|
240 standard-tranny cars generally seem to get about 30 mpg highway so I suspect there's room for improvement for you.
Check for wrong size tires. Wrong size will make your speedometer and odometer into liars. These days, many tire shop lookup books DON'T have the right information for these cars. Sedans take 185/70-14. Wagons originally took 185-R-14. Best reasonable approximation these days for wagons is 195/75-14. Avoid wider profile "upgrades" as these will hurt mpg while improving bling factor and possibly improving handling.
On the same topic, check your odometer against a GPS or against roadside markers or MapQuest mileage data. It's possible someone swapped a different rear end into your car and so even with "correct" tires your odometer may be lying.
One of the best compilations of tips for improved mileage is at
http://www.gassavers.org/showthread.php?t=2584
There's more at www.ecomodder.com if you care to dig into it.
I'm a regular at both sites, name: brucepick
My notes below assume the car is up to date on maintenance.
My own interpretation of the mpg list:
If it's a wagon, ditch the roof rack unless you use it frequently. ipdusa.com sells a kit to plug the holes, or you can d-i-y in various ways.
Slow down, if you can do that. The 240 is not very good aerodynamically unless you compare it to a box truck or similar. Air resistance/drag goes up dramatically with increased speed. So going 60 instead of 70 will give you a noticeable mpg increase, all other things being equal. Going 55 will be even better but that may go against your interest in making quick progress down the road.
Increase tire pressure. This stiffens the tire so it flexes less. Your engine will spend far less energy flexing the rubber as the flat spot continually moves to meet the road surface. Your tires will last longer too.
Start with the sidewall max rating, measured when tire is cold in the morning. Pressure will increase from driving and from daytime temperature increase, however the tire design engineers are fully aware of that. If you're comfortable with the sidewall max pressure you can consider going higher. If buying tires, get them rated at least 44 psi sidewall max so that you're not stuck with a 35 psi tire.
Use lowest viscosity (I mean, thinnest) oil your manual will allow. Generally that's 10W-30 however if you have Death Valley temps in your area you may need 15-40. Check your owners manual and ignore the good ole' boys yakking at the parts counter. Synthetic helps if you're OK with the cost.
You can extend the factory air dam downwards and add a belly pan between the air dam front edge and the factory belly pan (hopefully it's still there). Now you're getting into modifications. I'm convinced that's a good mod for this car.
--
Sven: '89 245 NA, 951 ECU, expanded air dam, forward belly pan reaches oem belly pan, airbox heater upgraded, E-fan, 205/65-15 at 50 psi, IPD sways, no a/c-p/s belt, E-Codes, amber front corner reflectors, aero front face, quad horns, tach, small clock.
|