2009 versa better mpg

[Hardattack]

Bought a 2009 versa sedan 1.6 5 spd manual. The car had little over 109000 miles on it. Came new without radio or a/c but did come with power steering which for now I am leaving on car. I drive 80 miles round trip to work so my miles rack up pretty quick. I'm going to start trying different ideas and see what works and what doesn't(on my car). I will be learning as I go so advice will be appreciated. I'm only doing one thing at a time. Then get the average after 1200-1500 miles.
Starting out I put a k@n filter in car that I already had. Best I remember it cost bout $50. I also put 38psi in front and rear tires. I made these changes before I feel the tank up the first time so I do not know what if any help the filter was. I'm sure the increase in tire pressure helped some but no idea how much. I may back the pressure down at some point just to see how much it does help.
After 1760 miles I have an average of 36.04 mpg. My first trial will be a warm air system. I used a 3 in dryer duct and a 2in PVC 45 elbow and cost about $13. It will take me three to four weeks to run up enough miles to get what I feel is enough for a good average.

[Daox]

Welcome to the site.

I'd highly encourage you to get some form of instrumentation if you don't already (a scangauge or ultragauge). It'll really help you adjust your driving style, and it'll pay for itself quickly with as many miles as you drive.

I'd also highly suggest a front grill block. With your traveling 80 miles a day (I assume mostly highway), aeromods will definitely be your friend.

Just an FYI, but warm / hot air intakes haven't shown to do a ton with MAF sensored vehicles. I haven't seen anyone do one in a while though.

[Hardattack]

Thanks for suggestions daox. I am looking at a bullydog tuner scan gauge but it is pricey. I am going to block of the lower grill as you mentioned. After a few weeks I'm going to put my ram air on the car and see which is better. Just wanted to try the wai to see but haven't wrapped my arms arround the idea. Had taller tires and a ram air on old versa but never checked mpg. And yes it is mostly highway but not interstate.realy appreciate advice.

[vskid3]

K&N filter likely did nothing except maybe raise your wide open throttle power a tiny bit. Check out the Ultragauge if you want a cheaper version of the Scangauge.

[Hardattack]

I would think you would be right on that but I already had it. Read some post that even said the k&n isn't as good of a filter as a paper filter. Need lot better equipment than I have laying arround to test that though.

[digital rules]

Originally Posted by vskid3

K&N filter likely did nothing except maybe raise your wide open throttle power a tiny bit.

Yep, the K&N can potentially shorten the length of the engine & it will not provide any MPG gain. OEM is the way to go for maximum filtration & engine life.

"That said, both the cotton gauze type (K&N) and foam filters (Amsoil & Jackson Racing) showed the same levels of filtration. Both performed poorly compared to the fiberous or paper filters (Napa, Baldwin, and Mazda).

Air Filtration Test - Bob is the Oil Guy - Bob is the Oil Guy
Air Filter Filtration Test - Bob is the Oil Guy - Bob is the Oil Guy

[digital rules]

Originally Posted by vskid3

Check out the Ultragauge if you want a cheaper version of the Scangauge.

I second & third getting some type of gauge as it is one of the most cost effective mods you can make. I was able to pick up 2 Ultragauges for $50.00 each on a group buy.

[Hardattack]

Ok ok I will get some kind of scan gauge going in very near future. I have been looking around your car and I see several with low resistant tires on a lot of them. I've not ever paid attention to that term while looking for tires could some one help me out on that.

[Hardattack]

Nevermind I found info on tires.

[Hardattack]

Not to use this to test wai but made a 153 mile work then to football trip today. Long drive and a little different terrain than regular trip to work and back. Bout fell out when I finished topping tank off and saw 4.018 gallons on pump. That's 38.07 mpg for the trip. Now that's not a 1500 mile average I'm going for but have to say I was pleased with it. No gauge yet but it's coming.