What can you do to get better milage on the highway?

[bigglew]

I am getting about 15mpg on the highway. I have read that some people are getting between 20-25 mpg. I have a stock 89 w/ less than 80 K on it. Any suggestion would be helpful.

[Rob Mayercik]

Originally posted by bigglew
I am getting about 15mpg on the highway. I have read that some people are getting between 20-25 mpg. I have a stock 89 w/ less than 80 K on it. Any suggestion would be helpful.

Well, here's a couple ideas to get the ball rolling:

1. Check to be sure the brakes aren't dragging.

2. Make sure the engine is running warm enough to get out of the extra-rich warm-up mode - temp gauge at about 210.

3. Tire pressure - mine are around 35 at the moment.

4. Check cat converter for clogging

5. Dirty air filter/throttle body/injectors?

6. Slow down a little - keep it under 70, close to 65 is probably better.

My 92 with 203K pulled 19.5 the last tank - it has all new brakes (properly adjusted), tires at 35 psi, a 195* Tstat, and I held myself to 65-70 on the highway. This was with using it on the dailty 50 mile/ direction commute for a couple of days, so it got up to temp and stayed there for a while.

HTH,

Rob

[RichP]

What size tires do you have and if you went bigger did you also replace the spedo gear to reflect this.
1. Keep the windows rolled up on the hiway, milage takes a big whack when I drive with them down.
2. Air pressure.
3. Tune up and O2 sensor. I have 181,000mi on my 98 and have only ever put OEM plugs, wires, cap and rotor in it.
4. Air filter and good throttle body cleaning.
5. Lighter foot :D

[CheapXJ]

easy way to get better highway mileage...

buy a Volkswagen for the highway ;)

[Backdraft]

Slam it to the ground and put some 20 inch bling bling dubs on it with p-zero tires. Tint the windows with the tint that has the color in it and take off the windshield wipers. Its all about aerodynamics dawg!!!:D

Seriously, check what Rob and Rich said. That ought to net at least a couple mpg.

Mike

[2offroad]

draft real tight to 18 wheelers. 6 to 8 inches is good.




just kidding.

[BrettM]

i get 18 mpg with my 88 4.0 with 200k, lifted 8 inches, 33x12.50s, 4.10 gears... something is definitely wrong if you're getting 15 stock.

[azxjman]

Just be glad you dont get my mileage 7-8 on a good day

[Lucas]

I have a factory front skid which reduced sound, so in effect I think it reduced aerodynamic drag. Alone it may not be noticeable, but it all eventually adds up. What tire/gear/tranny combo are you running?