Saturn LS (not SL) New Member

[sporkinum]

I posted this in another forum, and then found that this seemed to be a more correct place for it.

I have a 2000 Saturn LS with manual transmission and 2.2 ecotec (first year in US car). I have been limiting myself between 55 mph to 60 mph on the highway, and driving conservitively. I also have switched back to gasoline vs 10% alcohol. My last tank of gas was 36.2 mpg. I have been averaging 33 when running gasohol.

I know it's penny pinching, but a gallon is $3.60 for gasohol and $3.69 for regular. Difference in a 12 gallon fill up (13.1 gal tank) is $1.08. I save .92 gal a fill up or $3.40 less the 9 cents gal difference for a savings of $2.32 each tank.

It doesn't seem logical, but buying the more expensive fuel saves me money.

I wish the Saturn was geared differently as I turn around 3000 at 60 mph.

[cfg83]

sporkinum -

Welcome to EM!

I agree that a gas with more energy content could get you better MPG. But, I am also guessing that other members would suggest doing a longer test with gasohol because of the tank-to-tank variance. Maybe the ECU/PCM hadn't adjusted to it.

I got lucky with my SW2 because I could swap in an economy 5th gear from an S?1 :

Saturn S-Series 5th Gear Swap

I don't know anything about the L-Series manual trannys. If I had one I would be scouring the earth for a compatible taller 5th gear.

Hrmmmmmmm. The Chevy Cobalt XFE has a tall 5th Gear and uses the Ecotec (2.0 or 2.2, I can't remember). IF (big if) the trannies are the same, there may be a taller 5th gear in your future :

News: Chevy Cobalt XFE (new model with top of class highway MPG)

Hrmmmmmmm #2. The Saturn Astra also has an Ecotec engine. It may be worth looking at it's tranny spec also :

Saturn Astra: 37 MPG tank


CarloSW2