WOOT!: 35 MPG Consistently

[radare]

I've been following Edmund's driving recommendations for fuel economy and am happy to report that I've been consistently getting 34 to 35 mpg; granted, I do spend 90% of my driving at highway speeds.

http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/list/...4/article.html

The biggest improvements I've noticed, for my 900S with the 2.3, occur by driving with the cruise set, at 65 to 70 mph (75 mph speedlimit). This puts the car below 3000 rpm and seems to be it's sweet-spot for fuel economy.

[bayern]

Good to hear. I know one of the steps talked about using the correct oil, and I know we have extensive oil threads on here but what kind of oil are you using? Also which fuel octane are you using?

[radare]

Hey Bayern; I'm using Mobil1 0W40 Full Synthetic and an M1-102 filter. I live along Colorado's front-range; here, due to the altitude and less-dense air, we have 85, 87 and 91 octane. I stick with the 87. I keep the car clean, maintain it excrutiatingly, keep the tires at 35 psi and have replaced the stock exhaust system with an OE system from the 2.0 turbo. I use a Mann paper air-filter and Gatorback belt. More importantly, I drive slow and just don't worry about other's passing me.

[bayern]

Thanks for the response. When I take the Saab up to CO, I usually just fill it up with the 85. My cousin lives in Fairplay and his C900 has run fine on the 85.

[Old Goat]

Wow, that is amazing mileage. In reading that article I saw it talked of the O2 sensor. I think I will change mine, as I have had a CEL that indicated the sensor was "slow to respond". Also a fuel filter install is due.


Good deal. Though some of that mileage is probably due to your complete overhaul of the engine as well.

[ZinXin]

something tells me you were running with the A/C, radio, lights, and every other possible item in the "off" position

[radare]

Originally Posted by ZinXin

something tells me you were running with the A/C, radio, lights, and every other possible item in the "off" position

Actually, believe it or not, I always drive with my headlamps/foglamps on and the radio playing (with a 160W amplifier attached). I crack the sunroof and use the vent setting on the AC when I get warm. The alternator on these cars is rather efficient.

[ragtopcav]

The economy delivery you're getting is consistent with the numbers Saab put out.

Sensible use of the loud pedal quickly become meaningless if everything else is not as sensible.

Engine emission control goes awry quickly without having a good exhaust gas sensor[s] and good engine temp control.

Tyres for economy help too.

The 2.3 N/A in manual is the most fuel efficient model of our car, then it's the 2.5 [by a small margin].

[jonnyfgroove]

Wow, that is impressive mileage. Prius drivers put that in your pipe and smoke it!

Radare, what was your mileage prior to the rebuild?

[DanS]

Its no wonder with the meticulous job you did on the rebuild. That engine is better than new.

[radare]

I'm glad to report, after almost 6000 miles since the rebuild, my fuel economy keeps getting better. With the last three tanks, I've been getting about 36 to 37 mpg. The most recent fill up produced 37.25 mpg. I have the original window sticker; SAAB advertised 28mpg highway.

I have no idea why it's so good; I drive 70 in a 75, have the AC on once I reach 55 mph or faster and use the radio. Im using 0W40 synthetic, 87 octane and have the turbo exhaust system. I keep the tires at 35 psi and check them at each oil change (every 3 weeks for me). I couldn't be happier!!

[Mister Bean]

I just did a little road trip over the weekend from Boulder to Santa Fe. Going there at 85 mph with the AC, radio and headlights on I got 31.3 mpg. Coming back the same way I got 32.8 mpg. I'm sure it'd be higher if I drove slower, but I'm ok with driving faster, using a bit more gas, and getting there an hour sooner.

[DHRammstein]

That's fantastic, I'm happy to say I've been as fortunate. On my way back from a friends house last friday, the gas light came on just as I pulled into a gas station, I put exactly seven dollars, and got exactly 2.0 gallons, I drove 67.2 miles, all highway, back home, the gas light came on about two miles from my house!!!

[mike saunders]

Raggy, a 2.0T driven conservatively -- regardless of mods -- can get those same mileage figures. Remember -- without boost, it's a piddling 135-140 hp 4-cylinder engine The issue is one of self-control and proper maintenence, both of which Radare has....


Radare, those are excellent numbers, and testament to that 1st-class rebuild. You should be touring dealerships and smacking them around to show them the light...