how to get the best fuel economy - ecotech V6?

[CV6Z]

so after some calculating of fuel figures, my VT exectutive sedan is using 8.8litres/100km on 91octane fuel. thats calculated from fueling up with 40litres down to empty (got 450km from 40litres)

car specs: standard ecotech V6 VT executive sedan

- 379000kms (roughly)
- crap pod airfilter
- 215/65R15 wheels
- is overdue for a major service

considering the condition of my car i think its doing well to produce 8.8/100km!

now the fuel figure i got was from last week driving back an forth from work on the highway sitting on 120kph @ 2100 - 2200rpm (does that sound right?) and driving back and forth into town when i got home (footy training, pickin the boo up ect)

so other than your driving style and condition of the car what else can one do to get the best possible fuel economy from the ecotech?

i was thinking this:

- iridium spark plugs
- replace pod filter with cold air intake system
- major service replacing the ignition leads, filters, oil ect.
- complete oil flush
- radiator flush
- replace worn fan belt

thoughts on this?

also when you ask for a "tune-up" what exactly happens? what do they do to tune the car?

[acarmody]

Bugger off pod filter, make sure tyres are at proper pressure and aligned and balanced properly, do major service.

Screw Iridium plugs, a lot of people talk up the Holden ones, get them. Iridiums will gain nothing.

Rest sounds alright.

[vn_v6]

whats wrong with iridium?

[WogBoyz]

man your getting better eco then me lol, my last tank i got 410km and ive got new everything bascially and tuned on 98, does anyone know the fuel tank size of the s3 vs utes?

oh also mate if your oxy sensors havnt been changed it would be a good idea to change them, they help fuel eco heaps

is yours auto or manual mate?

[feg]

I get around 500ks per 60litres. I don't know why you only use 40 litres. you can do a few more Ks than that on your tank. that is around town.

I have iridiums but I don't think they help the economy, besides being slightly "newer" over a long period of time. IE when you should have changed your plugs anyway. With that many kilomtres on your car, I would say it is due for a service. you can get an additive to flush old oil out, before changing to new oil. I would actually recommend decent oil, which I think helps with fuel economy. The other new change every tyre place and even holden are going on and on about is the tyres with silica compound. not sure if this helps.

service = oil change and replacment of general worn out parts.
tune = remaping settings to make car more effiecient. ( in the old days adjusting timing and maybe carby to match how engine runs.
at least that is the way I have always understood it.

you say that you don't want to hear about modifying driving style, but that is the one thing that made a change for me. I'm not saying don't have fun but not racing up to red lights and having to overtake everybody, is what really does it.

I also think, if you are thinking about fuel economy, you have to put it in perspective. are you going to spend $1000 to save $100 a year in fuel? unless you are trying to save the reserves of fuel it isnt worth the outlay.

sorry for the rant.

[CV6Z]

man your getting better eco then me lol, my last tank i got 410km and ive got new everything bascially and tuned on 98, does anyone know the fuel tank size of the s3 vs utes?

oh also mate if your oxy sensors havnt been changed it would be a good idea to change them, they help fuel eco heaps

is yours auto or manual mate?

auto mate lol

i was thinking a complete oil flush, topping up with castrol magnatech - have used this oil on previous 4x4's ive had and seems to work really well.. will replace the oxygen sensor(s) also. are they only available from holden?

[BoNeZ-01]

Drive like an old grand-pa, never break 2,500rpm, gets ya great economy..

[moose man]

- iridium spark plugs - won't help fuel economy. Spark plugs either fire or they don't. There's no half-way.
- replace pod filter with cold air intake system - very, very minimal if anything. A clean air filter can help.
- major service replacing the ignition leads, filters, oil ect. - see spark comment above. Thinner oil can help, but only very minimal.
- complete oil flush - nope.
- radiator flush - nope.
- replace worn fan belt - no fuel economy increase here.

Sorry, if it's fuel economy you are after, these changes will only cost you money with very little (if any) return.