Alright, a bit of a break from the usual "How can I go faster?!" threads - what are some ways to improve the fuel economy of the Lancer? I know that with perfect conditions (i.e. open highway, flat ground, cruise control, and a tailwind) you can get close to 36 MPG; however, in the city I normally get around 24 MPG and I would like to get a bit better than that since gas looks like it will be at $3.00 a gallon for awhile.

Any suggestions?

 

Sorry, I'm not trying to sound like a jerk, but how can you complain about 24mpg around town? I doubt your going to get much sympathy from anyone on here, I can hardly get 24 on the highway. You want to get better gas mileage... go buy a Prius.

 

I'm not complaining - I just think I can get better out of the engine. Plus the 24 is ideal - I'm actually in a range between 18-24.

 

Sorry, I didn't realize this was under a reg. lancer forum, I wouldn't have posted. I'll try to keep my eye on that in the future.

 

u can get header, test pipe and cat sytem for more flow but fuel eco is already messed up its hard to fix it unless more people buy hybird

 

No worries - I would be interested to see what could be done with the Evo's engine for fuel economy as well.

From what I have been reading anything that opens up the air flow should be helpful so right now I am looking at a SRI intake, upgraded cat-back exaust system, and Piggyback ECU. From there we will see what happens for future mods (i.e. lighter weight pulleys, intake manifold, and header). However, I am personally hoping for MPG gains of about 10% and if I can hit that I will be very happy.

 

Best bet is getting a piggyback and leaning out your fuel curve.

 

The RRM flywheel should help out a little too.

 

You want better economy, start with the little things that arent considered "power mods" ....

Ditch the 17s for some nice lightweight 15 inch rims.
Maintain proper tyre pressures.
Make sure your car is aligned.
Refrain from goign flat foot, change before 3K if you have a manual, and anticipate stops and gos. If you slowly decelerate and slowly accelerate, it saves gas.
Make sure you air cleaner element is clean and all your fluids are up to par.
Lighten the car. Make sure all the crap like books, extra tools etc are out.

I can keep going and going.

If all else fails, take the bus .

 

^or have car sit there forever

 

You forgot to keep the car's exterior nicely waxed as well.

Pretty much all of the "non-power mods" i have done at this point - I've learned to adapt my driving techniques to the traffic and road conditions, my 60k mile maintenance was recently done so all of the fluids are clean, I'm still rocking my original 15" rims, and alignment was done recently as well.

As such, I am now looking for the modifications that can increase the fuel economy a bit while at the same time increasing the power a bit - I know that I'm not going to be breaking 200WHP from the basic modifications; however, if I can get my fuel economy up to around 26/36 or even 28/38 I would be extremely pleased. Plus, considering the fact that I want to keep my car as long as I can, such things would be paid off over time by fuel savings.

 

see mods in my sig. Lowest MPG I get ragging on my car is about 25MPG. If I drive like I didn't steal it I would be upper 20's. Highway is mid 30's... I need to tune my car though. It is still running a tad rich.

 

I get an average of 32 mpg. And I don't drive like a sissy. I pass people and I take off quite sometimes. Half a tank lasts me almost 190 to 200 miles.

 

wow really? I put half a tank in and its gone in about a week... and it doesnt feel like 200 miles... its $3.50/gallon so about $25 for half tank. $25 per week.

 

oops double post