Improving MPG?

[TheNameAndy]

For starters, I know what everyone is thinking "you don't buy a mustang for it's MPG, you buy it for it's fun factor" but it would be nice to get more miles if possible. I'm still breaking her in, roughly 453 miles and so far I've been getting good MPG (average 26-28) which is right on the money and very pleased. I know MPG should improve alittle after break in period but I was just wondering if there are certain things I can add (mods / tunes) or to do improve my MPG.. Now I know the obvious ones 1). 91+ octane 2). light foot 3). cruise control / with no more than 70 MPH on highway 4). quick shifts / up shift 5). no AC 6). Eco-tune? ........

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[Ugly John]

I tried half a tank of 93 octane before I went to the drag strip, and it seemed like I got 1 or 2 more mpgs.

Keeping it in drive instead of sport helps, as does keeping your speed down.

No AC helps as well, but you have to factor in extra drag from having the windows down. At lower speeds (like 45) it probably doesn't add much.

When I take it easy and don't get caught in traffic much, I can get about 26 mpg around town. Cruise control definitely helps when I'm on the open road, but more to keep me from unintentionally speeding.

When I get stuck in traffic, forget it. Between the stop & go driving, and fast acceleration if I get a chance to get around the bloody morons they let drive cars around here, my mileage goes to crap.


Lots of morons, kids on cell phones, rednecks, and 100 year olds driving around here. Putting them all together makes for one hell of a mess. Gotta love Florida. :frusty:

 

[MagneticA]

Stay away from stoplights/stop signs. I have a number of different routes I could take to work. The shortest takes the longest and gives me the worst mileage because of stop and go.

When approaching stops, if traffic allows, take it out of gear and coast.

Otherwise, set the gauge so you can watch your mpg fluctuate. Play around with it on when you make shifts to see what works best for you.

 

[DR_]

K&N filter, No ethanol gas, run higher air pressures

 

[EcoSwag1990]

only fill up half way to save on fuel weight

 

[GoBlues38]

93 vs 91 octane will have ZERO impact on fuel economy. Especially if you are babying the car for max efficiency.

Crazy how many misinformed people there are in regards to what octane rating of fuel is for and where it makes a difference.

 

[stangs-R-me]

When approaching stops, if traffic allows, take it out of gear and coast.

This is good, but staying in gear / down shifting is better as you are using ZERO fuel if engine is connected to driveline and you are not touching gas pedal. This applies to MANUAL trans only (which OP has).


2011 MCA 3.7 V6 M/T 2.73 Gears 18" wheels
30.5 MPG ave since new (hand calculated ave. over 105k miles)

mods:
SCT Bama 91 Performance Tune
Airraid CAI
Aluminum D-S
36 PSI in tires (vs 32 on door jamb)
91 Octane Ethanol Free
70/30 Hwy/City

Drive 10 over limit pretty much everywhere, spirited accelleration from Stop Signs & Lights where possible but get in as high a gear as possible once up to speed keeping RPM's between 1000-1500 RPM as long as road is flat (I.E. 5th gear at 30 MPH & 6th gear at 40 MPH). She's really doggy at 1000 RPM, but a downshift is all that is required when torque is needed.

As the 2015 has either a 3.15 or 3.55 rear (vs my 2.73) you could up shift even sooner:

3.15's ... 5th at 26 & 6th at 35 MPH
3.55's ... 5th at 23 & 6th at 31 MPH

Doug

 

[davekro]

93 vs 91 octane will have ZERO impact on fuel economy. Especially if you are babying the car for max efficiency.

Crazy how many misinformed people there are in regards to what octane rating of fuel is for and where it makes a difference.

Could you expand briefly on this topic. I am curious to dispel the assumptions my head might make.

 

[GoBlues38]

Could you expand briefly on this topic. I am curious to dispel the assumptions my head might make.

When doing a max fuel run, you will be using as little fuel as possible and lower rpm's. Essentially, the engine will not be working "hard" at all.

So little chance for pre detonation which the computer would notice and retard timing to correct.

.........

Now, i will concede if you are doing 0-60 runs or 1/4 mile pulls, the higher octane will be a benefit. But not in you normal daily driver setting.

if I know I am doing a road trip with all highway miles. Cheap gas it is. But I use 93 most of the time when I know i will be playing around.
.......

For my eco boost car. All premium all the time.

 

[DR_]

Similar to the 5.0 and Ecoboost, the V6 will advance timing until it hears knock so IMO it could get better mileage with higher octane. However the percentage increase in mileage wouldn't be proportional to the increase in gas price so it isn't worth it from a economic standpoint. E10 gives about 5% worse mileage than ethanol free gas so if you can get it at less than a 5% premium then it is worth it.

 

[trublie]

My 2015 V-6 ran 31 MPG/HWY right out of the gate. I am still getting 31 MPG. I run 67 mph on a hilly four-lane; always using 87 octane, 10% Chevron ethanol; with 32 lbs tire pressure. I am now at 4,000 miles. Great car , daily driver, better than expected mileage and performance.

 

[Bay1Stang]

It's all about not stopping. Consistent speed at max 2k rpm on highway for 30mpg+.

 

[davekro]

It's all about not stopping. Consistent speed at max 2k rpm on highway for 30mpg+.

But just like 91 octane gas not being a good value choice, economically speaking...
Having your wallet lightened for blowing thru stop lights and signs would have even a stronger economic impact. :lol:

 

[Stam616]

My V6 ran 28MPG right from day one on the Hwy. we then got 31MPG going to LI from where I live.. Since then we get between 24-27 MPG around town.. Always using 87 Octane

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