Fuel mileage improvement

[ArEs23x]

Sorry to get off subject again, but to answer Ares23x's question there is a difference in places you get gas.

First let me say do not EVER buy gas from Citgo. There is nothing wrong with the actual gas, but one of the major stockholders in Citgo is Hugo Chavez and the country of Venezuela. I personally think we should assassinate him so sorry to put my political $0.02 in there.

I use to buy gas from QT for a brief time until I had to spend $200 having something done (it has been so long I forgot what they did to fix it) anyway, there was water in the gas and I could tell something was wrong. I have found that lower end places like that don't always have quality gas.

I typically always use Shell/ Chevron, or Exxon, yes I am temporarily using Exxon because at the moment between Shell and Exxon by my work Exxon's premium is cheaper at the moment. Trust me I am not happy about contributing to Exxon's $12 Billion dollar quarterly profits.

I also use Murphy Oil, which is who Wal-Mart uses for their gas in my area and because I am a 15+ year stockholder of Wal-Mart I go there often. The fact that one of the owner's of Murphy Oil's son was one of my fraternity brothers in college probably has something to do with me buying there as well as they are the supplier.

Sorry...I got off track. As far as Costco gas I have no idea why that would be bad.....I have co-workers who use that and they have never complained. I think you are fine. Because I had a bad experience with QT (QuickTrip) I would say stay away from them if you have them.

I can say from experience lending on gas stations, if you get gas from a junky mom and pop place that looks run-down I would be concerned. If they don't take care of their building and property they probably do not take care of their tanks and no telling what is in the tanks. These are just things I look for in places to get gas that are not my usual stops.

Again just my $0.02.

THANK YOU SIR! You gave me a good laugh on the assassination of Hugo Chavez, I am not that politically smart and dont know whats going on with that guy, but I know it cant be that good if people want his assassination lol

[Beancooker]

Is anyone using an aftermarket ignition, or is the factory already hot enough? (MSD, Mallory, Crane?)

Coil on plug is pretty hot. I am not sure if anyone make an aftermarket system for our cars.

How critical are custom tunes? Can the factory ECU be reprogrammed or is a piggyback unit needed? What is everyone using?

Piggyback, or pulling your ECU, and sending it away for a reflash.

As to the question of Gasoline, using a "premium gas" will increase your mileage. If you don't, the knock sensor will retard your timing, resulting in poorer mileage.

Also, use gasoline that is rated "Top Tier". Those gasolines have met a standard that is higher than the federal regulations.

here is a list of Top Tier gasoline retailers: http://www.toptiergas.com/retailers.html

Ask your local Costco, who they purchace their gasoline from. Call that distributor, and find out what refinery (manufacturer) it comes from.

[Hookm36]

I think if you use olive oil it will save gas ? or maybe you should only take right turns. and dont forget to throw it in nuetral anytime your RPM goes above 3K.

sorry but the question is like a skateboarder asking what he can do to make his leg less tired.

[RB20DETodd]

ill trade you my 03 corolla it gets like 35 mpg its awesome

[J-Owner]

Hugo Chavez is the President of Venezuela. He hates Americans.....therefore I hate him.

[Raylo]

You guys kill me I'm new to the board but have been reading it for the past few months. All I can say is thank goodness I didn't make the post lol

[zozoka1212]

We should ask Hugo what he thinks about fuel mileage on the G.

Welcome to nico raylo. Don't be afraid to ask. We don't bite

sorry had to

Any question?

zozo

[telcoman]

Driving style sure has an impact on mileage. Given my personal situation with the law, I've been driving my G like a granny. Last tank, I averaged 24 miles to the gallon. Before that, I was averaging around 18 miles to the gallon.

I also average around 24 MPG, however I picked up a loaner 06 G35X Sedan today while the dealer is checking out the air bag warning light. I've discovered that at 80 MPG with the loaner G35X, the tach is at 3200 RPM whereas on my 06 G35 6sp manual, at 80 MPH my tach is at exactly 3000 RPM.

The difference in RPM between the 5 speed automatic and the 6 speed manual would in my opinion account for lower MPG with an automatic transmission?

Telcoman

[ArEs23x]

Coil on plug is pretty hot. I am not sure if anyone make an aftermarket system for our cars.

Piggyback, or pulling your ECU, and sending it away for a reflash.

As to the question of Gasoline, using a "premium gas" will increase your mileage. If you don't, the knock sensor will retard your timing, resulting in poorer mileage.

Also, use gasoline that is rated "Top Tier". Those gasolines have met a standard that is higher than the federal regulations.

here is a list of Top Tier gasoline retailers: http://www.toptiergas.com/retailers.html

Ask your local Costco, who they purchace their gasoline from. Call that distributor, and find out what refinery (manufacturer) it comes from.

