Buffalo to Boston in a 98 Jimmy...MPG tips?

drumset5994 · 05-07-2008, 03:33 AM

From June 6,7,8,9, i'm traveling with two other people (my sister and her boyfriend) in a 1998 GMC Jimmy 4x4 with the usual...4.3L V6, 4L60e Auto Trans (BRAND NEW JASPER TRANNY), AC probably running if its hot.

Does anybody know any tips to increase the MPG on the highway? I was never a fan of cold air intakes, etc...but i hear they help when the weather is hot.

Anyhow, im looking for MPG tips...i think this truck gets probably around 19mpg on the highway...not sure.

Here's what i have so far:

-Inflate Tires to MAX Allowed...Right now at 44 pounds

-Use AC ONLY IF NECCESSARY

-Change the Oil the day before we leave

-Tuneup recent (15,000 miles ago)

Any other ideas?

hkellogg · 05-07-2008, 08:37 AM

get an E-Fan on there and get rid of the clutch fan, use the cruise control too it will keep the engine fed at a constant rate and keep it more steady then you can with your foot on the gas along with going no faster than 60mph as going faster than that will use more gas

NJ4X4BLAZE · 05-07-2008, 10:20 AM

Wanna save on gas, just push it to Boston..lol.... jk...

hkellogg · 05-07-2008, 10:41 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by NJ4X4BLAZE

Wanna save on gas, just push it to Boston..lol.... jk...

ain't that the truth LOL

K Dawg ONE · 05-07-2008, 10:56 AM

The CDN Energuide says a washed and waxed vehicle free of dirt can increase mpg up to 1 mpg...

NJ4X4BLAZE · 05-07-2008, 02:19 PM

Since your not a fan of cold air intakes, you can always get a K&N, AEM or Fram Airhog drop in filter.

K Dawg ONE · 05-07-2008, 03:20 PM

I know my 98 Envoy from N-Falls to NYC was getting like 12mpg thourgh the mountains.... :O

dickeydoo · 05-07-2008, 03:24 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by K Dawg ONE

The CDN Energuide says a washed and waxed vehicle free of dirt can increase mpg up to 1 mpg...

How much dirt do you normally collect? I could see maybe if you had 1" of mud caked on all the way around, but that kinda sounds like bs

Yogi · 05-08-2008, 11:46 AM

If you use the A/C, be sure to use the "Max" setting and not "Norm". A/C comp. runs less for same cooling.

Your tires may be rated for 44# but I bet that your wheels aren't! I wouldn't go over 35 psi.

drumset5994 · 05-10-2008, 11:27 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Yogi

If you use the A/C, be sure to use the "Max" setting and not "Norm". A/C comp. runs less for same cooling.

Your tires may be rated for 44# but I bet that your wheels aren't! I wouldn't go over 35 psi.

They arent rated that high? I had no idea. Any thoughts on this.

By the way..she has these rims...

nox · 05-10-2008, 11:30 PM

draft off semis

Yogi · 05-11-2008, 11:32 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by drumset5994

They arent rated that high? I had no idea. Any thoughts on this.

By the way..she has these rims...

It's stamped on the wheels but I think that it is inside. I think that the last steel wheel that I checked was rated for 41#. Might check with a tire store.

gchemist · 05-16-2008, 07:53 PM

Slow down to 65. 5 MPH makes a difference. Install a new air filter. 10% according to news reports. Reduce weight. Carry only what you need.

A/C won't hurt that much. Running with the window down or cracked open is worse than using the A/C. Use the max setting at the lowest fan setting.

beaniebmx · 05-19-2008, 12:45 AM

in my 2.5l 1st gen with 5 speed, id go 65 max on a longer trip, if i was just going to the lakes, 55-60mph=15 miles or so.

got good mileage.

in my 2000 jimmy i just turn the vent on and set cruise for 55-60 unless i want to get there a short time sooner for being in a hurry i go 65.

55 and 65mph can show a huge improvement in mpg.

the only time i like going 65 is with no wind and someone pitching in for gas, or when im drafting a semi or someone else.. not hi my bumpers 3 inches from yours, but close enough behind im getting a small % of draft effeciency. semis are the best.. even if your 50ft or so behind your still getting about 10% effeciency

GeorgesBlazah · 05-19-2008, 05:38 PM

If your on the hwy, the AC will use less gas than having the windows open.

MikeInCtown · 05-19-2008, 11:23 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by GeorgesBlazah

If your on the hwy, the AC will use less gas than having the windows open.

That depends on wind direction etc. Most often, the compressor will use more power than you will lose by running with the windows somewhat open. My grandfather always said the A/C was better than open windows, but i found out he just didn't want a dirty, noisy car.

