I had a quandry (Similar to Jason's) as whether to ditch my beloved '01 Highlander Edition 'Runner due to the rising gas prices. My wife now drives the 'Runner, but it's still my baby. We had talked about trading in for a Camry, but just couldn't do it. As nice as a Camry is, it just doesn't have the personality of the 'Runner. However, my gas quandry continues. Since I've decided to keep the 'Runner, I'm trying to figure out ways to tweak the gas mileage. One step was to use top grade, 100% synthetic oil, which has improved my (her) mileage by 1.5mpg. But, I need to take it further. So, I ordered a K & N induction system in hopes that my mileage will improve. Several of my technicians swear by induction systems, but none of them have a 4Runner. I was wondering if any of you have put on a K&N system (or similar) on their 'Runners. I don't have many customers who have aftermarket air induction systems on their 4Runners and cannot document any success. That's why I'm relying on you all to enlighten me. I know that I'll get better horsepower, but I'm primarily looking for economy. In addition, any tips on other means of achieving better economy would be greatly appreciated. Erick Faust-Service Advisor O'Brien Toyota - Indianapolis, IN

I'm a little sceptical about the synthetic oil helping that much. How much testing did you do and do you know if there are any other factors that have affected it? Temperature and driving habits, even fuel quality, can affect the mileage. I know my mileage varies by 1 MPG or more between fillups and I generally drive the same all the time. I've heard good and bad on the K&N. As far as performance goes, it allows more air in which allows the engine to make more power. This comes at the cost of letting bigger particles into the engine since the filter isn't as tight as most cloth filters. With more air means more fuel because the ECM will want to stay at the stoichiometric ratio of 14.7 parts air to one part fuel. This could help your mileage only if the increased power gets your engine closer to its maximum efficiency range and you don't abuse the extra power. Basically, you can accelerate the same with less pedal travel. Other ways of improving mileage: -Accelerate slowly -Keep it under 70MPH or even less if traffic permits (aerodynamic drag) -use the cruise whenever possible (less pedal movement so you're not constantly accel/decelerating) -Keep your tires inflated to max recommended pressure or even a little higher. Greater pressure means less tire to road contact and therefore less rolling resistance. Note, this will also decrease braking power and cornering ability (in extreme cases) -Keep windows rolled up at all times. If it's hot, use the A/C. (more power is lost to aero drag than an A/C compressor especially on our bigger engines and new/efficient compressors) Chad Software Engineer (car guy at heart and outside of work though) '05 V8 Sport

Didn't they bust that on Mythbusters?? Actually, I did a quick search and found this. In one mythbusters episode (http://forums.livingwithstyle.com/t113707-[fdl]-mythbusters

Ok, I should have qualified my statement about windows up/down. If you're driving slow in the city, put the windows down and AC off. At higher speeds, the drag from the windows will be greater than the drag of the AC compressor. I don't fully trust mythbusters in this situation since they only drove at 45MPH. I'd like to see another test at highway speeds. The manual trans is also a lot better at getting the engine's power to the wheels. An automatic loses a lot of power in the torque converter. Figure around 22-25% power loss in an auto and 18-20% in a manual. I'd argue about the gearing because the auto knows better what gear it needs and the ratios are great in the new 5-speed autos. There's obviously a difference when you're talking about a 4-speed auto though. Chad

Hey guys, obviously a lot of opinions on how to save gas. I'm sure the genius minds at the car companies have it down pat, but find it funny to see us struggle. It cost me $38 to fill up my wife's car today. I bought a new dvd burner for my computer for $42 on NewEgg. WTF?! Anyway, these are some of my fav Toyo Runner sites... www.yotatech.com www.top4runners.com/ja/index.html www.toyota-4runner.org I haven't been on the Yotatech in a bit, but it's usually full of great ideas. I had read that the K&N actually caused a loss of power in Runners. A lot of people do the marine box/air box instead. Those sites tell you all how to do it. The filter you use is some oil-based filter and I can't think of the name. But from what I've read this is successful in getting some more power and economy. Not sure why I haven't done it myself. Maybe that would be a good weekend project. Anywho...has anyone gone all synthetic on here? The 2nd site I listed, that guy has a Highlander Runner and he's running all synthetics. He recommended it to me to do, too. Again, I just haven't found the time to attempt to try all that. Good luck, Eric. You're the technician on here, lead the way man!!! College football starts tonight! The Longhorns begin their road to claiming the national title this season, finally. Hook 'Em!! Jason

The air filter I was thinking of is Amsoil. Found it on Yotatech. Told ya. Jason & Sarah Kucera Success Team International www.kucera.usana.com "True Health, True Wealth"

