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Old 01-11-2015, 05:45 PM   #1 (permalink)
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Went from 23 to 28 mpg.

Since Ive owned my suzuki sidekick I get if I am really careful 30 mpg, but on average 23 mpg. I assumed it was part my driving style, 3 size larger tires and 20 psi inflation.

I changed all the gear boxes to synthetic mobile 1 oil, engine to a 5w20 volvine synthetic blend and replaced all the brake parts. Had a frozen cylinder up front. I also went from the auto locking hubs to manual lockers, new speakers and wires. I dont think that did anything, but it was also done.

Takes less throttle to go and coasts further. 0-60 seems about the same and I do not FAS. Biggest improvement is I can enter 5th gear at 30 mph and accelerate. Before I had to go almost 45 before entering 5th and if I slowed to 40 had to drop back to 4th to accelerate.

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Old 01-12-2015, 09:07 AM   #2 (permalink)
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Geo XL1 - '94 Geo Metro
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Boat tails and more mods
90 day: 72.22 mpg (US)

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.

Nearly a 18% improvement.

Now add drag reduction clips to the disc brakes and have the alignment checked.



>
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Old 01-12-2015, 09:17 AM   #3 (permalink)
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CM400E - '81 Honda CM400E
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Nice job.
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Old 01-12-2015, 09:35 AM   #4 (permalink)
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The New Focus - '07 Ford Focus ZX5
90 day: 32.44 mpg (US)
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Curious if you have a theory on where the gain was made? Like do you think it was all the locked caliper? Or the new hubs that you are now sure are free wheeling? 18% improvement from new oil would be pretty amazing lol.

Either way, great job putting some maintenance towards better MPG!
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2007 Ford Focus ZX5 - 91k - SGII, pending upper and lower grill bocks - auto trans
1987 Monte Carlo SS - 5.3/4L80E swap - 13.67 @ 106
2007 Ford Focus Estate - 230k - 33mpg - Retired 4/2018
1995 Saturn SL2 - 256K miles - 44mpg - Retired 9/2014

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Old 01-12-2015, 05:47 PM   #5 (permalink)
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Well, to tell you the truth I wrote off the mpg due to having the tires inflated to 20 psi. I had heard the change from auto to manual locking hubs helps for 2 mpg and I had problems with one sticking and not slipping.

I kind of knew one of the brakes was sticking up front, but I usually engine brake. The engine Ive always used regular oil, but the synthetic mix had a toy car and was 15 bucks for 5 qts, so I couldnt resist. I also no longer have a few drops of oil where I park like before.

My mod for a softer ride was to go to 8 inch wide rims from the stock 6 ones. I found arca racing rims are about the same weight, but made of steel. About 25 lbs is the weight of the alloys. Regular dot approved steelies are like 50 lbs a piece.

I am running p235/75r15 yoko touring S tires vs the typical off road mud or swamper tires.
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Old 01-12-2015, 07:54 PM   #6 (permalink)
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Maechunbu - Retired - '00 Kia Sephia 1.8I4 16VDOHC
Last 3: 45.28 mpg (US)

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post a picture please!
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Old 01-12-2015, 08:23 PM   #7 (permalink)
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Post a photo of my vehicle? As you can see I removed a lot of stuff, lowered it and blocked the grill.



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Old 01-13-2015, 09:24 AM   #8 (permalink)
Not bad for a machine
 
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Maechunbu - Retired - '00 Kia Sephia 1.8I4 16VDOHC
Last 3: 45.28 mpg (US)

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Yeah buddy, Looks nice! I like the big tires without being mud tires! perfect fit too!
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Old 01-13-2015, 04:17 PM   #9 (permalink)
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Josie - '87 Toyota Pickup
90 day: 40.02 mpg (US)

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Any other aero besides the grille?

I've always kind of liked the Sidekick/Tracker twins. My son isn't a big person and doesn't like big cars, I've thought that an earlier two-door model might suit him, get him above the traffic so he can see while still being a halfway thrifty ride.
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Old 01-13-2015, 05:18 PM   #10 (permalink)
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The New Focus - '07 Ford Focus ZX5
90 day: 32.44 mpg (US)
Thanks: 142
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Looks like a MB G-wagon with the black paint and tint

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2007 Ford Focus ZX5 - 91k - SGII, pending upper and lower grill bocks - auto trans
1987 Monte Carlo SS - 5.3/4L80E swap - 13.67 @ 106
2007 Ford Focus Estate - 230k - 33mpg - Retired 4/2018
1995 Saturn SL2 - 256K miles - 44mpg - Retired 9/2014

Cost to Operate Spreadsheet for "The New Focus"

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