailwind, or air temperature do greatly impact this strategy.
Do not do this to UHAULS or trucks driven by regular people. Especially UHAULS, they often are not driven by experienced truck drivers.
If they go above 73 on straights don't follow. Wait for a new one. If on hills they go down to 55 you are fine, just be very conservative on throttle when getting back up to speed.
Don't be afraid to go above 70 on downhills to keep in the airflow.
The reduced drag will make up for the loss. Just don't go above 75 at max.
Recognize that the length of the disrupted airflow will shrink at lower speeds forcing you closer, don't get too close as that's unsafe. If it is consistently like this it may be time to find a new truck. (it is worth noting it is more than okay to go slower than 65, so long as you stay in 5th gear)
I have a CB and will usually try to contact whoever I'm behind as a courtesy. (be careful with this a lot of truckers hate that regular cars can have CB radios.) Generally if they move lanes to the left follow them no matter what. You have no idea why they're moving unless they tell you over the air. You must be focused for this strat because you can no longer see far ahead.
The highest MPG I have ever made without the semi strategy has been 21.2 MPG from Lincoln to Omaha last summer. It was with a weak tailwind. I think I was holding 65 flat.
The Highest MPG I have made with the semi strategy has been 25.6 MPG. Summer evening same route. 89 degrees outside. No wind. Rear windows cracked halfway down. Used >1/8 tank of fuel. Truly lucky. I have a picture somewhere and will send it in a reply if I can find the SD card.
Highways will be your friend since their speed limit is usually 65. Often times there is less room for wind to slow you down too.
City Traffic
There isn't much you can do. The only thing I've found that helps is to not accelerate much and to stay moving at all costs. Even if it means you brake super early and long so long as you retain some momentum and don't sit and idle you are fine.
FIN
I will update this guide as info comes in on other 4runners. Additionally I am willing to do more testing, and provide pictures or more detail on my findings.
Most importantly though I want to hear your strategies!