Thank you sir..the next day when I put gas I asked one of the workers who worked at costco and I asked him what kind of gas they use and he told me that they go to the middle east and bid on gas or whatever for the cheapest price possible..so they dont have a specific produc..they use exxon mobil..shell..chevron..all types..makes me feel better knowing its not complete cheap gas if there is such a thing...

[telcoman]

Thank you sir..the next day when I put gas I asked one of the workers who worked at costco and I asked him what kind of gas they use and he told me that they go to the middle east and bid on gas or whatever for the cheapest price possible..so they dont have a specific produc..they use exxon mobil..shell..chevron..all types..makes me feel better knowing its not complete cheap gas if there is such a thing...

Those that use the term "cheap gas" are misinformed. Unleaded Gasoline is a commodity that is traded on the NYMEX options exchange just like wheat, corn, pork bellies etc. One can view the closing prices everyday on cable channel CNBC. Unleaded regular 87 octane is unleaded regular 87 octane no matter what brand buys it from the refinery. In fact here in Central New Jersey we have a close by refinery. Current unleaded 87 octane was $2.39 this morning at BP. The price changes almost every day as does the closing price of unleaded regular as traded on the NYMEX exchange. The tanker trucks that arrive at Shell, Exxon-Mobil and Pitt-stop and Raceway are the same. There is no longer a brand name on most of them.The few cent differencies in price are marketing, and rental and or franchising expenses. The Shell commercials that want you to believe that using Shell will keep your engine clean is a bunch of B/S.

If you want to save a little money, use unleaded regular gasoline and to keep your engine clean, change the oil & oil filter every three thousand or 3500 miles using 5w-30 Pennzoil or Quaker State or any other quality API oil. No need to spend $6.00 qt for synthetic or Purple or any other fancy oil that makes outlandish claims. Just my opinion.

Telcoman

[telcoman]

Here is some more info on regular unleaded gasoline.

Cheap Gas is a myth. All gasoline comes from the same refinery. The United States has not built a new refinery in over 20 years while our daily gasoline consumption has steadly increased. Some brands such as Shell and Exxon-Mobil spend millions on advertising advising gullible consumers that buying their gasoline will keep their engines and injectors clean resulting in improved performance. This is a bunch of BS.

From a search on Google

New York Harbor RBOB Gasoline Gasoline is the largest single volume refined product sold in the United States and accounts for almost half of national oil consumption. It is a highly diverse market, with hundreds of wholesale distributors and thousands of retail outlets, making it subject to intense competition and price volatility.

The NYMEX Division New York harbor unleaded gasoline futures contract and reformulated gasoline blendstock for oxygen blending (RBOB) futures contract trade in units of 42,000 gallons (1,000 barrels). They are based on delivery at petroleum products terminals in the harbor, the major East Coast trading center for imports and domestic shipments from refineries in the New York harbor area or from the Gulf Coast refining centers.

The unleaded gasoline contract specifications conform to those for oxygenated gasoline, required in many areas for controlling emissions that can adversely affect air quality. With the ongoing phaseout of the oxygenate methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) the industry is shifting towards ethanol.

RBOB conforms to industry standards for reformulated regular gasoline blendstock for blending with 10% denatured fuel ethanol (92% purity) as listed by the Colonial Pipeline for fungible F grade for sales in New York and New Jersey. RBOB is a wholesale non-oxygentated blendstock traded in the New York Harbor barge market that is ready for the addition of 10% ethanol at the truck rack.

To ensure that the terms and conditions of the gasoline futures contract continue to mirror the cash market, the Exchange maintains close contact with federal and state officials and continues to evaluate changes in the regulations.

Along with the futures contracts, options contracts, calendar spread options contracts, crack spread options contracts, and average price options contracts provide a slate of flexible, liquid financial instruments. Exotic options contracts are offered as well, under the calendar spread option, average price option, crack spread option, European “look alike” option, and conventional gasoline vs. RBOB option.

The Exchange also lists for trading on the NYMEX ClearPort® trading platform a series of gasoline swap futures contracts based on crack spreads and location differentials, including European and average price options. Transactions in these contracts can also be consummated off-exchange and submitted to the Exchange for clearing through the NYMEX ClearPort® clearing website. ©2006 New York Mercantile Exchange

Telcoman

[Sentientbydesign]

I know this thread is old, but I thought I'd begin from the bottom and make my way up.

Telcoman, do you really believe that all gas is the same?

I know for a fact that it isn't. I can go to Chevron and pump their premium into my I30 and get knocking and crappy acceleration. When I go to Shell and buy their premium, my engine runs smoother.

I've yet to make the distintion on the G since the damned thing is too quiet.

Also, what's wrong with wanting a flexible car? I would be there are a lot of things we can do to our Gs that don't require seat removal or cylinder disabling and can save a few hundred dollars each year.

