Looking to increase fuel economy

[Jennifer]

Hi everyone,

I'm going to be driving my van from Georgia to Alaska via the southern route through the desert then across Canada and down through New England. Understandably, I want the best fuel economy possible with my AWD Safari. Do you think installing the tranny cooler, a cold air intake, changing the O2 sensor, replacing the fuel injectors, and changing my fuel filter will help noticeably? Any more suggestions?

[1Gary]

What have you got done tune-up wise already on your van??.

[Jennifer]

Just an oil change... I haven't had much time yet.

[1Gary]

I suggest you need to start with the basics first.AC Delco plugs,plug wires,cap,rotor.Fresh air filter.Wex oil filter and oil change.AC Delco fuel filter.Then we can go on from there.Set a baseline that you can count on with that tune-up first.

I would think you want to set the van up for a long trip like your planning.We can help with that too.

[Kabey's Van]

Hi Jennifer,
A cold air intake and a new fuel filtre may help your current fuel economy but like Gary said, "Start with the basics". Get it all set up and running well with the new wear parts and set a base line, then you can start looking at injectors, O2 sensors and the like.
A tranny cooler is always a good idea, especially on a long trip when your loaded down with crap.
A clean air filtre and proper tire pressure are also important when it comes to milage, while your on the road.
I can't figure out what you are calling the southern route to Alaska, could you explain that a bit better.

[LiftedAWDAstro]

I agree with the others, basics first. I would also add doing a transmission drain, filter change and complete flush while switching to synthetic fluid. Adding an aux cooler is a MUST in my mind. After that, service the t-case with synthetic ATF (same as tranny) and then service the front/rear diffs. Be sure to do these things at least a couple hundred miles before heading out on your long trip. Gives you time to find a missed leak or bad seal.

The best mileage advice I can give is to keep to around the posted speed limit. I know in my truck it makes a 10% difference in just the mileage.

Also...take lots of pics and post a trip report when you get back.

[leadtrombone]

Yes. I tend to drive pokey these days, especially since i got the van. Speed really does affect the mileage, when you are pushing as much air out the way of the vehicle like ours.

But a tick over 20mpg when doing hwy miles is not unheard of in these things.

Good luck. and let us know how it goes.

[Jennifer]

Thanks guys! I just changed all the fluids, gave it new tires and went on a long drive today. With mixed back road, forest service, and in town driving I averaged 21.7mpgs... I'm pretty satisfied. I can't wait to see what I can get on the highway! Oh and by the "southern route" I meant we'd probably drive through monument valley again, see the grand canyon, hit Yosemite and drive up the west coast.

[Smiliesafari]

By all means do the Pacific Coast Highway. It is one of America's most beautiful drives.