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Re: Boosting gas mileage in 98 ranger with 4.0L...
wnl25 wrote:
> Anyone have suggestions in ways to boost MPG using aftermarket
> solutions that really made some difference?
>
There really isn't anything that will make such a difference that you'll
get an overall cost savings or ROI within the life of the vehicle. For
example, let's do the math...
At 12k miles per year, 18 MPG, and $2.65 p/gal = total yearly fuel of
$1767. With a 10% increase in MPG, you save $160.
I don't think you'll find any $160 or less aftermarket solutions that
provides a 10% increase in MPG.
Or, some other figures to contemplate...
adding a cold air intake system, headers, and high flow exhaust system
will cost about $1000. With that you may, and I reiterate "may", get a
10% increase...as long as you keep your foot out of it...because you'll
also get a performance gain that may be hard to resist. To recover the
$1000 in the 1st year you'd need a %130 increase (equal to about 41
MPG). Or, going back to only the 10% increase, you'd need 6.25 years
just to break even...are you going to keep your 1998 for another 6 years?
Granted, the more miles you drive per year and how often and what you
tow and carry will affect the numbers.
For me, I drive, carry, and tow alot. I add aftermarket enhancements
for performance, which in a small way increase my MPG. But, I'm more
concerned that I can get up a hill, merge into traffic, or pull out of
my driveway.
FWIW, be leery when a manufacturer makes an MPG increase claim. For
example a claim of 3-4 MPG increase means your 18 MPG truck would need
to be 17-23% more efficient...kinda unlikely. When looking at claims,
if the manufacturer can't provide exact figures for your vehicle, then
percentage increases provide a better measurement than flat MPG number
increases.
This may not have been the answer you were looking for, but hope it
helps anyway.
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