Also having your tires at 44psi is only inviting a blowout and uneven wear on them. Set them at the recommended factory settings when cold and use the cruise control. Keep the truck at 65 or so as you'll save gas vs even 70mph. As someone else mentioned, draft behind a semi. Don't get too close as you can be 100 feet back and still get benefits.

Oil change and air filter will probably be the biggest bang for the buck. It's necessary maintenance and is normally the cheapest items to do.

telemaster1952 · 05-20-2008, 01:24 PM

summit has a summit by K&N intake that is a little cheaper and is a FIPK intake for th 4.3 and i saw an increase in mileage when i was traveling

zdanovich · 05-20-2008, 02:09 PM

i second drafting semi's. i work 30 miles from home (all highway), and i get 30-35mpgs when drafting vs 20-25 driving normally.

Yogi · 05-20-2008, 06:58 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by zdanovich

i second drafting semi's. i work 30 miles from home (all highway), and i get 30-35mpgs when drafting vs 20-25 driving normally.

Measured how?

MikeInCtown · 05-20-2008, 09:39 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Yogi

Measured how?

Probably with the odometer.

zdanovich · 05-21-2008, 12:31 AM

my work van has one of those data-center computer things with current mpg and distance to empty.

Yogi · 05-21-2008, 11:21 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by zdanovich

my work van has one of those data-center computer things with current mpg and distance to empty.

That's what I was wondering about. I have one in my Blazer, too. I didn't see how you could get such dramatic comparisons using fill-ups and the odometer.

Thanks!

beaniebmx · 05-21-2008, 06:26 PM

best thing like i said earlier, is draft semis as far and long as possible, or other large vehicles.

semis are best, because of the large slipstream, if you get in it, your just driving in a slip stream the vehicle ahead is creating. on a semi, its pretty huge.

basically its like walking on a windy day, vs walking on a calm day. its much easier and takes less work on a calm day because your not fighting against the wind.

which equates to better mileage.

i went from 27 to 32 highway in my 2.5l just by drafting a semi at 55mph, compared to 55-60 with no drafting.

you could always put it in nuetral and coast down hills, or turn off cruise when going up a hill, and just keep a constant rpm till your over the hill, yes youll slowdown, but you wont be flooring it to stay 65.

i used to do this in my old truck, no cruise control.. just keep foot in same position, and youll accelerate back up to 65 later on.

its illegal in some states to criuse in nuetral on the roads... dont ask me how youd get a ticket for it.. "yeah i pulled you over cause it looked like you were driving in nuetral"

Gushers · 05-21-2008, 06:46 PM

If you're going to get a draft off of a semi, I'd recommend a cb radio. My friend had a zx2 and drafted a foot off of a guys bumper for a little more than 100 miles. The guy was cool with it and other truckers warned them about up coming police so they knew when to stop "tailgating" and basically his mpg went way up.

