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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Technical Discussion - Beginner / Repair => Topic started by: Sundance58301 on August 23, 2011, 08:09:03 AM

Title: Tires and MPG
Post by: Sundance58301 on August 23, 2011, 08:09:03 AM: Checked the FAQ (great section guys!) But I couldn't
find the answer.

I have a '92 Sidekick 4Dr. Stock tires are 205/75/15.

I am interested in keeping the great MPG but getting a
couple inches of lift with tires. Currently if I dial in 55 MPH
I am getting 32 MPG. I'd like it to stay there.

My brain says going to a 235/75/15 would not only get me
the height, but should increase MPG????

Thanks for a great forum
Title: Re: Tires and MPG
Post by: Drone637 on August 24, 2011, 12:23:24 AM: There is a thread on mileage where you can check out peoples numbers. While a taller tire CAN give you better mileage you have to take into effect the taller tire takes more power to turn, possibly dropping your mileage.

As for lifting your car, the taller it is the more wind resistance it hits and the worse mileage you will get. With an average speed of 55, driving mostly highway miles, I am happy to get 27mpg.
Title: Re: Tires and MPG
Post by: bentparts on August 24, 2011, 04:10:03 AM: I was able to go to a 225 on stock Tracker and get 27+ but any bigger and your milage will start dropping rapidily. 32MPG is great, I wouldn't change a thing, Jmo.
Title: Re: Tires and MPG
Post by: talonxracer on August 24, 2011, 06:29:45 AM: OK, I just had a chance to check the fuel mileage with the 4.5" suspension lift and 31/10.5-15 on the Sidekick. I was able to pull 31mpg combined city/highway driving, and yes I took into account the size difference of the new tires when doing the calculations.
Title: Re: Tires and MPG
Post by: BRD HNTR on August 24, 2011, 03:50:05 PM: Quote from: talonxracer on August 24, 2011, 06:29:45 AM
OK, I just had a chance to check the fuel mileage with the 4.5" suspension lift and 31/10.5-15 on the Sidekick. I was able to pull 31mpg combined city/highway driving, and yes I took into account the size difference of the new tires when doing the calculations.
You have a very well tuned engine. Don't touch anything, cause with the lift and tires I don't think it can get any better.
And it still a good looking ride, even if the last photo's showed some dirt. (Nice to know that lift didn't go on a Mall Cruiser.)

I couldn't pull that good with 30x9.5x15's with my 1.6 8v, and my 24v won't do that good either. (I need more lift... and larger tires... YES!!!!)
Title: Re: Tires and MPG
Post by: 98redkick on August 24, 2011, 08:59:18 PM: Man, I just checked the fuel economy on my 4 dr, 1.6, 4spd auto sidekick and discovered I was getting an abysmal 20 mpg. It is lifted 2" and I'm running 235/75r 15 all terrains.

I have mileage envy.
Title: Re: Tires and MPG
Post by: bentparts on August 25, 2011, 11:55:34 AM: Quote from: talonxracer on August 24, 2011, 06:29:45 AM
OK, I just had a chance to check the fuel mileage with the 4.5" suspension lift and 31/10.5-15 on the Sidekick. I was able to pull 31mpg combined city/highway driving, and yes I took into account the size difference of the new tires when doing the calculations.
How are you determining your mileage? that sounds pretty high compared to almost every other lifted rig on this forum with 31 or 32 " tires. You are aware of course, that your odometer is waaaay off now due to the larger size tires, and the only true way to determine fuel mileage is to measure actual fuel used ( fill, then re-fill tank) over a givin distance, usually measured by GPS or some other accurate device,then divide miles traveled by gallons used. Every other way is just a good guess.
Or maybe yours is just freakishly frugal on fuel :laugh: I'd be happier than a pig in shit if I could get an average of 25!
Title: Re: Tires and MPG
Post by: talonxracer on August 25, 2011, 12:19:01 PM: I did state I took the tire size into consideration. The 31's I have are a tad under 30", I took 10%(higher than required) off the mileage on the odo and then figured the mpg. I drove like a friggin grandma and NEVER excedded 55mph except downhill. The next tank full went quicker as there was alot of trail riding and driving like I stole the bitch 24mpg, LOL, but taking it easy she is very frugal on the fuel
Title: Re: Tires and MPG
Post by: RJkick on August 25, 2011, 04:02:11 PM: Any tips beyong driving like a granny and under 55?

I get maybe 18 or 19 with a 4" lift, 3" body lift, header, and south korean mud tires
Title: Re: Tires and MPG
Post by: bentparts on August 26, 2011, 04:19:43 AM: Pump your tires up to 50 lbs on road? Sounds like your mileage is about average.
Title: Re: Tires and MPG
Post by: Drone637 on August 26, 2011, 09:24:59 PM: Quote from: rjkick on August 25, 2011, 04:02:11 PM
I get maybe 18 or 19 with a 4" lift, 3" body lift, header, and south korean mud tires

I run some Korean mud tires on Project Trouble. Great tires. :D
Title: Re: Tires and MPG
Post by: bentparts on August 27, 2011, 06:43:44 AM: Quote from: Drone637 on August 26, 2011, 09:24:59 PM
Quote from: rjkick on August 25, 2011, 04:02:11 PM
I get maybe 18 or 19 with a 4" lift, 3" body lift, header, and south korean mud tires

I run some Korean mud tires on Project Trouble. Great tires. :D
where do you get them?
Title: Re: Tires and MPG
Post by: BRD HNTR on August 29, 2011, 08:53:04 PM: Off OLD cars!! :laugh:
Title: Re: Tires and MPG
Post by: bentparts on August 30, 2011, 04:06:57 AM: Time to search the salvage yards !
Title: Re: Tires and MPG
Post by: RJkick on August 30, 2011, 09:05:00 AM: http://www.nexentireusa.com/tires-12/RoadianMT (http://www.nexentireusa.com/tires-12/RoadianMT)
Title: Re: Tires and MPG
Post by: talonxracer on August 30, 2011, 01:09:12 PM: I am close to GreenDiamond tires and had a chance to check out the facility, they will be the next tire I go with, they are phenomenal after the break in period!
http://greendiamondtire.com/ (http://greendiamondtire.com/)
Title: Re: Tires and MPG
Post by: bentparts on August 30, 2011, 02:14:15 PM: Thanks for the links guys!