V8 MPG Experiment

[yosh2000]

no AC, under 2,000rpm to save a buck...no thanks!! besides, hand calc to get the true numbers, the instrument you are using to make you think you are saving money is lying to you...!!

 

[LTDSC]

My computer is almost dead accurate after installing a lift and 255/75/17 tires. It's reading 18.8 and last tank I averaged 18.6 hand calculated factoring the tire size difference.

because your miles arent right with the tire size being different than stock.

Sorry, ive tried everything, i dont believe 18mpg unless 300 miles straight with cruise control on.

 

[4by4th]

Thanks for all the replies. It is interesting to see how many of you have quickly chimed in that the 4runner computer is practically worthless when it comes to accuracy. General frame of mind, maybe, but accurate, no!



For those of you who say the gas savings without AC is not worth it, I will tell you this. I am an Aviation Mechanic and work in a non Air-conditioned hangar all day with skylights that let sun in. It gets to around 85-90 daily in the hangar, even with a Big Ass fan going. SO.....A little drive with the windows down feel about the same.



A couple of you mentioned changing out the Gear Oil for Synthetic, or just change it all together. Did anyone notice any savings, or is this theoretical in effect as saying changing it out will allow all gears to move more freely than before, and as a result, better gas mileage?

I'd be surprised if driving with the AC off and windows down is more efficient than AC on and windows up. Driving with the windows down has to have a detrimental effect on aerodynamics.

 

[Land Shark 1971]

My computer is almost dead accurate after installing a lift and 255/75/17 tires. It's reading 18.8 and last tank I averaged 18.6 hand calculated factoring the tire size difference.

Same here except for mine was 17.2

 

[M1911]

I'd be surprised if driving with the AC off and windows down is more efficient than AC on and windows up. Driving with the windows down has to have a detrimental effect on aerodynamics.

You are correct. It is less efficient to drive with the AC off and the windows open.

 

[bpowa]

Op. Your getting 18mpg. Which is great. I always hand calculate with tires in my sig. Constant 16ishmpg. On lkng freeway hand calculated 18-19.

Works for me. If i get a commuter id get 25ish. Bot much of a savings imo. 10-15 bucks saved from a tank of gas.

 

[jsmith21]

I know they're not, my odometer read 318 but since I have bigger tires I actually traveled around 337 miles, and then it took 18.06 gallons to fill it back up. Which 337/18.06 = 18.66 mpg. I was shocked I got that good I usually get 15-17 but I did drive really easy this past tank.

 

[racer107]

Not only is the computer MPG not accurate, it's not reliably off by the same amount- with "normal" driving mine is about 1.5 off actual, but on a long trip towing it was several MPG off actual. I haven't gone to the OP's extremes, but by driving a little slower and generally more smoothly I can squeeze another 1-2 MPG out easily. Still, best tank on my '07 V8 4WD has been just over 18.

 

[ebg18t]

It's just gas and it's cheap enough to burn thru.

 

[nevada]

because your miles arent right with the tire size being different than stock.

Sorry, ive tried everything, i dont believe 18mpg unless 300 miles straight with cruise control on.

cruise control is terribly inefficient. especially if you hit any type of hill.
I can be much more consistent with my foot. however, cruise is convenient, so I do use it often.