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1998 2.0L SPI Mileage Build-up | |||||||||
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This test was done in 1999 when the car was nearly new. Although the goal wasn't maximum mileage we like to test things. This was done on a 1998 SE sedan automatic. * About 50 lbs of insulation was added to the car to make it more quiet inside. * Synthetic oil (Castrol Syntec 5w20) and synthetic trans fluid. We also used an additive called ProBlend in the oil (available at Advance Auto or Pep Boys). * We used a hi-output coil and replaced the sparkplug wires with spiral core wires that have 1/7 as much resistance. Then we used dual gap plug re-gapped wider for a better spark. This also smoothes out the idle and helps with part throttle acceleration. * The air filter was replaced with a high flow piece and the housing opened up to allow more airflow. Also, a flexible tube was installed to pull in cool air from the grill to the air filter. * The thermostat was replaced with a 180 degree. * A fuel controller was added because the can wanted to run too lean and misfire, especially at higher elevations. * A race type 55% underdrive crank pulley was added to cut down on the accessories drag and power loss on the engine. On another Escort we recorded almost a 15% increase in fuel economy. The car would constantly get 40-50 miles more on a tank of fuel with no other changes. * The muffler was changed to a performance unit for better exhaust flow. * The alignment was reset for minimum rolling resistance, not to factory specs, and the tires were inflated to the maximum recommended pressure. * We use the Automatic Transmission Controller to keep the torque converter locked whenever the transmission is in high gear. This prevents the converter from constantly locking and unlocking and prevents converter slippage. * The only 2 other things that were done was porting the throttle body and air flow meter. This probably didn't alter the mileage much, one way or the other but did increase the power a bit. The mileage test run was about 200 miles using premium fuel with about 90% highway and 10% stop and go driving coming back through a few small towns on a 2 lane road. The results was nearly 49 mpg at 60 mph (with the cruise set) on the highway with 2 people in the car. We run our mileage tests using premium fuel with the tank topped off until fuel is visible in the neck and all the air has been shook out. Then at the end of the test, we refuel at the same pump, same spot, and refill it again. We also try to do test in 45-55 degree temperatures to prevent the gas from expanding in the tank and giving a false reading. The A/C was off and the windows were up. With the same modifications we took the car on a trip to Florida. Running at an average 75-80 mph (but otherwise driving easy) with 2 people, luggage, tools, cooler, and other assorted items, (over 500 lbs of weight altogether w/passengers). Keeping the air off, but otherwise driving normally we got slightly over 41 mpg on one 300 mile leg of the trip and a bit over 40 mpg on another. How you drive drastically affects mileage. In other vehicles, I've seen at least a 30% drop in fuel economy just by driving habits. Also this car was over 2 full seconds quicker from 0-60 mph than when it was stock. | |||||||||
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