can you gain performance + improve economy?

Falconxr68 · 10-09-2010, 01:33 PM

Hi all,

Just been going through these forums and i've got the idea that modifying a car (such as headers, exhaust, CAI) can improve economy. But then the thought came to me that you don't get something for nothing and everything that makes your car go faster will not improve economy. What do you guys thing about that idea? True/False? why, why not?

blackjack74 · 10-09-2010, 02:52 PM

"can you gain performance + improve economy? " yes- use premium unleaded

I've found that the simple mods (ie. CAI, exhaust ) do improve performance (even if it is just a small amount-I don't think anyone will argue that) & improve economy because for instance you can maintain a taller gear & therefore you're not at a higher rev range.

ZA-289 · 10-09-2010, 02:57 PM

Reducing exhaust back pressure by removing a stock ****y exhaust with 3 mufflers are replacing it with a free flowing single muffler system will see improvments in fuel economy but chances are you'll like the sound so much you'll end up flooring it everywhere!

HULK EF · 10-09-2010, 02:59 PM

Can be true if you dont floor it! lol

casual driving will see slightly better economy.. heavy driving slightly more...

superpursuit83 · 10-09-2010, 03:00 PM

Thats the beauty of a custom tune. You normally improve economy as well.

The other good thing is that our Flash Tune boxes hold more than 1 tune. You can have a performance tune, AND an economy tune for even better fuel economy.

Takes just a few minutes to plug the tune box into your car and reprogram the computer any time you want.

Bushbasher · 10-09-2010, 03:07 PM

If I remember correctly, back when the Brock Grp A blue meanies were being put together by HDT they were hand building the motors and doing head work , blue printing etc. to improve power. They discovered the Brock mobile got better economy than the production 308 from the factory, such was the improvement in air flow and efficiency, so yes, it is possible to go gain power AND improve economy.

Bushbasher

sarrge2001 · 10-09-2010, 04:42 PM

The XR6 Turbo is very responsive to tuning and a substantial increase in power can be complimented by improved economy........but only if you don't use the extra power.......Bugga the economy

(and that's not a political comment!)

galaxy xr8 · 10-09-2010, 05:16 PM

Let's put it this way, I did the exhaust, Unichip and airfilter and not only did I gain performance and better driveability but the economy improved somewhat, from 10L/100 on the hwy to a better 8-9L/100.

Mad_Aussie · 10-09-2010, 05:17 PM

300hp 3 phase electric motor.

Very economical.
Awesome performance.
Just hope that you never have to drive more than 40k's to somewhere.

**Raptor** · 10-09-2010, 06:14 PM

These mods are aimed at improving effeciency.

Therefore you get the same performance but use less fuel

or

You get better performance from the same fuel

However, there may still be a cost (nothing for nothing)

CAI &/or filter change - probably isn't cleaning the air as well as the factory item which may effect the durability of the engine and also possibly introducing induction noises (resonance) which some my find annoying.

Free up exhaust (headers, cat back etc) - may effect the heat-up cycle and may not still pass emmissions stds [the factory has to, hopefully you'll never be put to the test].

It all costs more - your happy to pay as it's only one car, yours. Try building thousands of them that way, remaining competitively priced with you opposition and still making a profit for your shareholders.

Falconxr68 · 10-09-2010, 09:22 PM

interesting, what if there are 2 identical cars and they both accelarate up to 100kms, one is modded and one is standard. Which one will use more fuel?

Alby1 · 10-09-2010, 09:35 PM

If there racing or who get's there first i'd say the modded one, it will use more fuel due to the foot being on the floor. If there going the same speed or time than the unmodded will use more fuelas the modded motor is more efficient

pottery beige · 10-09-2010, 10:00 PM

make something more efficient... errr.. work better and it will use less......

1TUFFUTE · 10-09-2010, 11:01 PM

the mods on the ute in my sig at the bottom where all done within the same 6 months and in normall weekly driving i gained an extra 80plus ks per tank...and that was including with the stall converter. Oh yes and pulling my trailer aswell if i needed to. Doesnt help me now tho cus its sold lol

gunner · 11-09-2010, 10:03 AM

By all means improving the engine's efficiency can lead to improved economy, however have you thought about getting rid of excess weight (in the car)?