94 Camry Ecomod Ideas

[riva2model64]

Hey everyone! I don't see too many Camry ecomods around here!

So I've got a 94 Camry 3.0 V6 auto in decent running condition. I use some basic hypermiling techniques such as DWB, DWL and look ahead for traffic lights.

I average around 22 MPG and I'm looking to do mods to bump my FE, without spending too much money. I can't do the mods myself as I don't have the equipment or knowledge. Here's what I'm thinking:

Power Steering Delete- Not sure how much this is going to cost.

New Hi-flow Cat- Around $600.

Manual transmission swap- Around $2500 (yikes), car was never offered with a Manual transmission which is why the swap is more expensive than normal.

Modern exhaust- $300- $900 I reckon.

AC Delete- I hardly use it at all so it's mostly just dead weight.

Just wanted to share some of my ideas with you all. Anyone with any advice feel free to chime in.

[Insight for life]

If your only getting 22 mpg, i would recommend a 4cylgood camry instead. My wife averages 30-35mpg in her 96.

[MetroMPG]

It may not be the advice you're looking for....

But I agree with Insight: if you're considering spending that amount of money on some of the mods on your list, I would instead start watching for a more efficient car.

But to your list:

Power Steering Delete- Not sure how much this is going to cost.

I don't think you'll find a shop willing to do this for you. And the Camry has very heavy steering minus assist. (I wouldn't drive one without it for convenience/safety reasons.)

New Hi-flow Cat- Around $600.
Modern exhaust- $300- $900 I reckon.

Neither will help your mileage. At the low RPM eco-drivers tend to operate their engines, your factory exhaust has enough capacity.

Manual transmission swap- Around $2500 (yikes), car was never offered with a Manual transmission which is why the swap is more expensive than normal.

A manual is one of the best things you could have to improve milage (particularly urban), but $2500 is getting into the range where you can find a different 4-cyl manual car!

AC Delete- I hardly use it at all so it's mostly just dead weight.

Can't argue with removing dead weight. But its impact is relatively small, pound for pound. So if you're paying someone to do the work, you'll likely not see a reasonable return on investment.

[riva2model64]

@Insight: you're right, the 4cyl uses a lot less gas. I am trying to see if it is viable to mod my car up to a high 20s range, however.

@Metro: Heh, read my mind. . I'd rather keep the car (it's driving well since I've owned it ), there's no real reason to trade it in other than the low FE. I was hoping to boost the MPG by around 5 or so, somehow. . So I could have better MPG, but V6 acceleration when I want it

Power Steering: I was afraid of how heavy the steering would be. I was hoping there was another reason no one did this on Camrys.

Hi-flo cat and exhaust: I realize this one is a gamble. I've googled it a bit and see that some people benefit in terms of MPG while others don't. The reasons why are unknown to me.

Manual: yes, the 4spd auto is definitely an FE bog but you're right, for $2500 another more fuel efficient vehicle starts to makes sense.

AC delete: true.

Well, looks like I've got to think of other ways. .

[MetroMPG]

Start by getting fuel economy instrumentation. It'll be the best investment you make, bar none. And you can take the new skills you develop as a result to a more efficient car ... eventually.

Since the current Camry is pre-OBD-II, you'll have to use an MPGuino. (Too old for ScanGauge/ultragauge.) You'll also need assistance hooking it up (unlike a ScanGauge, which is plug'n'play in compatible cars).

But I'd still dump the V6 auto and get yourself a '96 or newer 4-cyl manual. (When you eventually do it, you'll kick yourself for having waited so long!)

[riva2model64]

Lol. . eventually hahaha!

Anyway, I'll start off with a Scangauge then. I should have got one sooner, as I often wonder whether slow or moderate acceleration results in ultimately less fuel used.

Also, My car is on the compatibility list for Scangauge: 1995 and Older : Linear Logic - Home of the ScanGauge

Does that mean I can use any model? Is there any model that you recommend for a newbie like myself? Thank you!

[MetroMPG]

Interesting. If they say it's on the list, I guess you can use any model.

You'll probably get the most bang for your buck from the ScanGauge "E". The "II" has a lot of features you'll probably never use (like programming custom gauges... which your older Camry probably doesn't support anyway).

[riva2model64]

Yeah, some vehicles seemed to have adopted OBD-II a little early for whatever reason.

Anyway, thanks for the help mate! ScangaugeE it is!

[MetroMPG]

No problemo.

Instrumentation is the best return on investment you can make. If you drive a regular route (eg. commute), you now have a way to start measuring your performance and challenging yourself to improve. With high frequency/resolution -- beats the heck out of monitoring tank by tank.

Study the 100+ Hypermiling Tips, make sure your tires are pumped up, and have fun with it.

The SG will also let you more accurately monitor things like your coolant temperature, so if you choose to make a simple grille block (you can do that yourself), you can ensure you've not blocked off too much.

[RobShelton]

Just an FYI on the OBD2 port on your Camry. Its hard to find! Actually look behind the change holder on the left side of the dash. Squeeze the tabs in on both sides of the change holder and it will hinge out. I look forward to hearing how you do, since we have several Camrys, including a 95 V6 LE.