I totally agree with everyone that mentioned that driving style plays the biggest role, but I also know that I keep my tach under 3k most of the time and have been getting 17 MPG.

Then again, I have some of the widest stock tires and heaviest rims.

I'll be back with info on EM tunes for fuel economy.

[SVTCOBRA]

(I listen alot, repsond a little....just waiting.... ).

[Jacko3]

There are two easy ways to conserve on gas in the G-35. The first is to use synthetic oil. You will see a noticeable change in gas mileage after 2,000 miles or more on synthetic oil. Synthetic oil is far better in gas mileage than dyno or blend. The other way to improve on gas mileage is to try to drive under 3,000 RPM in all gears, especially in the 6th gear for the 6MT. The G is best on gas at high speeds and low RPMs. I have actually achieved 26 miles per gallon using these techniques.

The problem is, why on earth would you want to drive a G below 3,000 RPM? The G-35 is a car that calls your foot to dinner at the pedals. The car is a revv happy car.

[precision93]

After having the car for a while, I noticecd the overall gearing seems to be lower (numberically higher) that what I am used to. (It seems to turn more RPM at highway speeds) I think this has a lot to do with the mileage.

The 5/16 spacer and Stillen air box with Z-tube help a little.I drive at least 85 miles each day, so every bit helps.

I am still interested if anyone knows of any light weight aftermarket parts. Chromoly K-member, A-arms, or other suspension parts to replace the heavy factory parts with.

[Jacko3]

Telcoman is right about the refinery issue! For me, BP/Amoco is all I use for both of my cars, and it has worked well. Every oil company has an additive they add to their gas. IMHO, Chevron is the best and the most expensive.

[Jacko3]

Precision93:

I really do feel your pain and I see the point you are trying to make. Really, the guys on this forum are saying the truth. The fact is that, the G-35 and the 350z appears to be cars actually designed for the race track. Nissan intended these two cars to be driven hard. Because of this the VQ engine has been know to be one of those engines that can take unbeleivable punishment. The downside to this is an automatic poor gas mileage and in some rare cases, oil consumption. Very few street cars can take the type of punishment a VQ engine can endure. In essence, you actually bought a sports car for the price of a street car. We can't have it all. Everything about the G-35 was designed to make the driver go crazy at the throttle. If you really enjoy driving the car, you will agree that it is hard to be well behaved on the road with the car. There is a demon inside a G-35 that takes over its driver. Thus, it is hard to drive it gently for good MPG or like a sane person. Thus, the poor gas mileage. Just my two cents. Happy driving and less worry about MPG! You will be fine! The G is a monster!

[rn79870]

I've noticed that with cruise control on at 50, my G gets great mileage. The bar graph shows it pegged at 30 MPG. By the time I'm going 75 with the cc on, it is down to about 22. Solution, change your rear end out for higher (numerically lower) gears. The problem is that the gears I've found all go the other way - lower (numerically higher) and that would complicate the problem. Even if they were available, I would guess the cost of changing them out would be in the $1500 neighborhood. This would put the break even point somewhere near the time the earth runs out of fossil fuel.

Remember, mods are typically designed to increase air flow into or out of the engine. With more air comes more fuel used. With more fuel used comes...

The point is that just about everyone has told you the truth here. Gas mileage is part of the G. Yes, it sucks compared to other cars. Our 06 Mustang GT does even worse, but that's because it's Torch red with 2 big black stripes down the middle.

[Jacko3]

Below is a link to Yahoo on some information on fuels. I hope this helps those who have to decide what grade of fuel to buy. Of course, the G-35 loves premium gas. Good luck!

http://biz.yahoo.com/brn/08010...rance

[joshcloud9]

My previous car a '97 Altima that I drove the hell out of used to get around 12-13mph city (Atlanta has a lot lights/stop signs) and around 22-23 on a run is about the same if not worse than my new ride an loaded 04 AT Sedan

BTW that I think you'll agree is a sweet upgrade, especially with no monthly payments

[Sentientbydesign]

I think drivetrain weight loss coupled with a few aero mods would improve the 17 MPG to around 20.

I love the power of my G, but there exists a time and place for that power. The rest of the time, I'd like my conscience to not yell at me for wasting natural resources.

[Q45tech]

Under 60 mph the tires are the greatest frictional component that can be changed.

Aero drag is low until you exceed 60 mph, why it takes another 20 HP to go 80 vs 60 and thet 20 HP consumes an EXTRA 20x0.55 or 11 pounds of gasoline per hour ~~ 1.7 gallons

The faster they wear the higher their friction [drag] against the road.So an extreme 80,000 mile highway tire [non directional] would be best.

Going to very narrow high mileage [hard] tires can probably improve MPG by 5-<10% if they are aligned to decrease handling performance. [zero camber] and toe].Use the highest safety limit PSI [44 or 51 psi] to reduce the contact patch area.

