how can I improve MPG??
 

Just wondering how I can improve my MPG on my 2002 Protege 5??
Maybe a new exhaust?
I'm new to all this so something in laymens terms would be appreciated.
Thanks!

Cold air intake

10 tips for improving MPG:

1. Driving style. More then any one thing:
Quit flailing the car. Drive like you're on the track and you'll get track-like mpg.
Ease off the gas and coast more, like to stoplights. Time it so you don't have to stop. Brakes are the devil.
Draft semis...a couple car lengths is enough to see improvements. Careful though.
Shift early, before 4000 rpms. Avoid WOT like a STD
2. Air up...take the oem recommended psi and add just 2-3 more lbs per tire
3. Run a 0- or 5- weight synthetic oil. I prefer a 0-30 Amsoil.
4. Stay on top of maintenance items...air filter, spark plugs, o2 sensor, fuel injectors cleaned.
5. You MSpeed guys need to stay out of boost.
6. Improving intake/exhaust efficiency is not just for power...it can net more mpg if driven softly. But come on, the increased power gets tapped too frequently to put this higher on the list.
7. Highway driving is good but watch the top speed...mpg typically drop like a rock over 70mph.
8. Nice even throttle input, no passing squirts.
9. Avoid idling for more then 2 minutes. Shut the car off if you sit longer. If the engine is running and the car is not moving, you're getting 0 mpg.
10. Plan driving times around traffic patterns. Stuck in rush hour not only sucks, but it really sucks.

i agree as well, just bought mine in april and the first thing that came along was an intake, i put it in about a month ago, bought one from ebay, didn't cost me more than fifty bucks, besides giving an awesome sound, improved throttle response, its one of the most easiest, cheap mods you can do for your car. I noticed a considerable difference when im on the highway.

-take care

Here is the key one..... DON"T USE A/C

first picture going for a nice brisk walk. Then picture strapping on a 45 pound back pack on your back. thats what you do to your car every time you hit that green button lol ;)

second, Upgrade to a better airfilter, and if your serious in going one step further go for a cold air intake. Your car will feel light on its feet,


third, quality plugs or in general replacing plugs regular will keep it running at peak effiency... don't let it slide.

I currently get 612km on a full take of 87 grade fuel. w/auto, I rarely drive over 105, any more and your fuel consumption will rise 1% for every 2 kmp/h. hahhaha burn baby burn.

Just want to thank all you guys for giving me this advice, it's much appreciated. When you don't know much about this things, it's difficult to navigate through the info. After searching through these posts, and looking at some protege mod pics, I think I've caught the bug! Thanks again, guys.

One more question...
Can anyone recommend some gear? (air filters, cold air intake etc.)
Maybe send some links?
Thanks again.

for CAI, most of us get the ones from ebay and upgrade the filters to the K&N or that sorts, which you can get at a local auto supply store, or also, online.

For plugs like the previous post mentioned, NGK are the best, Iridium IX if you can efford it, (ask mcdaddy, he swears by these plugs).

cheers,

i get about 28-31mpg in mine with intake, exhaust

Cool, thanks guys.
I know this will create a few laughs, but I actually have an automatic transmission... will a CAI still be effective?

yea the auto's suck for mileage

You could move to a higher altitude. Since moving to Colorado, my P5 is averaging 36.5 mpg. In San Diego I could hardly get 30. Of course there's the loss of power penalty that comes with the increased mileage :violin: . I now go over 400 miles between fill-ups.
Paul

lordy, I'm pretty lead-footed and I get about 280mpt.

i was getting 400 miles per tank...now that i'm catless i get 360ish

In Georga!? Oh, you must have the 18 gallon tank option.

drive like a granny. keep all your shifts to below 3000 rpm and keep the accelerator steady.

holy crap guys, im gettin less than 300mpt. would flashing the ecu help before i get my cai?

I have a CAI for sale if anyone is interested...used just a day....identical to the Injen. It's for '99 and up, Sadan 2.0L only (not for 1.6 or 1.8L 5's.). Will fit MP3.
Make me an offer... send me an IM for a picture.

There was an 18 gallon tank option? I never heard about that. My mileage was so depressing I stopped thinking about it. I drive too fast, I know, but oh well.

If anyone is serious about drafting semi's, at only a few car lengths, you're nuts. The push bar on the back of the trailer will come through your windshield very nicely when some :asshole: cuts him off and he hits the brakes. Serious ouch.
HOWEVER, be of good cheer :) . From my old motorcycle experience, I know that the suction zone of a trailer can extend for OVER 200 feet. By staying back a reasonable distance, (two seconds, or count "one hippopotamus, two hippopotamus..), you can react to stupid driver tricks and still get the majority of the draft. I used to improve my cycle's mileage from 45 mpg to 52 mpg with this trick. In fact, too close invites rocks, flipped up road trash, and horrific left-right-left mini tornadoes off the trailer that will make your sweetie car-sick :barf: .
FWIW; I recently calculated my mileage for new-to-14,000+ miles. Got 29.6 overall. Not too shabby :bt: .

bump
I hate the rocks and debris that hit my windshield.....
One day some dump truck going to a construction site (clear markings on the truck about some construction company) and driving in the left lane was leaking out a substantial amount of sand from the bottom of his truck bed as he was going down the interstate. I was a ways back but was hearing the sand hit my car....hated it but I had to get right behind him before I could pass him (slow traffic on the right...hate waiting on those going less than the speed limit arg*%&$# :fu: ). I then got concerned about my K&N filter handling all of the fine sand...Finally I was able to speed around him, and as I did I honked and pointed at the back of his truck as did everyone else who also passed him (on the right). I suppose that when he got to his destination his boss was not pleased that he had no sand left....Hahahaha. Thought about that half the day with a smile on my face, but still didn't like the sand being pelted against my car at over 70mph.

Okay, well....this post had nothing to do with mileage. I get about 28mpg on the highway....have an automatic. No idea what I get in the city or average.

That was just a little humor, sorry.

I thought I might have been making an ass out of myself after I posted that, but you sounded so serious and it sorta made sense after he said he was getting the same milleage you got in the rockys. I'm gonna stop talking now.

Uh, i am regularly getting 30 to 33 MPG (short ram intake, but wider tires) on my 5 spd P5 - which equates to 418+ miles on a tank of 87 oct....

And i drive it like i stole it!! ;)

I get anywhere between 550km to the tank to 600km, which is around 345 to 375miles:

-But i drive usualy way to fast, i.e. of the line, while passing, yadda yadda...
-Those tanks are a mix of about 70% hwy, and 30% city and idle.

Specs about car affecting mileage:
- AEM Ram air

- And yess the hang my head in shame "don't ask for my excuuse :tear: " AuTo Tran

But I mean truth of the matter: someone once told me if you want Mileage by a VW, when you buy a Mazda you are just in in for the smiles per gallon. and if that is not a good comparision.... Go drive a 8 Cyl truck for a while trust me you won't be looking at the odemeter when you fill your tank up... :bt:

G,