Better mileage...better performance?
- Thread starter MTGunner
- Start date
kootenay
Intergalacticsuperintendent
I also read that the Royal Family are descendants of Alien Lizards. I even saw a documentary on Netflix about it. The problem with so many of these Mods, is that there is very little real world honest answers. Not to many people want to admit that adding thousands of Dollars to their vehicles didn't actually do what they paid for. As well being honest with reviews often doesn't sell advertising online or in print.
calicamper
Expedition Leader
I have not seen any modern non 70's cars without a stock cold air intake. Intake mods are the biggest waste of money in todays aftermarket junk.
rruff
Explorer
And people tend to "feel" that a noise increase = power increase. The only way to really know is impartial dyno tests, and the ones I've seen indicate you are as likely to lose as gain HP when modding the intake or exhaust.
At this point I will continue to drive my Xterra reasonably and perhaps try premium fuel and ad Berryman fuel additive to hopefully avoid a plugged cat. Will only run premium fuel on occasion of a longer trip to get better mileage, if any and will document, for results. I have trips planned this coming spring and summer and will give it a try. If there are any benefits I will post. Thank you all for your sage advice and information. MTG
calicamper
Expedition Leader
Keep in mind octane ratings refer to the fuel stability not its energy density.
The higher the octane rating the more stable it is. Engine design that results in hot spots under load trigger less stable fuel resulting in ignition at the wrong time of the cycle causing pinging and power reduction by the system reducing timing and fuel load etc. Todays engines typically are engineered specifically for octane ratings. Running more stable fuel in your car built for low octane fuels its not going to do anything. Cost more at the pump maybe make you feel better but doesnt do squat in the engine performance.
The higher the octane rating the more stable it is. Engine design that results in hot spots under load trigger less stable fuel resulting in ignition at the wrong time of the cycle causing pinging and power reduction by the system reducing timing and fuel load etc. Todays engines typically are engineered specifically for octane ratings. Running more stable fuel in your car built for low octane fuels its not going to do anything. Cost more at the pump maybe make you feel better but doesnt do squat in the engine performance.
Martinjmpr
Wiffleball Batter
FWIW I ran 3 or 4 tanks of premium in my R50 Pathy with the 3.5 (which even recommends premium) and there was absolutely zero difference in either performance or MPG. I track my MPG both by hand and online using the Fuelly app.
The only thing that makes a difference on my R50 is whether I'm driving in city traffic or long highway drives. On the highway, 18 - 21 MPG and in the city, 15 - 18, which is right in line with the EPA estimates.
sailorcolin
Observer
Removing the cats will not hurt your mileage. They do restrict the flow of the exhaust so therefore restrict the performance of the engine.
You can get Hi Flow cats if you are wanting to open up the exhaust. I personally have a Bully Dog Tuner and 2+ degrees of timing and I am getting 2-4mpg better than the stock tune. No exhause and only a K&N air filter.
goingcamping
New member
I had the problem with the cats also. There is a product called Cataclean, I think that is correct. About $15 a bottle. I ran one bottle through a half tank of gas and have moved up to the mid-octane fuel and have not had a problem since. I drive a 2006, 4.0 with 6 speed manual and 182000. By the way, when I did this my fuel gauge started reading correctly which it had not done in 90,000 mi.