Question: How To Improve Fuel Efficiency

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Aug 6, 2004 | 08:38 AM

tino1968

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Joined: Aug 2004

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Question: How To Improve Fuel Efficiency

I have a 95' Econoline with a 351 V8, what can I do to improve the fuel efficiency of my vehicle? Right now I am getting right at 16 mpg on the interstate @ 65 mph and 10-12
in the city. I already limit my speed to 65 mph or lower to conserve fuel.

What bolt-ons can I do to improve upon this.

Thanks
Tino

Aug 6, 2004 | 10:19 AM

86rustbucket

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From: Metamora

16 sounds pretty good to me, sounds like you average of about 14 mpg. The only suggestion that I have is to make sure that your van is running well (sounds like it is), keep the air filter clean and the tires inflated to the right pressure. I wouldn't think that many bolt ons would get you much more than 14 mpg.

Aug 6, 2004 | 01:51 PM

pfogle

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Joined: Feb 2003

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From: Oak Harbor, OH

Sorry Tino, that's the best you will get out of it. My '92 E150 351w(ho) gets ~16@70ish... 13.4 at 90.......

Aug 6, 2004 | 06:28 PM

85e150

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Joined: Apr 2004

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Yea, do the basics--tire pressure. I suppose you could do underdrive pulleys if you run a lot of hiway stuff--5w30 oil, if allowed per your owners manuel.

Belly pans and molded in mirrors.... remove wiper blades....

I remember Car & Driver tried to improve the mileage on a van in the '70s. Pulling the mirrors off and going to skinny tires were the only "practical" things that worked.

Aug 7, 2004 | 12:58 AM

Little Bro

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Joined: Feb 2004

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From: poulsbo, wa

I think you're doing quite well. Maybe you could reduce your load, if you happen to be carrying around extra stuff you don't need. But that's the glory of a full-size van--having what you need when you need it.