05-07-2008, 03:33 AM	#1
drumset5994 Registered User Age: 26 Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 234 Location: Attica NY User is: OffLine	Buffalo to Boston in a 98 Jimmy...MPG tips? From June 6,7,8,9, i'm traveling with two other people (my sister and her boyfriend) in a 1998 GMC Jimmy 4x4 with the usual...4.3L V6, 4L60e Auto Trans (BRAND NEW JASPER TRANNY), AC probably running if its hot. Does anybody know any tips to increase the MPG on the highway? I was never a fan of cold air intakes, etc...but i hear they help when the weather is hot. Anyhow, im looking for MPG tips...i think this truck gets probably around 19mpg on the highway...not sure. Here's what i have so far: -Inflate Tires to MAX Allowed...Right now at 44 pounds -Use AC ONLY IF NECCESSARY -Change the Oil the day before we leave -Tuneup recent (15,000 miles ago) Any other ideas?
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-07-2008, 08:37 AM	#2
hkellogg Registered User Age: 28 Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 89 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Buffalo to Boston in a 98 Jimmy...MPG tips? get an E-Fan on there and get rid of the clutch fan, use the cruise control too it will keep the engine fed at a constant rate and keep it more steady then you can with your foot on the gas along with going no faster than 60mph as going faster than that will use more gas
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-07-2008, 10:20 AM	#3
NJ4X4BLAZE Grounded 4 Life Age: 30 Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 352 Location: North Jersey User is: OffLine	Re: Buffalo to Boston in a 98 Jimmy...MPG tips? Wanna save on gas, just push it to Boston..lol.... jk...
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-07-2008, 10:41 AM	#4
hkellogg Registered User Age: 28 Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 89 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Buffalo to Boston in a 98 Jimmy...MPG tips? Quote: Originally Posted by NJ4X4BLAZE Wanna save on gas, just push it to Boston..lol.... jk... ain't that the truth LOL
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-07-2008, 10:56 AM	#5
K Dawg ONE CDN 2WD 2Gen 4-Door! Age: 27 Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1,849 Location: Windsor, Ontario, Canada User is: OffLine	Re: Buffalo to Boston in a 98 Jimmy...MPG tips? The CDN Energuide says a washed and waxed vehicle free of dirt can increase mpg up to 1 mpg...
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-07-2008, 02:19 PM	#6
NJ4X4BLAZE Grounded 4 Life Age: 30 Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 352 Location: North Jersey User is: OffLine	Re: Buffalo to Boston in a 98 Jimmy...MPG tips? Since your not a fan of cold air intakes, you can always get a K&N, AEM or Fram Airhog drop in filter.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-07-2008, 03:20 PM	#7
K Dawg ONE CDN 2WD 2Gen 4-Door! Age: 27 Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1,849 Location: Windsor, Ontario, Canada User is: OffLine	Re: Buffalo to Boston in a 98 Jimmy...MPG tips? I know my 98 Envoy from N-Falls to NYC was getting like 12mpg thourgh the mountains.... :O
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-07-2008, 03:24 PM	#8
dickeydoo Totally Confused Age: 21 Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,915 Location: Abbotsford, BC, Canada User is: OffLine	Re: Buffalo to Boston in a 98 Jimmy...MPG tips? Quote: Originally Posted by K Dawg ONE The CDN Energuide says a washed and waxed vehicle free of dirt can increase mpg up to 1 mpg... How much dirt do you normally collect? I could see maybe if you had 1" of mud caked on all the way around, but that kinda sounds like bs
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-08-2008, 11:46 AM	#9
Yogi Registered (Ab) User Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 4,093 Location: League City, TX (Houston) User is: OffLine	Re: Buffalo to Boston in a 98 Jimmy...MPG tips? If you use the A/C, be sure to use the "Max" setting and not "Norm". A/C comp. runs less for same cooling. Your tires may be rated for 44# but I bet that your wheels aren't! I wouldn't go over 35 psi.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-10-2008, 11:27 PM	#10
drumset5994 Registered User Age: 26 Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 234 Location: Attica NY User is: OffLine	Re: Buffalo to Boston in a 98 Jimmy...MPG tips? Quote: Originally Posted by Yogi If you use the A/C, be sure to use the "Max" setting and not "Norm". A/C comp. runs less for same cooling. Your tires may be rated for 44# but I bet that your wheels aren't! I wouldn't go over 35 psi. They arent rated that high? I had no idea. Any thoughts on this. By the way..she has these rims...
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-10-2008, 11:30 PM	#11
nox rox Age: 26 Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 8,990 Location: A Holiday Inn near you... User is: OffLine	Re: Buffalo to Boston in a 98 Jimmy...MPG tips? draft off semis
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-11-2008, 11:32 AM	#12
Yogi Registered (Ab) User Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 4,093 Location: League City, TX (Houston) User is: OffLine	Re: Buffalo to Boston in a 98 Jimmy...MPG tips? Quote: Originally Posted by drumset5994 They arent rated that high? I had no idea. Any thoughts on this. By the way..she has these rims... It's stamped on the wheels but I think that it is inside. I think that the last steel wheel that I checked was rated for 41#. Might check with a tire store.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-16-2008, 07:53 PM	#13
gchemist Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 356 Location: Austin User is: OffLine	Re: Buffalo to Boston in a 98 Jimmy...MPG tips? Slow down to 65. 5 MPH makes a difference. Install a new air filter. 10% according to news reports. Reduce weight. Carry only what you need. A/C won't hurt that much. Running with the window down or cracked open is worse than using the A/C. Use the max setting at the lowest fan setting.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-19-2008, 12:45 AM	#14
