Gas Mileage - Bigger Picture

[golfinbud]

With the cost of gas most likely to stay in the $2+ (hopefully not $3+), I would like to get your input on gas saving modifications and/or suggestions.

Use to get 16.5 mpg but after taking off my roof rack, mud guards, spare tire (now I just have this quick seal for tires like some of the beemers do) & all unnecessary stuff out of the RX - I was consuming 18.5 mpg. Was still not satisfied, I switched to Amsoil synthethic motor oil (for "better mileage" as they claim and longer use life) and installed a aux tranny filter (preventive maintainance as these tranny's fluid are known to get black prematurely compared to others) and now I'm getting 21.5 mpg (all city).

I got my baby just tuned (new plugs, belts, K&N air filter) before all of this. I'll try cleaning the MAF sensor then see if mpg improved and perhaps install new ground wires and also see if this will help as well.

Anybody who have done this, would appreciate your input. Tranny filter installation from skperformance is highly advisable, starting to see the effects of it. Just on my first week and t. fluid is better looking than ever.

I find this site very useful compared to the other lexus forums primarily because to the more people posting and replying. Kudos to all ye administrators and those who share their experiences and know-how.

[SKperformance]

Glad you first post was so imformative to newbies and vets alike.

The best way i find to get good milage is having the tire pressures at there maximum levels and just driving slowly from a stop.

I still go fast but take alot longer to get there.

[TunedRX300]

SUN Hyper Voltage System. I installed LR model on my RX300 so far I get better MPG, more HP/Torque and reduce idle roughness.

http://www.sunautomobile.com/

[golfinbud]

SUN Hyper Voltage System.  I installed LR model on my RX300 so far I get better MPG, more HP/Torque and reduce idle roughness.

http://www.sunautomobile.com/

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Thanks for the link. A bit on the high end $180 (pricewise) but seems like a good investment in the long run. Sun Automotive also offers ground voltage mods, how do you think would the ones in Ebay compare?

[SKperformance]

New battery cables every 5 years seem like a good maintenance thing.

$180 for their system that is basically a fancy looking capacitor is well over priced.

[chimchim]

With the cost of gas most likely to stay in the $2+ (hopefully not $3+), I would like to get your input on gas saving modifications and/or suggestions.

Use to get 16.5 mpg but after taking off my roof rack, mud guards, spare tire (now I just have this quick seal for tires like some of the beemers do) & all unnecessary stuff out of the RX - I was consuming 18.5 mpg. Was still not satisfied, I switched to Amsoil synthethic motor oil (for "better mileage" as they claim and longer use life) and installed a aux tranny filter (preventive maintainance as these tranny's fluid are known to get black prematurely compared to others) and now I'm getting 21.5 mpg  (all city).

I got my baby just tuned (new plugs, belts, K&N air filter) before all of this. I'll try cleaning the MAF sensor then see if mpg improved and perhaps install new ground wires and also see if this will help as well.

Anybody who have done this, would appreciate your input. Tranny filter installation from skperformance is highly advisable, starting to see the effects of it. Just on my first week and t. fluid is better looking than ever.

I find this site very useful compared to the other lexus forums primarily because to the more people posting and replying. Kudos to all ye administrators and those who share their experiences and know-how.

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Well, unfortunately, it's already in the $3 range for me. =(

I'm a little surprised to see such a huge jump to 21.5 mpg from the synthetic oil and the tranny filter. I switched to synthetic too and I think it helped maybe +1mpg.

Can you give more details on this tranny filter?

I'm most interested in improving city mileage... which means weight reduction more than aerodynamics. I like pulling the spare idea, but being stranded with a flat does not sound appealing.

[TunedRX300]

SUN Hyper Voltage System.  I installed LR model on my RX300 so far I get better MPG, more HP/Torque and reduce idle roughness.

http://www.sunautomobile.com/

←

Thanks for the link. A bit on the high end $180 (pricewise) but seems like a good investment in the long run. Sun Automotive also offers ground voltage mods, how do you think would the ones in Ebay compare?

←

I bought an used MR for $75 for my Acura, bought LR new for RX $120 they have the same instruction. So it is the same for all cars. SKPerformance is right it is a glorified capacitor, but also has internal circuit protection. For example, if you are dumb enough to connect positive of HVS to negative of battery, nothing bad will happen.

For Hyper Ground System, you can just use bigger gauge stereo cable, some gold O rings, a wire crimper/cutter to custom made your own HGS.

[golfinbud]

Well, unfortunately, it's already in the $3 range for me. =(

I'm a little surprised to see such a huge jump to 21.5 mpg from the synthetic oil and the tranny filter. I switched to synthetic too and I think it helped maybe +1mpg.

Can you give more details on this tranny filter?

I'm most interested in improving city mileage... which means weight reduction more than aerodynamics. I like pulling the spare idea, but being stranded with a flat does not sound appealing.

←

Check out this link: http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...hl=rx300+filter

I'm surprised myself on this jump in gas savings. Did reset mileage computer a number of times to verify this but still comes out the same.

On the city mileage, I likewise do check my tire pressure regularly and somehow reduced my aggressiveness in driving (i.e. easy on the gas pedal & cruising to a stop sign/light). On pulling the spare, just make sure you're getting this tire sealer that is matched for an SUV ($6.5 at Advance Auto) the rest are for smaller cars and I also to have a small compressor on board as well which still a combined weight of the two - beats the weight of a spare. On long drives/trips, it's just logical to load your spare.

[TunedRX300]

To improve city mpg, reduce unsprung weight by going for lighter aftermarket rims. Lighter does not mean weaker, forged rims are light but strong.

I also removed my spare, roofrack, mudflaps (they cut paint!), middle rear seat head rest (made of steel) from my RX300. But having lighter rims means more power can be used at the wheel during acceleration.

[chimchim]

Yes, but new rims would cost about $2000. That's a lot of MPG to save up to recoup that cost. =)

Well, I guess I could see the stock rims, so it wouldn't take so long to recoup.

[TunedRX300]

True, but you have a lot more choices now: finish, size, handling, tire. You don't have to stick to the same Lexus rims that everyone else has. Now you also have stock rims to serve as winter tire/rim.

Another benefit if you opt to have a little bigger overall diameter, you slow down the odometer, basically getting more out of warranty and your car depreciates at a slower pace.