tuning an escort zx2 for better fuel economy?

[racerboy146]

Has anyone here ever tried using a sct xcalibrator (or equivalent) to tune their zx2 (or maybe focus, as they use the same engine) to get better fuel economy? I have a '99 escort zx2 that I drive 80 miles daily, and while I'm getting decent fuel economy in my eyes (38 average, with no aero mods), I wouldn't mind getting better mpg if I could for next to nothing. I already have an sct xcalibrator that came with my project car, a fire damaged 2003 zx2 that was turbocharged, but the tuner is locked onto my 2003, which isn't running yet, so I can't use the tuner on my '99 unless I went and swapped ecu's around, which I don't feel like doing unless I know I will get results.

So, has anyone else flash tuned their ecu for better mpg? I know you can use the tuner to lean out the air/fuel mixture, but I don't know it can be safely done. I know some cars have extra rich tunes from the factory, but don't know if the zx2 has one. Also, I know I can advance the timing, but I don't think I will do that, as I run 87 octane most of the time, and don't want any detonation.

Thanks

Brody