New 2017 Cruze 1.4L - WHERE TO START?
 

I just purchased a new 2017 Chevy Cruze LT Hatchback w/1.4L Turbo.

So far, it's a fun vehicle...and haven't even put 1,000mi on it yet! According to the on board computer, I'm getting between 30.5-32.5 mpg...and on one day, topping out at 40.1 mpg.

So....now what?! It's definitely getting modified!!...but what to do first?

I want to make changes that improve fuel efficiency, without making permanent modifications to the body of the vehicle (swapping parts is ok, I'll save the stock parts).

Where should I start?

A chip?
Air cleaner?
Make air dams for the inside of the grill?
Other improvements?

I'm writing, because I honestly don't know where to start, to gain the greatest bang for the buck... What's the best route to take?

If I go with a chip (and I probably will before too long), which brand works best? What is the best option that will NOT void factory warranty etc...?

I'm looking for advice, and hoping someone has already started down this path.

Thanks in advance!

Wayne

2011 Chevrolet Cruze

Or just get a Trifecta tune if you don't want to do a custom one.

TRIFECTA: +44 WHP and +51 ft-lbs on Chevrolet Cruze 1.4T MY2011-2015 (Jan2015 Update)

Didn't dig far enough to see if tunes would be same for 2017.

65+ Vehicle modifications for better fuel economy - EcoModder.com


EDIT: I'd start with tire pressure and a partial grille block. Maybe consider getting some pizza pans for your wheels.

An improved air dam or (if you're feeling adventurous, a belly pan) would be a good next step, and perhaps rear wheel spats.

I'm looking for something (electronic tuning) that doesn't take too much time...and hoping for a plug-and-play type of experience...that has proven to yield MPG increases while hopefully increasing performance.

Seems that I should strongly consider Trifecta...

Thanks for the feedback!

I've decided I don't want to make majorly noticeable modifications like wheel covers (yes, I still want it to look good! :p)...but I would consider wheel spats, and a tastefully build grill block (or rebuilt grill set all together)...as long as the original grill can be replace when I go to sell it.

Should I be looking at a specific cold air intake system (or build)? I'm hoping to get affordable improvements via things under the hood, rather than modifying appearance. :)

Cold air intakes improve power but decrease fuel economy. Performance tunes increase power but decrease fuel economy. In fact, most things that increase power will decrease economy, because you're going to have your throttle plate less open, creating more vacuum and thus higher losses.

You want - warm air intake, lean tune that will reduce power out of boost but improve economy

EDIT: You might look for some light weight rims, that can help with both acceleration and (city) economy. Low rolling resistance tires also help with both acceleration and economy, though often at the expense of either grip on dry roads (where you need it least anyway), or tire life.

How about an engine kill switch? Other proven under-the-hood modifications include power steering, A/C and alternator deletes.

You're burning gas to push a car across pavement and through air.

Most performance mods focus on how to burn more gas in order to push you across and through even faster.
Most ecomods focus on reducing the amount of energy required to push the car across and through.

If you want plug and play, low cost and stealth, then tire pressure and grille block are probably your only moves. If you're going to spend any money at all, get an SG or UG. They can be mounted unobtrusively, stay with you when you sell the car, and provide more real results than anything else.

Since your current gas mileage is only 30 to 33 MPG, your biggest gains will come from improved driving techniques. A Scangauge or Ultragauge is very helpful in doing this.

Set up the SG or UG to show trip mileage. It will start at zero every time you start the engine, and display the gas mileage for that trip. Make mental note of the MPG for regular trips, such as the commute to/from work, and focus on the effect of your driving habits. Learn about timing lights, DWL, DWB, maintaining a cushion, and moving with traffic.

It's a 2017 with a turbo. Essentially, mods are going to be worthless - expensive - or cause computer issues . Concentrate on driving technique.

Many of the mods in the master list don't apply to brand new turbo cars.

Start with an SGII.

All new cars come with fairly low resistance tyres, not much to be gained there.
Light weight alloy wheels don't really work because they're always terrible aerodynamically (unless you're prepared to hide them under smooth covers).
You should already have a smart alternator so not much to gain from a delete- plus could cause computer issues.
I'd guessing you have EPAS so again little to be had if you removed that.
You don't do a WAI on a turbo, you could maybe consider blanking part of the intercooler, that would raise the intake temp, but frankly I'd be wary of that.

I would however look into fitting the auto grill flaps from the Eco Cruize.

In short if you want to hypermile, buy a new car, if you want to Ecomod, buy something really old.

The major gains across all platforms come from reducing air drag and driving technique.