beaniebmx Has Training Wheels Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 2,466 Location: Iowa User is: OffLine	Re: Buffalo to Boston in a 98 Jimmy...MPG tips? in my 2.5l 1st gen with 5 speed, id go 65 max on a longer trip, if i was just going to the lakes, 55-60mph=15 miles or so. got good mileage. in my 2000 jimmy i just turn the vent on and set cruise for 55-60 unless i want to get there a short time sooner for being in a hurry i go 65. 55 and 65mph can show a huge improvement in mpg. the only time i like going 65 is with no wind and someone pitching in for gas, or when im drafting a semi or someone else.. not hi my bumpers 3 inches from yours, but close enough behind im getting a small % of draft effeciency. semis are the best.. even if your 50ft or so behind your still getting about 10% effeciency
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-19-2008, 05:38 PM	#15
GeorgesBlazah Slap my meat on your pita Age: 24 Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 7,215 Location: south jersey User is: OffLine	Re: Buffalo to Boston in a 98 Jimmy...MPG tips? If your on the hwy, the AC will use less gas than having the windows open.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-19-2008, 11:23 PM	#16
MikeInCtown Registered User Age: 35 Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 927 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Buffalo to Boston in a 98 Jimmy...MPG tips? Quote: Originally Posted by GeorgesBlazah If your on the hwy, the AC will use less gas than having the windows open. That depends on wind direction etc. Most often, the compressor will use more power than you will lose by running with the windows somewhat open. My grandfather always said the A/C was better than open windows, but i found out he just didn't want a dirty, noisy car. Also having your tires at 44psi is only inviting a blowout and uneven wear on them. Set them at the recommended factory settings when cold and use the cruise control. Keep the truck at 65 or so as you'll save gas vs even 70mph. As someone else mentioned, draft behind a semi. Don't get too close as you can be 100 feet back and still get benefits. Oil change and air filter will probably be the biggest bang for the buck. It's necessary maintenance and is normally the cheapest items to do.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-20-2008, 01:24 PM	#17
telemaster1952 Broke Missionary Age: 20 Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 201 Location: Tyler, TX User is: OffLine	Re: Buffalo to Boston in a 98 Jimmy...MPG tips? summit has a summit by K&N intake that is a little cheaper and is a FIPK intake for th 4.3 and i saw an increase in mileage when i was traveling
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-20-2008, 02:09 PM	#18
zdanovich Here's my card Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 77 Location: Neptune Beach FL User is: OffLine	Re: Buffalo to Boston in a 98 Jimmy...MPG tips? i second drafting semi's. i work 30 miles from home (all highway), and i get 30-35mpgs when drafting vs 20-25 driving normally.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-20-2008, 06:58 PM	#19
Yogi Registered (Ab) User Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 4,093 Location: League City, TX (Houston) User is: OffLine	Re: Buffalo to Boston in a 98 Jimmy...MPG tips? Quote: Originally Posted by zdanovich i second drafting semi's. i work 30 miles from home (all highway), and i get 30-35mpgs when drafting vs 20-25 driving normally. Measured how?
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-20-2008, 09:39 PM	#20
MikeInCtown Registered User Age: 35 Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 927 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Buffalo to Boston in a 98 Jimmy...MPG tips? Quote: Originally Posted by Yogi Measured how? Probably with the odometer.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-21-2008, 12:31 AM	#21
zdanovich Here's my card Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 77 Location: Neptune Beach FL User is: OffLine	Re: Buffalo to Boston in a 98 Jimmy...MPG tips? my work van has one of those data-center computer things with current mpg and distance to empty.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-21-2008, 11:21 AM	#22
Yogi Registered (Ab) User Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 4,093 Location: League City, TX (Houston) User is: OffLine	Re: Buffalo to Boston in a 98 Jimmy...MPG tips? Quote: Originally Posted by zdanovich my work van has one of those data-center computer things with current mpg and distance to empty. That's what I was wondering about. I have one in my Blazer, too. I didn't see how you could get such dramatic comparisons using fill-ups and the odometer. Thanks!
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-21-2008, 06:26 PM	#23
beaniebmx Has Training Wheels Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 2,466 Location: Iowa User is: OffLine	Re: Buffalo to Boston in a 98 Jimmy...MPG tips? best thing like i said earlier, is draft semis as far and long as possible, or other large vehicles. semis are best, because of the large slipstream, if you get in it, your just driving in a slip stream the vehicle ahead is creating. on a semi, its pretty huge. basically its like walking on a windy day, vs walking on a calm day. its much easier and takes less work on a calm day because your not fighting against the wind. which equates to better mileage. i went from 27 to 32 highway in my 2.5l just by drafting a semi at 55mph, compared to 55-60 with no drafting. you could always put it in nuetral and coast down hills, or turn off cruise when going up a hill, and just keep a constant rpm till your over the hill, yes youll slowdown, but you wont be flooring it to stay 65. i used to do this in my old truck, no cruise control.. just keep foot in same position, and youll accelerate back up to 65 later on. its illegal in some states to criuse in nuetral on the roads... dont ask me how youd get a ticket for it.. "yeah i pulled you over cause it looked like you were driving in nuetral"
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-21-2008, 06:46 PM	#24
Gushers Supa Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 1,065 Location: Hastings, MN User is: OffLine	Re: Buffalo to Boston in a 98 Jimmy...MPG tips? If you're going to get a draft off of a semi, I'd recommend a cb radio. My friend had a zx2 and drafted a foot off of a guys bumper for a little more than 100 miles. The guy was cool with it and other truckers warned them about up coming police so they knew when to stop "tailgating" and basically his mpg went way up.
	[Reply w/Quote]