You can easily trade stopping distances, ride, and handling for better MPG.

Measure the combined drag on various tire types at 60 mph:http://auto.howstuffworks.com/question497.htm

Removing weight has little to do with steady state cruising MPG as the weight is divided on to 4 tires and 100 lbs or 25 per tire is like 3% at most. Now removing 1,000 pounds is significant.

[precision93]

Now we are making progress. Good responses.

I will be needing tires soon, so I will probably look for the highest wear available.

Any ideas for obtaining light weight suspension components without having a chassis/fab shop build them.

I have heard about removing the large foam piece behind the front bumper. Can anyone think of any downsides to doing this?

removing ounces = pounds, removing pounds = free performance.

[rn79870]

While you're at it, why not trade out that inefficient V6 for a more efficient 4 cyl. You're bound to get the mileage you want that way. Ask around in the Sentra forum for anyone interested in an exchange.

[Sentientbydesign]

Q45Tech, thank you for the insight. I'm going to look into aero mods for the tires. I recently read an article stating that approximately 30% of drag occurs under the vehicle. Creating a smoother underbody and diverting airflow around the tires might prove to be a significant drag reducer.

Precision93, please be realistic. This is a performance car, not a Prius. Anything under V rated tires will make your car a heavy, over powered, fuel-chugging POS.

Same goes for the foam inserts. They are there for safety purposes, not just to add form to your bumper.

If you want weight savings, go with lightweight racing rims. Remove the mats from the interior. Half a mat would be about equal to that foam insert you're talking about. Get a carbon fiber CAI and strip all of that ABS from the stock intake. There are also CF fenders you can buy in the Classifieds on this site.

There's a company that does semi-annual detailing with a teflon based polish that reduces drag on the paint. I think they're called Tropic Shield.

Find a SAFE clear tape to place over the seams in the front of the vehicle.

Get an engine management system with a custom extra lean fuel mapping for highway cruising.

But narrow non-directional H or lower rated tires are not only dangerous but just flat out wrong for our cars. I can see some Bridgestone RE750s being as low on the totem pole as I would go if I was a trying to go "high mileage" on the tires.

My goal in contributing to this aging thread is to improve upon areas that Infiniti overlooked. Ones that specifically DO NOT detract from the performance of the vehicle. There is no reason I can't have my cake and eat it too. If the majority of the G owners out there are content getting poor gas mileage, I urge you to consider that a few basic modification might allow you to get even better performance for less money (at the pump) and you'll be helping to safe a precious commodity.

Oh and RN79870, your comment is uncalled for and old. Someone already used it on the 1st page of this tread.

[BigWill]

(I listen alot, repsond a little....just waiting.... ).

Hey Rich... make another bag, and scoot over!

[precision93]

While you're at it, why not trade out that inefficient V6 for a more efficient 4 cyl. You're bound to get the mileage you want that way. Ask around in the Sentra forum for anyone interested in an exchange.

Allright, here we go again.

Why is it that people can ask about increasing horsepower, but I can't ask about improving gas mileage, without getting smartass responses?

Seems like a double standard to me. If not, then anyone wanting more power would get responses telling them to buy a faster car. If this is the case, then no one should ever modify a car.

Go ahead and start responding to any post asking for ideas on modifications. Anyone wanting to upgrade speakers, increase horsepower, change suspension. Lookout, because some people believe you should buy exactly what you want, even if it doesn't exist.

I thought this forum was for people who were interested in G35s. Too bad someone always has to try to ruin a good thing.

[G_whizz]

Guys and gals (well I think we have like 2 gals) this is the internet... it comes with the good,bad and the indifferent. Take peoples opinions, comments and eloquent jabs with a grain of salt.

Most everyone here likes to swing their E-weiner

[tollboothwilley]

Gas mileage has always been something I've paid close attention to in my vehicles. With different driving styles you will get large variance in your mileage, but I believe what is important to those who aren't driving aggressively is to pay attention to the speed you are going and in which gear you are in.

For me, with the 5AT, i notice that i get my best gas mileage at 50 mph, or at 70. If I drive the same route at 60-65 my mileage is about 5mpg lower.

Having lived in California, Arizona, and Utah I will also tell you that the worst gas mileage I ever got was in Cali. Traffic is bad and the terrain is always up and down.

One thing i'd like to know is how much of a factor elevation plays in gas mileage....

[BrandAidDesignG35]

Since I started reading the posts on gas mpg I was curious to see what I was getting, I'm driving a 04 g35 5spd AT, and I've had it less than a month using only regular fuel... ,

I get like 16 - 18 city and 24 on highway road trips etc... I'm not worried anymore about gas mileage, I just ordered fujita dynoing next week, I would like to think it would improve mpg but that is likely not the case...

keep you posted