2 easy ways to get better mpg

[Pete 2004 LS V-6]

Why do you say that?
Engine's wear more on cold start because all the metal parts aren't yet the right size (due to thermal expansion). The sooner they get to operating temperature, the less wear there will be...

I think they wear more at cold start because the oil is cold and does not flow as well as when it is at normal temp. I prefer to warm an engine up at lower RPMs. The reason they have it at a high RPM on cold start up is for smog control. The reason you hear oil additives clam to stick to the parts and not run down is that you have better lubrication on cold starts.

 

[joegr]

I think they wear more at cold start because the oil is cold and does not flow as well as when it is at normal temp. ...

That used to be true, but it is not true of the synthetic. If you are worried about oil flow when cold, switch to the 0W20 oil. Metal parts expand with temperature. The engine is designed for best parts clearances when it is at full operating temperature.

 

[Pete 2004 LS V-6]

That used to be true, but it is not true of the synthetic. If you are worried about oil flow when cold, switch to the 0W20 oil. Metal parts expand with temperature. The engine is designed for best parts clearances when it is at full operating temperature.

I don't own anything that calls for zero wt oil. Regardless of the oil an engine gets it's most ware at cold start, synthetic helps but still true. I prefer to warm it up at lower RPMs. I use Mobil 1 in everything I have but my Yamaha outboard motor.

 

[LS4me]

You can take out the spare tire... and the engine covers. And coast to red lights or off ramps. And keep the tank at a quarter... And have little windshield washer. You don't really need two kidneys, and I think shaving the beard will save weight. Oh and jeans, man they are heavy! Windshield wipers increase the drag, you can take those off and save more weight while gaining MPG's and decreasing your drag; talk about killing two birds with one stone.

Or get a different car (that's the average speed and we did some mountain driving [HWY 74 above Palm Desert])......

 

[1LoudLS]

Engine's wear more on cold start because all the metal parts aren't yet the right size (due to thermal expansion). The sooner they get to operating temperature, the less wear there will be...

Regardless of the oil an engine gets it's most ware at cold start, synthetic helps but still true. I prefer to warm it up at lower RPMs.

so then, you prefer to warm your engine up slower, and therefore you prefer to cause more wear to your engine?

 

[02LincLS]

The key was your speed. See what happens when you're doing 75-80..... My 535i will get 30+ consistently at 80+...

No doubt it will drop at higher speeds. My post was just for giggles, as its a data point way outside the bell curve for this car. However, its still pretty impressive considering what its capable of at the drag strip, and how much use I've already got out of it. BMW... meh

 

[Pete 2004 LS V-6]

so then, you prefer to warm your engine up slower, and therefore you prefer to cause more wear to your engine?

I think you read my post wrong. By your theory why don't you warm yours up at 4500 RPM that would be even better!

 

[RigsLS]

MEOWWWW!!!

Here's an idea, take the motor out of it and push it down the road ... just think of all the savings!

Warm-ups needed or not, your only going to see 27-29mpg highway at best with this LS 3.9L (downhill yields further gains)

 

[1LoudLS]

By your theory why don't you warm yours up at 4500 RPM that would be even better!

how do you know that I dont?

 

[Pete 2004 LS V-6]

how do you know that I dont?

You are correct now that I think of it you just may.

 

[04_Sport_LS]

Ok,

After posting 3 years ago,,, I became a bit OCD about the milage readout. I have experimented and played with the computer in all temps,,, and these are my findings.

My 04 with 3.58 gears will get 30-31mpg at 65-70 in 90 degree temps. This is with the sunroof open, and the drivers rear window down a couple inches. Continental DWS tires aired to 40psi, and 80-100lbs of extras in the trunk. My round trip commute for the last 3 years has been 90-120 miles daily on the highway.

Other findings.
- concrete roads vs. asphalt, will eat about 1mpg.
- AC/defrost will eat 2-3mpg.
- high and low humidity will eat about 1mpg.
- 91 octane will eat about 1-2mpg vs. 93 octane.

For every 10 degree difference in temp,,, the mileage differs by 1 mpg. Yes... I have even tested this down to -20 degrees,,, and it only gets 20mpg when that cold. Keep in mind that I live and commute on flat ground,,, so the biggest hill I see is an overpass. Elevation is about 550-650ft above sea level.

Other factors.
- I seafoam the tank twice a year.
- I am using Bosch Iridium plugs.
- Coils were replaced 70k ago.
- Vehicle has 143k on the clock.

In the end with some city driving,,, the computer ends up reading 25-27mpg average. So I guess the estimated EPA rating of 24mpg is pretty close.