Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post

darcane · 11-08-2012, 06:21 PM

My wife used to drive an '04 Vue, 4cyl 5spd. So, nearly identical to yours. I didn't do any mods at all to it though.

In her normal commuting, she would get 22mpg, but that is 100% city. On the freeway, we would get 30-33mpg. I never did any sort of hypermiling techniques on this car.

A grill block would help, the grill is way too large (partially to provide enough airflow for the optional V6). But aero tricks won't do much in city driving.

Get an Ultragauge (or scan gauge if you prefer). It will give instant feedback on mpgs and give precise numbers on your coolant temps. This way you can judge how much is too much on the grill block or if a hotter thermostat would help.

I don't think you will gain much, if anything by modifying the exhaust. It has two mufflers, but one is completely straight through and the other is not very restrictive, especially since you won't push that much air through it when driving for economy.

Coasting with the engine on will still provide some gains and is really not "extreme". Coast in neutral down hills or when you see a stop coming up.

11-08-2012, 06:21 PM	#2 (permalink)
darcane ......................... Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Buckley, WA Posts: 1,597 Thanks: 391 Thanked 488 Times in 316 Posts	My wife used to drive an '04 Vue, 4cyl 5spd. So, nearly identical to yours. I didn't do any mods at all to it though. In her normal commuting, she would get 22mpg, but that is 100% city. On the freeway, we would get 30-33mpg. I never did any sort of hypermiling techniques on this car. A grill block would help, the grill is way too large (partially to provide enough airflow for the optional V6). But aero tricks won't do much in city driving. Get an Ultragauge (or scan gauge if you prefer). It will give instant feedback on mpgs and give precise numbers on your coolant temps. This way you can judge how much is too much on the grill block or if a hotter thermostat would help. I don't think you will gain much, if anything by modifying the exhaust. It has two mufflers, but one is completely straight through and the other is not very restrictive, especially since you won't push that much air through it when driving for economy. Coasting with the engine on will still provide some gains and is really not "extreme". Coast in neutral down hills or when you see a stop coming up. __________________ Past Cars: 2001 Civic HX Mods CTS-V 2003 Silverado Mods Last edited by darcane; 11-09-2012 at 05:52 PM..