Dean Hedin
Active Member
I know this topic has been beaten like a dead horse...
I've decided to go on a "increase fuel economy" crusade.
My first step was to setup ProScan on a laptop with a ELM 327 ODB/USB interface so I could monitor gas mileage.
My 2003 Sport Trac has about 83K miles. It is 4wd with an automatic.
A few things special... It has 3.73 gears, It has Lear bed cap, a K&N air filter, and it has a Gibson stainless exhaust.
My commute to work is about 9 miles each way and is pretty much crowded suburban driving through northeast Philadelphia suburbs.
Proscan pretty much indicates what I already knew. I get anywhere between 15.5-17 mpg on my commute. It pretty much depends on how thick traffic is.
One thing I have found is that the Trac does best when it can get over 45 mph to engage overdrive. It pays to alter your commute route if the change allows you spend more time up to that speed, even if it takes a longer distance. In addition, getting it to go into overdrive at around 45mph requires the lightest touch of the pedal. Your really have to focus to get the best out of it.
My real suprise was how well my Trac does on the highway. I recently went out to a junk yard in Elizabethtown, PA to pickup a high series console. It was about 100 miles each way.
I actually got 25.5 mpg on that trip. I kept the speed between 60-65mph. I tried to keep with traffic. If there was a semi, I got behind him (but i wouldn't say I drafted).
I really think the Lear cap and the Gibson exhaust makes a big difference on the highway fuel mileage.
I have planned the next steps in my quest to increase mpg:
1) Change rear axle to Mobile 1. (done 2 weeks ago)
2) Change transmission fluid to Mobile 1 ATF (this weekend).
3) Switch to 0-30W Mobile 1 Engine oil (this weekend or next).
4) Add molybdenum disulfide additive to engine oil (as soon as it arrives).
5) Convert to Ford Taurus electric radiator fan (some time this winter).
I think items 3.4 & 5 will be particularly helpful in raising my commute (around town) mileage.
I'll try to post some meaningful data in this thread as I make the mods.
Wish me luck...
I've decided to go on a "increase fuel economy" crusade.
My first step was to setup ProScan on a laptop with a ELM 327 ODB/USB interface so I could monitor gas mileage.
My 2003 Sport Trac has about 83K miles. It is 4wd with an automatic.
A few things special... It has 3.73 gears, It has Lear bed cap, a K&N air filter, and it has a Gibson stainless exhaust.
My commute to work is about 9 miles each way and is pretty much crowded suburban driving through northeast Philadelphia suburbs.
Proscan pretty much indicates what I already knew. I get anywhere between 15.5-17 mpg on my commute. It pretty much depends on how thick traffic is.
One thing I have found is that the Trac does best when it can get over 45 mph to engage overdrive. It pays to alter your commute route if the change allows you spend more time up to that speed, even if it takes a longer distance. In addition, getting it to go into overdrive at around 45mph requires the lightest touch of the pedal. Your really have to focus to get the best out of it.
My real suprise was how well my Trac does on the highway. I recently went out to a junk yard in Elizabethtown, PA to pickup a high series console. It was about 100 miles each way.
I actually got 25.5 mpg on that trip. I kept the speed between 60-65mph. I tried to keep with traffic. If there was a semi, I got behind him (but i wouldn't say I drafted).
I really think the Lear cap and the Gibson exhaust makes a big difference on the highway fuel mileage.
I have planned the next steps in my quest to increase mpg:
1) Change rear axle to Mobile 1. (done 2 weeks ago)
2) Change transmission fluid to Mobile 1 ATF (this weekend).
3) Switch to 0-30W Mobile 1 Engine oil (this weekend or next).
4) Add molybdenum disulfide additive to engine oil (as soon as it arrives).
5) Convert to Ford Taurus electric radiator fan (some time this winter).
I think items 3.4 & 5 will be particularly helpful in raising my commute (around town) mileage.
I'll try to post some meaningful data in this thread as I make the mods.
Wish me luck...