andrewglass25

Short story, Me and my wife both have a truck/SUV and both get about 13 mpg. We bought a 2006 COBALT SS SC because she use to have one and to get better MPG with a work car.

The battery was dead when we picked it up from the dealership and we got about 19mpg going home on the highway, I assume it's because the computer is all thrown off because it was dead for like a month or 2. Anyway I would like to know the best ways to improve MPG as thats what we got the car for...

We're looking at getting a intake, maybe KandN or something anything other thing we should def being doing like I heard something about replacing some sort of stock filter?

I was looking at the other threads and I have a good general idea. Shift in the 2-2.5k range and maybe a intake and a tuner?

Would the KandN intake be good and what kind of tuner am I looking for?

EcoTecDriver

Keep it stock, If you want better mpgs, If anything just get a nice k&n drop in air filter and avoid the lead foot

Good luck

Centauri

Well I wouldn't have picked up a supercharged car if you're looking for fuel economy but you should be looking at 28-30 mpg highway in stock form. The car being dead for 2 months shouldn't kill 10 mpg in the process, either. Are those your calculations or the gauge in the instrument panel?

Welcome to the board.

andrewglass25

okay thanks.. By and what you mean is something like this correct..




We wanted MPG but we wanted something a little more sporty too, My wife had this same car before she traded it in for her SUV so she wanted it again as she loved it.

Also, We came back pretty much highway the whole way at 19 mpg filled up on 93 but the car sat since january febuary and had a dead battery didn't know if it took a fill up or 2 before the computer picked it up right again. We're taking it in tomorrow morning for the tire balance/new battery oil change as this dealer did not do it.

EcoTecDriver

No that will hurt mpg,s Just buy a replacment filter but the K&N Oiled one.
http://www.partsgeek.com/gbproducts/...ek+Google+Base

andrewglass25

Okay thanks, I thought there was a different filter or some kind.. So this one would actually go in the intake box right

Centauri

I see. I ask only because there's a 'fuel econ' measure in the car, and it will be inaccurate if the battery died or whatever. Should be alright once everything's straightened out.

EcoTecDriver

correct.

andrewglass25

Yeah thats what I figured. My wife had hers from new and got about 31 MPG or so and we traded it in with maybe 25k miles or so. This one has 47 and I figured that may of been the issue.

Thanks alot then!

EDIT-

Thanks a ton eco you've been a really big help I'm going to order it now actually!!!

errr actually I was looking at the filter and we have a

2006 SS SC and I believe the engine is..


Engine Size: 2.0L L4 MPI DOHC

HERE is a link to the car, It hasn't went of Auto trader yet.

The filter you linked me to goes into the 2.2 or 2.4 L

we need the last one which is the round one correct..

http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/200...ir_filter.html here?

I'd like to order it tonight i just don't want to get the wrong filter =P

EcoTecDriver

That was just my example pic sorry...before you pay shipping charges, your local autozone, advance auto, etc should have them in stock.

http://www.autoanything.com/air-filt...0A3039622.aspx

Mr_Slobalt

iTrader: (1)

The last one looks right to me.

jsscooby

Just checked out the autotrader pics. Car looks good. Enjoy the scream.

andrewglass25

Awesome thanks a ton, I have a advance right down the street from me i'll pick one up tomorrow you've been a huge help =)

EcoTecDriver

glad I could help!

jonnymerk

I know this is taking you thread to the extreme but the thing that improved my fuel economy the most was goin turbo on my ss/sc lol. I average 40mpg hwy and 30-31 city!

Cefaln452

iTrader: (5)

NO THAT WILL NOT hurt mpg as it will make the engine more efficient.

EcoTecDriver

what the k&n inatake system? everyone gains a hp or 2 and lose on mileage.

MillaTyme

idk if i gained any hp but i saw about a 0.5 increase in MPG's on my Injen SRI

then again I have a 2.2...

ChevyRockstar

iTrader: (4)

K&N will not reduce MPG, its because people like to hear whine with the intake so their foot got heavier but they dont notice.

I get 35-40mpg in my all stock cobalt, and it will increase MPG with a good intake long as i dont get a heavier foot cause it sounds cool

zx2assassin

Get a tune that will usually make it perform better and when your foot isn't on the ground you will get decent mileage. Heck i have a few mods and i can get 27-32 on a long highway trip, usually get about 19-22 all non-highway back roads and having a heavy foot.

rmay635703

Actually because you have the fuel economy guage the best way to improve fuel economy is driving habits. Acclerate briskly but not to the floor, slide into acceleration so you stay out of open loop. Once up to speed shift to a gear higher then you would normally use (if you are at 1000rpms or above in the next gear) and lightly press the throttle until the econ guage reads around 40-50mpg. This should hold your speed and increase your fuel economy in town, be very carefull with your foot so you keep it around 50mpg in town and remember to downshift if you are forced to accelerate. When you expect to stop, throw it in neutral and coast up to the stop from as far as a distance as is reasonable, this will double your mileage in town. A VERY steady foot will get you very good mileage with this car before all other mods. Also EOC will double in town fuel economy easily.

Good Luck
Ryan

mtbrent

It's actually better for mpg to leave it in gear as you decelerate as the car will enter DFCO. The comp cuts fuel to the injectors when coasting and you use even less gas than at idle. Neat little feature.

chris88z24

Take any **** out of your car that you don't need, keep your tires properly inflated, and don't drive like an *******.

leadfoot

keep your foot out of the throttle and keep the A/C low or off.

rmay635703

No, that is only if you screw up, DFCO is not more effective than coasting to a stop with the engine off and it is not more efficient than coasting with the engine running to about 15mph.

It is more efficient than slamming on the brakes in neutral, i do DFCO on unexpected stops and its saves some brake wear.

Agreed, you will get about 5mpg better with your tires at 44psi all the way around as they are rated for.