What is the best bank for buck eco mod?

Got50MPG · Jan 27, 2004

I own a 96 TDI and on the way back from NYNY to KCMO I got just above 44mpg doin 80mph. My brother and I are 'big boned' and we had a whole bunch crap with us so I think that contributed to the sub 50mpg. Besides inflating the tires and removing the snow screen what would be the best bang for buck eco mods?

Thanx,
Got50MPGs

DaveC · Jan 27, 2004

Slow down! How can your expect to get good fuel economy driving 80 MPH?
Do about 60 MPH, and you will get closer to 50 MPG.

Got50MPG · Jan 27, 2004

I am used to driving performance cars so it'll take a while for me to lay of the go pedal.

Lug_Nut · Jan 27, 2004

I interpret that last reply to imply that you don't really want economy tips.
OK, here's one that will still allow you to drive at that speed;
Don't use the brakes.
Any fuel used to accelerate and to generate momentum is squandered when it is turned into heat and brake dust. Once at speed, whatever it might be, you have turned fuel into momentum which is still useful to you. Braking and turning that momentum into heat and noise will not allow you further use of that energy.

I still drive a performance car, but I can get 90+ mpg in it when I concentrate on economy.

tadc · Jan 27, 2004

You can't get 50 MPG doing 80 MPH. In fact in my car I'm lucky to get 40 MPG at 80.

That said, slow down going uphill and speed up going down. Clean your snowscreen/airfilter, advance your timing, inflate your tires, throw out any unneeded weight, wash the car, use cetane-improving fuel additives, and I've read that single-digit percentages of biodiesel can return single-digit improvements in MPG due to improved lubricity.

Tarbe · Jan 30, 2004

[ QUOTE ]
use cetane-improving fuel additives, and I've read that single-digit percentages of biodiesel can return single-digit improvements in MPG due to improved lubricity.

[/ QUOTE ]

Both of these benefits are achieved by using Schaeffer's Soy Shield. It is 50% biodiesel (from soybean oil, of course!) and 50% various additives.

I have never heard of anyone using Soy Shield and not liking it (well, except for chiefdiesel!!!). I never leave home without 10oz in my truck just in case I get fuel while I'm out!

Tim

gardentender · Jan 30, 2004

i often attain 46-47MPG on 80 mph trips of 180 to 200 miles length.

Rammstein · Jan 30, 2004

Change your tranny oil for Redline MTL.

Redline's website

AkAl · Jan 31, 2004

yes Ramstein is correct I got 3 mpg after going to mtl smoother shifts also. /images/graemlins/grin.gif

Rammstein · Jan 31, 2004

What did I tell you guys?

3 mpg?

Wow, that's awesome! /images/graemlins/grin.gif

BioDiesel · Feb 1, 2004

How about fuel at $0.10/gallon?
Then you don't care what your mpg is.

mackwood · Feb 1, 2004

3mpg increase is alot. Can you use redline for newer A4 manual trannies? Is it better than the factory fill? If there is such an increase in mpg's alot of people must be using this stuff. Can anybody chime in if you are using Redline MTF on a A4 and give your results?

hatchy20TDi · Feb 3, 2004

Redline MTL is BUTTA! Used it for the first time in my Integra and WOW did the car feel different. Smooth shifts and I never had a problem finsing the gears. Be expected to pay about $10 a quart for this stuff, but it's well worth it.

tadc · Feb 3, 2004

[ QUOTE ]
i often attain 46-47MPG on 80 mph trips of 180 to 200 miles length.

[/ QUOTE ]Yes, and I'm one of the "lucky ones" that gets 10% less MPG for no apparent reason.

03_01_TDI · Feb 7, 2004

I've not used redline in my Jetta but I along with most BMW motorcycles riders use it for the trans and driveshaft. The BMW dealer sell it in the store. That should speak of how good Redline is.

I'll probably get around to putting it into the Jetta, soon.

Rammstein · Feb 7, 2004

Anybody used Redline MTL in the A4's trannies?

They require GL-5 and the MTL is GL-4, would it be a problem? /images/graemlins/confused.gif

Arthur · Feb 7, 2004

[ QUOTE ]
I've not used redline in my Jetta but I along with most BMW motorcycles riders use it for the trans and driveshaft. The BMW dealer sell it in the store. That should speak of how good Redline is.

[/ QUOTE ]

That there is nothing from Germany to top it? When is BMW gonna make a sport bike anyways... Would love to see one.