I use 100% synthetic in both my Tundra and 'Runner. After months of research, I settled on Amsoil. Needless to say, I'm not disappointed...Quite the contrary. Both vehicles are averaging 1.5mpg better than with synthetic blend. I'm using their formula 2000 0W-30 synthetic oil. I have 7,000 miles on both vehicles and haven't changed the oil, as it only needs changed once/year or every 30k miles. It's still as clean as the day that I put it in. I have my technicians scope my engine for any signs of problems. There are absolutely none! As a matter of fact, they've stated that my engines are cleaner than most 6 month old engines. I'm sold on Amsoil, as I compared it with Royal Purple and Mobil1. It warrants consideration. I'm hoping that the K&N induction system provides me with equally impressive results. Another thing that I've done is switch tires (last year) to Michelin Cross Terrains. They're phenomenal tires that change the whole dynamics of the 'Runner. They've extremely smooth and quiet while maintaing fantastic traction in virtually all conditions. I only engaged the 4WD once last winter, despite having alot of snow. These tires have excellent rolling resistance and gave me another 1.5mpg. The tires combined w/ the Amsoil have given me 3mpg total, but as you know, I'm looking for more - hence the K&N. Even with the slight modifications, I can't beat sensible driving as the biggest gas saver. Opening the 'Runner up via windows, back glass and sunroof actually do a pretty good job of keeping everything cool and saving gas by not having to use the A/C. When stopped at a light, I put the 'Runner in neutral. If I'm at a drive-through, I turn off the engine. When taking off, I pretend that I have an egg between my foot and gas pedal. It takes a whole new mindset to discipline yourself into this way of driving, but it pays of when you start pulling down 20+mpg. Another thing I learned was to use the cruise control as much as possible, even in town - the Prius owners taught me this, and it does work, adding another 1mpg to the talley. My ultimate goal is to get 25mpg on the road and 20 as an average. If I can accomplish this, we'll be able to easily afford to drive the trusty 'Runner virtually anywhere. I just hope that I haven't wasted $$$ on the K&N by lowering fuel economy and power, as suggested by some members. BTW, I also get a fuel induction cleaning every 15K. I see incredible results everyday at the dealership when people come in to have the service performed. It's amazing to see it actually work. Their tired old vehicles come back to life after having it done. I'll keep you all posted w/ my results after I install the K&N system. Erick

Not sure how this will come through, but it's an exerpt from one of the sites...the Highlander guy. Anyway, it's just about his Amsoil. He's a techie, he lists how and why he installed everything on his truck. Wish he was my neighbor. On losing power with the K&N, it's just something I read in a forum. People all have their opinions and the guy might have installed it wrong. I'm sure with any mod to airflow and gas flow pieces, larger tires and such it's always good to update computer settings as well...so I've read too. I guess you can throw off sensors and such...i dunno no. More in your alley, Eric. Hasta and good luck. High Performance Air Filter : In order to increase airflow into the engine, I installed an Amsoil 2-Stage Hi-Flow Air Filter TS-115. It is an oil-wetted foam filter which improves performance and fuel efficiency by trapping more dirt while allowing better air flow. It comes pre-oiled. You just drop it into the airbox with the metal grille facing the engine. The filter is washable and reusable. You must reapply their foam filter oil after every washing. I wash the filter with soap and water, let completely dry, then apply 2 ounces of Amsoil air filter oil. Before re-installing it is a good idea to blot any excess oil using paper towels as you do not want oil to blow into the air intake tube and get on the mass airflow sensor wire. Amsoil part numbers: TS-115 (air filter) AFO-BC (air filter oil, 8oz.)

I tried different oil weights and the lighter oils do give better gas mileage. In my M3, I always used 5w50 Syntec but since I was tracking her a lot, I tried 15w50 and my mpg dropped about 3-4mpg in one tank in everyday driving. I filled up 3 more times and it was the same so I changed back to 5w50. Now I use 5w30 Syntec in my '04 4runner V8. I know most swear by Mobil1 and it doesn't break down as fast as Syntec but the cleaning agents in Syntec work better for me so that's what I use. I go about 7k miles between oil changes. I wouldn't use a K&N. It lets in more dust particles for minimal gains. -Bobby '04 4runner V8 SE '04 Yamaha R6 <-- used more and more these days >

I saw the show a few weeks ago. The flaw in their testing is that they didn't go fast enough. How many people drive only 45mph on the highways? Most cars start feeling aerodynamic drag at 55mph and up (and its exponential). -Bobby >

I considered the "drag" aspect when driving on the freeway. If you choose not to use the A/C, you can still achieve same drag benefits as having the windows up. The nifty back glass rolls down (as we all know), cutting down on drag significantly. So, with my combo of easy driving, Amsoil synthetic, efficient tires, keeping up on maintenance intervals, and the K&N box, I'm hoping to achieve 24-25mpg this weekend. If I still fall short, I'll start getting rid of the extra unnessesary weight, i.e...the wife. e.

I have an 03 V8. I guarantee that my mileage is better running at speed with the AC than with the windows open. Measured many times over my 60,000 miles. I also know that I can beat the mileage manually-vs. the cruise control.but I live in Western PA, which is very hilly. I give up a lot of speed on the upside, and pick up a lot of speed on the downsides, and so long as I'm not impeding traffic otherwise, it works very well for me. If I were to leave the cruise on, it would "floor" the pedal on the upsides. I've also learned that the onboard fuel economy calculator is crap. Consistently 1-2mpg optimistic. I've also gone full synthetic, with K&N, and did notice better economy. Erik makes a strong case for Amsoil vs my Mobil-1. It's tough going to the gas station now, but simple math shows gas would still need to a lot more expensive to justify buying a whole new car to get 50% better mileage. Thanks, Andy

proper tire pressure is probably the easiest way to improve mileage. sometimes a little higher than the manual states is OK, as long as you dont go over the rated value (on the tire) and dont see abnormal wear (in the center of the tire). Higer tire pressure will usually improve a bit, but will make for a harsher ride.