How do I increase Fuel Economy

[Nasorean]

hello all as you can see i have an 88 mustang, 4 cylinder, and i am wondering how to increase my fuel economy to be environmentally active and keep my wallet full. i have done the standard means ie, empty trunk, drive less, replace air filter, and buy cheaper gas.

i also live in albuquerque, which as some of you may know is a desert as such the weather is usually in the mid to high 90s and is best described as incredibly hot. thus i was wondering what sort of mechanical improvements can i make on the vehicle in order to increase my mileage?

my first thought was to replace the cooling fan. i figure a cooler engine would be beneficial in this desert climate, any other thoughts and suggestions to how i can improve fuel conomy in this climate would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

[andrewespo]

Why not sell the car and get a fuel efficient car. Theirs only so much you can do

[Nasorean]

Originally Posted by andrewespo

Why not sell the car and get a fuel efficient car. Theirs only so much you can do

thanks, i understand that my methods are limited, but the car is still running and in excellent condition. i would just like a little more economy and life expectancy from the car.

any other suggestions on mechanical improvements would be appreciated

[zx2srdotnet]

zx2's are rated at like 33mpg my friend got little under 45mpg using a Intake, k&n filter, 2.5" exaust, FR spark plug wires, and good shifting/driving.

if the intakes on your stang is as restrictive as it is on teh ZX2 then you might be able to free air flow up some and help a little

[Nasorean]

Originally Posted by zx2srdotnet

zx2's are rated at like 33mpg my friend got little under 45mpg using a Intake, k&n filter, 2.5" exaust, FR spark plug wires, and good shifting/driving.

if the intakes on your stang is as restrictive as it is on teh ZX2 then you might be able to free air flow up some and help a little

thanks those are the kind of improvements i'm talkin' about! can you also elaborate on what the shothand you have written means--thanks

[Ace$nyper]

Originally Posted by Nasorean

thanks those are the kind of improvements i'm talkin' about! can you also elaborate on what the shothand you have written means--thanks

hes talking about changes to the intake and exhaust system of your car.
A K&N *brand name* filter or full intake kit will get cooler *more dense* air into your motor faster making more power and motor has to work less to gain the air it needs only down side is they are a tiny bit nosier then stock.

2 1/4 inch piping is having your whole exhaust from the cats back redone the exhaust fumes get out faster with larger piping helps gas tiny bit. makes noise also.

things like spark plugs and wires really dont help too much unless yours are not in good working order.

if really want to start squeasing more milage outta your car your goign to have to start geting into some more spendy things or ripping stuff off.

good aligenment and proper air pressure in tires help a ton too.

[wildstringer]

take the 2.3 out and put in a 5.0 . Sure you 'll burn some gas but at least you ll have fun doing it.

[kman10587]

Or turbocharge it and make a modern SVO.

[rusher75]

what size exhuast you have. i have a 2 1/2 on a 6 cly with off road h pipe (no Cats). its sucks so bad. i have to get a new exhaust. the gas is sucked up fast. you may have to big pipes.

[MARS]

Originally Posted by wildstringer

take the 2.3 out and put in a 5.0 . Sure you 'll burn some gas but at least you ll have fun doing it.

That will defeat the whole purpose!

[thunderbird muscle]

You could park it and walk!

sorry just kidding(lol)

[Nasorean]

i did the google search and found k&n filter. i will do a bit more research and then make a decision based on prices after shopping around and checking a friendly source.

also my car has the stock exhaust, 2 in i think, and the tires are regularly serviced.

i am also driving less than usual and walkling more than usual ;-)

so far as ripping stuff out i will/have considered it, but it is the family car as well so my options are limited.

now that we have that out of the way i have a couple more questioins:

a- what are some desert specific enhancements that i can make on the car?

b- what are the more costly methods you are rreferring too Ace$nyper (cool handle)?

--thanks

[Ace$nyper]

Thanks I like my handle too

But costly methods are things like lighter wheels and tires replacing parts with lighter materials like Fiberglass or carbon fiber you can shave off weight.

leave your A/C off if your used to heat.

[Nasorean]

i was thinking of going carbon fiber/fiberglass for some components too, but unsure which would be best. materials and parts wise, any suggestions?

ac is almost always off, my wife occaisionally turns on the vent, but not often

[Nasorean]

any thoughts on this method of fuel conservation

http://www.tinet.org/~sje/mag_fuel.htm

also my idea about replacing the cooling fan(from single fan to double fan) to run a cooler engine, how much will that effect my fuel efficiency?