STIFFLER · Feb 8, 2004

I am interested in this redline oil for A4's anyone have any info on it?

chiefdiesel · Feb 11, 2004

Tarbe, I have three gallons of Soyshield that's for sale. I don't like it. I get better results from Power Service (gray bottle). Chiefdiesel

Tarbe · Feb 11, 2004

[ QUOTE ]
Tarbe, I have three gallons of Soyshield that's for sale. I don't like it. I get better results from Power Service (gray bottle). Chiefdiesel

[/ QUOTE ]

Driving through Houston any time soon??

Tim

gardentender · Feb 11, 2004

When is BMW gonna make a sport bike anyways... Would love to see one.

they've made sport bikes for years; it's just that their concept of "sport" is different from "conventional wisdom"

Arthur · Feb 11, 2004

Which one? I mean a bike that is raced. Not across a desert, or a dirt road. GP or Superbike? I don't think BMW makes pure sport bikes. Here is one..

http://motorcyclistonline.com/features/RC211Vtest/

Got50MPG · Feb 12, 2004

Thanx all for your replies, It sounds like the best bangs are:

Weel inflated tires,
Remove Snow screen,
Change tranny oil,
Add Soyshield or Power Service (gray bottle)
Slow down a bit.

Anyone see any increase in MPG by removing cat and resonator and going to a larger exhaust and drop in K&N or similar filter?

I know on turbo gasoline (is that a curse word around here?) cars that is essential to getting the most out of the engine.

Also were would I get some of the Soyshield, Power Service or .10 cent a gallon fuel?

Thanx again for your reponses

gardentender · Feb 12, 2004

would NOT recommend a K&N filter or any other oiled media aftermarket filter. the stock air filters do a damn good job.
yes, a K&N will improve mass airflow along with the amount of oily schmutz on the MAF sensor and the size of gritty particles ingested into the engine.
K&N's are good for competition engines that are frequently rebuilt, but not practical for day to day Walter Mitty budget use.

(all this based on our recent involvement in a K&N type oiled filter for gas turbine helicopter engines. those powerplants can tolerate far more particulate matter than our Rolex quality recips)

JettaJake · Feb 12, 2004

past posts contain extended debates on snow screen removal

I camp with the conventional wisdom of leaving it in place but cleaning it at least every other oil change....it takes all of 10 minutes on an A4 Jetta and if you remove it, where is all the crap it normally catches going? /images/graemlins/shocked.gif

mileage story? this past summer's trip was mostly on I-95 CT to NCarolina ~730 miles, average speed ~70mph (including a few practically dead stops on the NJT and one of at least 20 minutes) ---> 47mpg+ and that includes a few stretches doing 90+ and topping 100mph more than once. My around town mileage is more like 45 but then you would never confuse my driving style with JohnBarlett's /images/graemlins/wink.gif

T

Rammstein · Feb 12, 2004

[ QUOTE ]
My around town mileage is more like 45 but then you would never confuse my driving style with JohnBarlett's /images/graemlins/wink.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Or me!!!!!!!! /images/graemlins/tongue.gif /images/graemlins/tongue.gif /images/graemlins/tongue.gif /images/graemlins/tongue.gif /images/graemlins/tongue.gif

mgwerks · Feb 12, 2004

[ QUOTE ]
past posts contain extended debates on snow screen removal

I camp with the conventional wisdom of leaving it in place but cleaning it at least every other oil change....it takes all of 10 minutes on an A4 Jetta and if you remove it, where is all the crap it normally catches going?

[/ QUOTE ]
I kind of agree about the snow screen - in general. If I had a Jetta, I'd do as he says. But I have a Beetle, and the access to the snow screen is significantly more involved. When the weather clears up, it's coming out of there. "Where is the crap going?" It will be going into the air cleaner box, which I clean and re-filter regularly, thank you. /images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Mark

Papachristou · Feb 12, 2004

[ QUOTE ]
Besides .....and removing the snow screen what would be the best bang for buck eco mods?

[/ QUOTE ]

how is this going to improve your mileage??? it just filters out bugs/sand. it really doesnt impede airflow, and if it does there is a suction/trap door that opens. i left mine in and check it every 10k during the winter and 5k during the summer. catches a lot of bugs/sand

Octavian · Feb 13, 2004

[ QUOTE ]
You can't get 50 MPG doing 80 MPH. In fact in my car I'm lucky to get 40 MPG at 80.

[/ QUOTE ]

You CAN get 50mpg at 80mph, in fact even at 85mph. That's what I regularly get.

How? 6-speed manual gearbox /images/graemlins/grin.gif

BleachedBora · Feb 18, 2004

Punk... /images/graemlins/wink.gif
I just got 34 mpg at 80 mph from Portland to Salt Lake City. /images/graemlins/frown.gif I had 526 miles on the tank and was bone dry... (took over 15 gallons to fill) /images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

What is the best bank for buck eco mod?

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