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Originally Posted by bikin' Ed
Don't be afraid to ask questions, but all of this info is on the site in other threads.
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Agreed.
NO disrespect intended, but it's usually good to try and find it on your own by searching, and then ask questions [to clarify, or to go into more detail]. Often I search and then realize I use one word, and everyone else phrases it just a bit differently.
Cold air intakes are arguable. On most websites and forums outside of here, they say yes. Usually by about 5% by not changing driving style. I can search and find some examples, but in researching CAIs for my car, my wifes truck, and for other vehicles she is interested in buying, people get it for performance and notice an increase in fuel economy. I mention that portion because often people get things for a FE purpose, and in turn they end up just driving better, so it is psychological.
I think when you buy a performance part, and use it to increase performance, but notice a FE increase, it is at least a LITTLE reliable. Keep in mind, who knows how it is calculated. I use miles multiplied by .027, add that to original mileage for the tank, and then divide it by gallons put in. Basic, but after hearing how my wife guesses using the gauge and putting in a gallon here or there, I do wonder how others calculate.
An individual noted an estimate of 6%, I believe, increase on a Focus with just a cone filter instead of the stock/base/flat filter. There was a lot of debate/tension on the testing measures, but in my personal view, I am sooner to believe in an increase in FE rather than how much [of an increase in FE]. Especially since vehicles are so diverse in so many ways.
The one I note remembering is a jump from 30 to 32. It was in that ball park, roughly 5%. Is it worth it? Maybe. Over time, the life of the car with other added benefits, such as performance availability, or sound, then I would say yes in MY situation. So you'll have to judge that for yourself.
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No clue. I have some personal experience with cars that run premium, and people choosing to low octane fuel. Fuel economy, and performance dropped, and the engine pinged like crazy. All I know.
3
Does lowering it have any interest to you beyond FE? As the person said, it is 100 gallons of fuel. Will it save that over the life of the vehicle? I don't know if my Rocker panels/side skirts do anything FE, if they do it is minor. A LOT of changes have helped, it appears, and they look good.
It will definitely help. So if it looks good to you, why not?
4,5- I don't know. I like the aero caps, though. They look cool and seem to work. Imagine if one made their aero cap with solar panels, a battery, and say an air con for the cabin, or whatever you could use it for. But I have grand dreams of optimization.
Just my two cents, I am not the most knowledgable here. A lot of people prefer only solid data, and have very strict standards- which is smart and makes sense. I will take things that are not completely proven, to a point. Too good to be true? Than it probably is. But if it makes sense, can be true, and it seems to work, why not? I hope this thread helps you decide everything!