I just purchased a 2001 QX4 with 120,000km (75,000miles) single owner, pretty nice shape. I know the milage in these things isn't that great, and I'm interested in improving it as much as I can.
Obviously a K&N or something similar will help so the engine can more easily inhale fresh air, improving volumetric efficiency and such. Exhaust also helps, but I'm not sure what to do about the exhaust, until now I've only ever owned forced induction vehicles, where the only back pressure you need is the turbo itself, from there on out, the bigger the better. On an NA engine though, this isn't the case. I've made an exhaust system before, and I plan to make one for the QX4, but I'm just not sure how large to go.
On to weight, holy crap this thing is a beast! Has anybody done some successful weight reduction without removing the obvious (jack and spare) ? If I could hit 22-23mpg on the highway I'd be a pretty happy camper.
Nice club you guys have here!
Keep up the good work.
p.s. I don't actually have it yet, still waiting for the dealer to fix the driver seat, side closest to the door sticks while the other side moves, causing the seat to try and rotate, I guess this is a common problem...
Getting Better MPG: breathe easier and lose some weight.
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VanIsleDSM
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Wed Dec 10, 2008 1:49 pm
- Car: 01 QX4, 97 AWD Talon
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SnowSurfLax
- Posts: 845
- Joined: Sun Apr 15, 2007 2:14 pm
- Car: 1999.5 Infiniti QX4
2006 Infiniti M35 Sport
Re: Getting Better MPG: breathe easier and lose some weight. (VanIsleDSM)
First off, use the SEARCH button. I started a project like that but lost the incentive after gas prices plummeted. No ROI on it anymore.
For intake, look here:
http://www.jimwolftechnology.com
I've removed 85 lbs so far, taking off spare tire, spare tire carrier, mudflaps, roof rack and rear cargo cover. the running boards are good for more, but don't know how much, wife is pregnant so can't take them off right now.
As far as I know, you're SOL for headers, but a catback 2.5" has been known to net some gains when done with improved intake.
If it's 4wd, you can install some free wheeling hubs to reduce friction. Aussie's have done it with no major implications known yet.
As for other weight reduction:Hood - I think a frontier fiberglass hood may fit with some minor modification. Wheels - there are light weight wheels you can lose quite a bit of weight and rolling weight. If you still want to offroad, the only one I found was the TE37X's. Only ones I know that are strong enough to offroad with and still have actual weight loss.
Just get creative. Start looking at stuff you don't need on there. I read about a guy in TX who started lightening his TL. Managaged to drop some 700-800 lbs in weight. I'd post the link, but the thread is no longer there.
Good luck!
For intake, look here:
http://www.jimwolftechnology.com
I've removed 85 lbs so far, taking off spare tire, spare tire carrier, mudflaps, roof rack and rear cargo cover. the running boards are good for more, but don't know how much, wife is pregnant so can't take them off right now.
As far as I know, you're SOL for headers, but a catback 2.5" has been known to net some gains when done with improved intake.
If it's 4wd, you can install some free wheeling hubs to reduce friction. Aussie's have done it with no major implications known yet.
As for other weight reduction:Hood - I think a frontier fiberglass hood may fit with some minor modification. Wheels - there are light weight wheels you can lose quite a bit of weight and rolling weight. If you still want to offroad, the only one I found was the TE37X's. Only ones I know that are strong enough to offroad with and still have actual weight loss.
Just get creative. Start looking at stuff you don't need on there. I read about a guy in TX who started lightening his TL. Managaged to drop some 700-800 lbs in weight. I'd post the link, but the thread is no longer there.
Good luck!
Re: Getting Better MPG: breathe easier and lose some weight. (VanIsleDSM)
be careful with the K&N, alotta people on here report issues with it and the MAF sensor, the oil from the filter will foul the sensor and you have to buy a new one, not a cheap part to replace.