scangauge mpg increase

[Dcarver]

I was just wondering how much of an increase I can see with a scangauge in terms of mpg with my 5.7 Chevy Tahoe? I use this as my DD because of the space it allows for my family and the ability to tow 6k lbs. I also couldn't afford a decent diesel. Anyway I'm averaging about 16mpg combined and its tuned up properly, tires inflated to max sidewall, I do my very best to not go over 55mph when on the freeway and coast as much as possible up to stop lights so I won't have to stop completely.
I know this thing is a brick and the engine isn't ideal but its what I got and I guess it can challenge the best Eco driver so please any tips on increasing the combined mpg to 18 or better would be appreciated.
Also, reverting back to my original question, will a scangauge help me specifically?
Thanks

[UltArc]

100+ Hypermiling / ecodriving tips & tactics for better mpg - EcoModder.com

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

Five from each will get you past 18 mpg...lol

A scanguage does nothing special to the car. 10 SGiis hooked up to a car would make zero difference- it's how you use it. It gives you instant feedback, and that is what will help guide you.

Some like the challenge, some like the guidance, but mostly everyone agrees the instant feedback is the most crucial piece.

I know your challenge, when my Escort was ready to be sent away for good, I was driving a 4.6 2008 F150 (4x4, quad cab)- I only got 19.x to the tank with driving and zero feedback. You have already honed your skills at this point very well, with a more thirsty engine you have seen better. With feedback, further driving style improvements and potential modifications, you could see some very good performance (for the circumstance). Check out Diesel Dave, he puts a lot of hybrids to shame.

[MetroMPG]

Sounds to me like you're already using the "big two" driving techniques (moderate speed on the highway; coasting & "driving without brakes" in the city).

So your capacity for improvement is going to be smaller than a typical driver starting from scratch.

That said, even though I've been using efficient driving techniques for years, I still never leave home without a gauge in the car. As UltArc says, the instant feedback is the key: it keeps you focused. It can also help turn the task of driving into a bit of a game (with a payback).

If you're worried about cost, go for used. You'll have to be more patient to find a used one at a good price, but they're out there. If you decide it doesn't help you, you'll be able to re-sell it for probably the same price.

Don't forget though: these gauges also let you read/reset your check engine light, and provide additional gauge/sensor info beyond MPG. You'll probably find that alone makes it worth having around.

[UltArc]

I always forget that when discussing pro/cons! I just noticed a "code reader" at wal mart the other day, and it was 99.xx for it- I couldn't believe one would waste that when they can get a SCii or UG.

[Dcarver]

thanks for the info! I never thought to check the 65 mods page because I didn't think anything would apply to my tahoe, but I think I'm going to try the side mirror delete, grill block, and possible underbelly pan (if I can find some large cardboard to do so). I've already done some weight reduction by removing the spare, jack, and just general crap that has no reason to be in there lol.
I guess I hold off on the scanguage. I think i'm going to go for the bluetooth OBD2 module that works with the torque app for my phone. Its only $20 so that doesn't seem like too much of a waste to me.

[wmjinman]

The ScanGauge will help if you want to do testing. I found with my ScanGauge on my 2000 Jimmy that the grille block did wonders, for example. I also found that folding the mirrors back made almost no difference, but removing the luggage rack on top (which I almost NEVER use) saved almost 1/2 mpg. Experimental rear fender skirts showed no effect, either, nor did removing the windshield wipers. (But other people's results with other cars are different, thus that's where the ScanGauge really earns it's keep.)

The thing I liked most was the table I was able to create of mpg vs speed. ScanGauge testing allowed me to make a really good graph so I now know how much it helps to go at certain speeds. And that applies to going faster as well as slower. I know I get better mileage at 40 than 35 in the Jimmy, so if I'm on a road that's posted 35, I know that "cheating" and going 40 will actually have better mpg results.

[vskid3]

Originally Posted by Dcarver

I guess I hold off on the scanguage. I think i'm going to go for the bluetooth OBD2 module that works with the torque app for my phone. Its only $20 so that doesn't seem like too much of a waste to me.

The Torque app is great. However, a big advantage of the Scangauge (at least to me) is that you just plug it in and that's it. You don't have to mount your phone every time you get in the car, make sure the scanner and phone have connected, figuring out why its not connecting, etc. If you already use your phone as a GPS or for music it won't be as much of an issue.
Another option is the Ultragauge. Its about half the price of the Scangauge and you end up getting much more (in my opinion). The only reason to get the Scangauge is to use X-Gauges, which are mainly for diesels and hybrids.

[Fat Charlie]

There's a lot of slop when you've just got a speedometer and your ears for feedback. With an SG or UG, you'll find that you tend to get a lot deeper into the throttle than you have to be. "Instant feedback" isn't just some mantra they're repeating here, it's the most valuable single "technique."

I really liked Torque. Anything your car has a sensor for can be displayed any way you want in a really good looking package. I used it for less than three months, though, because a dedicated display is better than swapping your phone in and out all the time.

[XYZ]

Originally Posted by Dcarver

Anyway I'm averaging about 16mpg combined and its tuned up properly, tires inflated to max sidewall...

You can inflate your tires considerably more than the sidewall rating. For example, if the sidewall rating is 28, you can easily inflate to 40 PSI. You can expect better FE from over-inflation, but also a much harder ride.

As was implied, getting a scan gauge won't automatically produce better FE. It will give you information presented in real time, some of which might be useful. Changing your driving habits often comes down to keeping your foot off the gas and off the brakes as much as possible. But when in traffic it's not always possible, and there is only so much you can do.

[UltArc]

Originally Posted by XYZ

You can inflate your tires considerably more than the sidewall rating. For example, if the sidewall rating is 28, you can easily inflate to 40 PSI. You can expect better FE from over-inflation, but also a much harder ride.

As was implied, getting a scan gauge won't automatically produce better FE. It will give you information presented in real time, some of which might be useful. Changing your driving habits often comes down to keeping your foot off the gas and off the brakes as much as possible. But when in traffic it's not always possible, and there is only so much you can do.

Honestly, for any human being, I think that it would automatically improve their driving if they looked at it. If every car had some simple SC data projecting on the windscreen, I think people would accidentally (subconsciously) do less things poorly- racing to a light, racing away, so on.

To me, the big advantage to SC over UG is being interactive. The UG is very difficult to navigate while on the move, and not quite as user friendly. The SG is better for testing and messing with often (ants in the pants? lol).

However, the UG has a better appearance (although is much harder to mount for the same reasons), can easily show 2 more screens at the same ease to read, and for half the price, it is hard to argue.

Personally, I never use my UG unless it's something rare. Checking my temps in the Mustang, it never goes past 220~, my hot to cold idiot gauge has NEVER been closer to hot than cold, even at high 220s (never been higher), but, sometimes I like to double check. Little things like that. It's not bad for a little data hub, but I would never try to use it for testing, and I find it difficult to navigate. I got my UG as a gift, personally, I miss the extra info in the Insight, but the use of the UG is not worth the price + an adapter for 2 OBDii, and any day I'd rebuy the SGii over the UG.

There are more in depth threads on the topic, check the search bar at the top left, and Youtube videos may shed some light for you. Either way, there is a lower chance of someone breaking into your car for a SC/UG (little box with a phone line in it?) than a mobile phone/pda/smartphone.