yet another tacoma member - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

HJC · 03-25-2008, 09:38 PM

Hello all,

Gasoline expense has been getting to me so I'm gonna try my best to conserve. Luckily this site's got some pretty good advice.

The last time I tried to conserve, I got 24mpg highway at best. Now, after reading some of these tips, such as driving behind big rigs, 55mph max and coasting on downward slopes, I'm gonna see what I can do. Aiming for 30mpg mixed city/hwy.

I've got a 03 2.4L Tacoma Reg Cab with 4sp auto tranny. Since my truck is bottom of the line, I don't even have a trip odometer. So I gotta wait for my next fillup to start counting.

SVOboy · 03-25-2008, 09:41 PM

Welcome to the site!

How do you feel about an aero cap for the truck?

HJC · 03-25-2008, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SVOboy

Welcome to the site!

How do you feel about an aero cap for the truck?

It depends on the price. I've seent the one here from Bondo. It looks pretty decent to me, regardless of what others say.

However, I don't think such an item can be made too affordable. Under $500... maybe, but I doubt it can be had for so little.

SVOboy · 03-25-2008, 10:01 PM

You can always make your own. I actually thing that would be a lot of fun and a sweet experience.

HJC · 04-05-2008, 01:35 PM

Just got done with some 389 mile freeway trips. Using coasting, drafting, 33psi tires (27stock), tonneau, and 55-60mph speeds, I got an average of 27.x mpg. Not bad considering EPA is 19city/23hwy.

Goal is now 23city/30hwy.

I'll probably get the city one in a weeks or two since it's mostly all I do for my daily commute. The most dramatic thing I can do now is aero mods I believe. Might block the top grill between the headlights, leaving the bumper opening for air to flow to the radiator.

MetroMPG · 04-05-2008, 09:01 PM

Grille block will help. Is an electric cooling fan an option for you?

DifferentPointofView · 04-06-2008, 01:24 AM

yea, mechanical fans suck something bad with FE, but do a darned good job of cooling the engine.

}{ead$hot Zod · 04-06-2008, 09:58 AM

Is that the 4x2?. Wait until Bush's check comes and put it towards a carbon fiber driveshaft. You will save 2/3 of the weight on your driveshaft and you will perpetually have a few free extra hp and a vehicle that excelerates a bit quicker.

HJC · 04-06-2008, 02:35 PM

I'll be looking into electric fans and the driveshafts. But with anything, cost vs benefit is going to be the deciding factors. Thanks for the advice guys.

HJC · 04-06-2008, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by }{ead$hot Zod

Is that the 4x2?. Wait until Bush's check comes and put it towards a carbon fiber driveshaft. You will save 2/3 of the weight on your driveshaft and you will perpetually have a few free extra hp and a vehicle that excelerates a bit quicker.

Yeah, it's a 4x2 with auto tranny.