Hey, so I know we get poor fuel economy; but, I believe I should be getting more than 170 miles average per tank. It's an 04 SS grand touring with 71k (bought with 67k). I drive hard and push it often but still 170 miles per tank is ridiculous. So I want to try to fix or replace a couple things in order to see a difference. I hear some people getting 300miles per tank and I want that or at least 230 average.

So far these are my ideas on what might fix my problem:

1. Replace plugs
2. replace wires
3. replace coils
5. clean MAF sensor
6. restart ECU
7. replace oem battery

Let me know if you other 8 owners have any other ideas or know exactly what I'm going through.

 

How's the power?

Ever flood it? Check for clogged cats?

 

Power seems to be okay, it pulls pretty good. The car does flood though often when it comes to the short distance drives. Like turning it on and off all the time does not work at all. If I do that, like to get gas I usually have to sit there for a good 20minutes for the gas to evaporate. And, I haven't checked to see if my cat is is clogged

 

well if u keep flooding it good change ur cat it gone....I changed my air filter and saw about 2mpg better(yeah it was bad) plug if you do plugs and coils should see some more...I know with my bad air filter i was gettin 170. IDK about 300 maybe all highway keeping in slow...

 

UM , you push it hard often and expect good gas mileage? Someones on crack lol. Even on a completely healthy engine , you wont get good gas mileage from doing that. Keep your revs low , and dont mash the gas pedal even on high load high gear , lotta **** depends on ur driving habits.

Edit , yeah i would change ur spark plugs , wires and coils. Clean ur maf , its not expensive to do lol. Did the previous owner change the plugs and stuff? if not then i would definately go ahead and do that , for maintenance sake. Might as well upgrade and get the Bhr ignition set or the esmeril while ur at it imo.

 

Ok, I'll start checking out the cat and plugs tonight. I think the previous owner didn't change anything. I put a new air filter in so I don't think thats the problem. I'll check back after work to see if you guys left and more good advice. Thanks a lot.

 

this is a GREAT start:
1. Replace plugs
2. replace wires
3. replace coils
5. clean MAF sensor
6. restart ECU
7. replace oem battery - ???? This one I don't get.

 

The car has the original mazda battery and I thought I should go get its charge checked out to see if its not up to par. is that a bad idea?

 

Not a bad idea at all. Just doesn't tie to the other list you got going related to gas mileage.

 

300 per tank is literally 100% highway. I've hit 320ish or so
Last fillup was 17 mpg @ 230ish miles.
That's a good list to start off with, but 170 isn't abnormal depending how you drive

 

I have only once experienced 225 miles on one tank during 90% highway. So what should I start with guys? check Cat and plugs first?

 

Yes, Cat would be a great starting point.

 

ok, i'll get started this weekend. thanks again everyone

 

I don't think you can conclude your MPG until you see what you get just on the freeway. It seems like my fuel goes like a leer-jet when Im doing city driving, but when I'm cruising at the same rpm at 75mph on the interstate I get at least 20mpg.

 

Ya; however, i still very much believe I'm getting less then what I could be getting.

 

Well, first change your driving habits, become a better driver. You're on the right track but don't forget to change your fluids often, capiche?

 

50 to 75 miles per 1/4 tank is about average. Anything less is like what I get on the race track.
When was the air filter changed last? And any other routine maintenance?

 

Ya Easy, I'm getting less than 50-75 per 1/4 tank. The air filter was changed when I first got the car and all other maintenance is going to be done and checked out by me first thing I get a chance. Thanks a lot.