Hey guys, I'm having a lot of trouble keeping up with the swelling gas prices. I was wondering if there was anything I can do to increase fuel economy by a few miles per gallon other than the simple stuff like tune ups and stuff (cuz I do that regularly). I was thinking, would a good aftermarket ignition coil and a ignition box increase fuel economy alot? And is there anything else that would give me better mileage, (note that I don't wanna change my gear ratio).

 

Man, that's the big question today! I'll tell you what I am doing and the results as it goes.

My car is a 92 Z-28 with a 5.7 L98 TPI. It has about 140,000 K plus. Recently, the mileage had dwindled down to just under 16 mpg as I drive about 38 miles a day in North Dallas city traffic.

Each oil change I add a 12oz can of AVBLEND (LinKite-about $20.00 at the local FBO). This adds a minor increase, about one mpg, but I primarily use it to add longevity to the engine which still does not smoke but does need a quart of oil at each oil change (between 3500 to 5000 miles).

After a new distributer cap and rotor (stock parts) it stepped up to 18 mpg. I don't rod the car at all primarily because the tranny is about ready to shell out and cops are just below every rise, behind every screen wall, behind every fence, you get the picture. But, again, the cap and rotor alone made a measureable difference. I keep a calculator in the console and check mileage at each fill up. So I am very aware of the car's performance each week.

Just this weekend I installed Bosch Ford D9B 22.5 injectors (from FIVE-O who I would advise you to consider). I am told they should help mileage and power which I will find out by this coming Wednesday. I will be driving to Bossier City LA to get a Level One tranny installed by the boys at Raptor Transmissions.

After that, new Bosch Platinum Plugs and a new O2 sensor (I have to work up the nerve to replace the plugs in that S-O-B!). Anyone that has ever done it on a 92-Z28 with an L98 knows what I'm talking about.

So, I will some data on the injectors going out, and the transmission coming back. I'll let you know what these mods do when I get back if you are interested.

Regards, Eds92Z

 

Headers, catback, CAI, cruise control, weight watchers

 

Run the thinnest oil possible.

5w30 in our cars case.

Dont run below a 180 degree t-stat. Keep it hotter.

Experient with tire pressure. More = less resistance, but u need to find the line between comfort and tire life without excessive wear.

Learn to do your own prom tuning with a wideband. Biggest bang for the buck right here. U can tailor your tuning to how you drive the car.

Complete tuneup and everything in god working order.

Headers and catback will help increase efficiency also.

Single biggest effect? Personal driving style, no jack rabbit starts, heavy braking, etc, time yourself with lites and drive easy and steady.

later
Jeremy

 

OK, Just got back today and here are the results from my transmission trip.

With recent rotor cap and rotor city driving just above 15 mpg to a solid 18 mpg. No modified driving habits.

Trip to Bossier City with new Bosch Ford D9B 22.5 injectors (Highway dirving)
22.7 mpg. 241 miles with some hot test miles 10.6 gals burned=22.7mpg

Trip back with Raptor Level One transmission, 224 miles 9.07 gals burned=24.6 (cruising at 70+)

This car shifts a bit differently now, a lot more positive with the vett servos and a 1950 stall speed. Will see how it goes. We also have a 91 Honda Accord 4 cyl. 5 spd. that gets 29 mpg. So, I would have to say what I get is not bad for this size engine.

Next, new plugs and O2sensor. I want to see if I can push city driving over 20 mpg and highway to 26 or better without getting run over.

I am also very interested in Hydrogen Generators. Not to just burn all hydrogen which would be very cool, but enough to enhance combustion and add mileage. To modify a car to run on "hydrogen only" would require stainless steel valves, seats, and exhaust system. There are some interesting developments out there, I might try one or two just to see if they really work. 1 cubic foot of water can produce over 1200 cubic feet of hydrogen. You could go a long way on a little water. But, it takes a lot of electrical power to produce the hydrogen needed to run 100% hydrogen to bypass Chevron, Exxon, Citgo, BP, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Mexico, Canada, etc.

Lets all keep trying! Even a stopped clock finds the target time twice a day.

Ed.

 

there is a product out ther calle a helix power stack that claims to boost power by 20 horse and gas milege by 2-6 mpg. no i stand by this for a tbi equipped car because i ran one and went from 180 to 12.7 gallons of gas to 240 to the same amount and that was shhifting at 3500 plus in all gears(i have a fun adjusted tv cable, the car wouldnt shift below 2800). however i dont know if it will work the same on a tpi. it works by spinning the air as it enters the intake and supposedly the fuel along with it and allows for better atomization of the air/fuel mixture. now on teh tbi it goes underneath the throttlbody assembly and on top of the intake manifold. now on this type of injection system the air and the fuel go into the same place and thus can be spun at the same time. however on the tip this piece goes between the throttle body and the plenum. so i can see how it would spin the air as it enters the engine, i have a hard time seeing how the air still spins when the fuel is introduced. if it sounds interesting to go here Helix Power Tower Plus - Throttle Body Spacer. i believe they cost around 100 bucks but you may bec able to find them cheaper if google is your friend. i may in the future decide to buy it to see if it works but i am strapped for cash and will have to wait. in case any tbi readers are here and reading this post they do have one for tbi camaros but it isnt listed under camaro it is listed under jimmy but it seems to have been removed from the main site i found it here at Street and Performance Electronics Helix Power Tower - S10 / Blazer / Jimmy one will work for the tbi unit. ignore the picture it is just eh baisic picture for thire product it will bolt on to the camaro tbi unit.
oh and any plug other than a regular ac delco or rapid fire plug is a wast of money as there is no benefit to multi electrode spark plugs THEY DO NOTHING.

 

My 87 5.7 TPI IROC typically gets about 19-20 mpg in Honolulu city driving. It has an MSD distributor, Hyperchip and 160-degree thermo. With more than 175K on the original engine and drivetrain, it's not too bad. Since prices went up I went to 89 octane fuel, and always accelerate fairly hard at stop light. Passing gear is ok too, have not noticed the knock sensor complaining, even with 8-degrees advance instead of the usual 6-degrees. It has cheap Bosch platinum plugs with about 90K.

 

You will get better gas mileage if you gut or remove your pussycats