gas mileage goes up with new shocks?

[fatpringleman]

hey guys, i just changed out my blown shocks (165K miles!!!) for some newer OEM ones with lowering springs, about 1" all corners. the ride is great and i can go faster and with more confidence than ever before.

but strange thing is, after i changed out the blown shocks my MPG seems to have gone up. before i usually went about 300-320 miles before the gas light came on. now i can hit 350 miles. i have not changed anything recently except the shocks...

can anyone explain why this would happen?

i have a 95 240sx with injen cai and unorthodox underdrive pulleys...

[SOHCSE]

I can't explain what causes it, but I experienced the exact same thing. Replaced suspension with some Pro Kits and GR2s and I get an extra 40 miles out of my tank.

[Alfador]

Reasoning makes perfect sense. Your new suspension changes the way your car sits on the road, if it lowers it all, it will at least a little bit, make it more aerodynamically correct. Also, if it is stiffer you will get more grip on flat pavement which for a number of reasons can increase gas mileage.

[dfw240_EE]

Also remember we are switching to summer gas which tends to run better. I have always noticed an uptick in gas mileage in the summer.

[Alfador]

Also remember we are switching to summer gas which tends to run better. I have always noticed an uptick in gas mileage in the summer.

Are you sure there is a difference? I'm more likely inclined to believe its simply a result of ambient temperature and humidity. (plus perhaps altered driving methods).

[fatpringleman]

dunno... i'll know after a few more fill ups, but the two fill ups i had so far definitely got me about 20-30 miles further than i usually would.

[tyrannix]

'summer gas'

fuel changes density with temp (like many things) thats why if youre *smrt* you fill your tank at night, when its cooler out. youll get more fuel for your money than when its warm.

(also putting fuel in 5gal jugs when you buy it at night will get the best bang per buck, dont fill all the way)

CJ

[Alfador]

I do always fill at night, or better early morning, because its had all night to get cooler. However noticing that much of a difference due to seasonal gas is extremely unlikely. A better suspension will contribute to your MPG, so thats definitely a factor.

[McRussellPants]

jesus christ shocks affecting gas mileage and REASONING it?! are you guys seriously THAT ****ING BORED????

[VinceSez]

haha this guy ^^^

[dubbs693]

I'm pretty sure this is true for the North East, but definitly in NY in the winter they "oxidize" the gas to burn cleaner which reduces gas mileage. In the summer there isnt a need for it. And in the winter I dont think there is a need for it. The oil companies probably just worked it out wit the politicians so they make more money.

Read the pumps in the winter you will notice it says that is oxidizes the gas.

Back on topic

I noticed a 2mpg difference in my old EP3 (Si) when i lowered it 2 inches. Reason being, its lower to the ground, so it experiences less wind resistance. And like the rest of the guys said.. Pretty interesting.

[Alfador]

I noticed a 2mpg difference in my old EP3 (Si) when i lowered it 2 inches. Reason being, its lower to the ground, so it experiences less wind resistance. And like the rest of the guys said.. Pretty interesting.

exactly.

[markymarc2u]

My rearshocks were in terrible shape.

Just got them done with new KYBs and I'm getting about one MPG better. My Pathfinder jumped from about 13.4 city to 14.4 - apples to apples.

My fronts need to be replaced too. Any additional bump in MPG would be nice...

[alms24sebring]

Also if it had blown shocks, the smoother ride than the bounce could help it. What I mean is when it would bounce hard and put more stress on the motor, you can hear it. It may put more gas and then when it bounces up it revs slightly faster before smoothing out again. But I could just be blowing smoke up your bung

[BigNateLvHc]

i get between 380-410 miles per tank in my 96 240sx. i was planning on changing out my shocks and springs this weekend, who knows i might get up to 450 miles a tank! haha