Will Gas Milage Improve Over Time? - Page 3 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

rforbes · 05-15-2009, 04:45 PM

Are you running premium or regular? My dealer told me it would not hurt to run regular in the SS, but I do not know why anyone would do that. I believe Premium increases the mileage a bit, and obviously better performance.

patriotpa · 05-15-2009, 06:10 PM

Don't get anything containing alcohol. Alcohol kills MPG. I lose 3 mpg in my Silverado when I get 10% alky fuel. I normally get 19MPG when I keep my foot out of it. Buy 10% alky blend, and I get 16MPG. Good fuel pays for itself.

CITGO gas sux too. Terrible MPG. I don't know what they put in it, but it sux. I get serious pinging running it.

*Camaro_Corvette* · 05-15-2009, 06:19 PM

I would first check your tires. My mom just bought an Impala and she was getting terrible mileage in it, well er, for an impala. I checked her tires and they were all above 40. Door asks for 32? So I put the tires to what the door and the manual says to put in it. She hasn't ran a tank of gas through it yet, so hopefully she gets better results. So far the computer is saying that we are breaking the 30's now consistently. I hope it is right.

TStko · 05-15-2009, 06:56 PM

SS = performance
LS/LT1/LT2 = better gas mileage.

patriotpa · 05-15-2009, 07:04 PM

You're buying a sports car and you're worried about mileage????? I'm happy as long as it's 2 digits!

hellraiser · 05-15-2009, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLUEMARO

I can't believe you would buy ab SS V8 and be worried about gas mileage.

FNKNSTN · 05-15-2009, 07:13 PM

Did you want a Hybrid, or a muscle car?

As far as I'm concerned... it's getting at least twice the mileage that my 77 Chevy gets.

bob2the2nd · 05-15-2009, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rolnslo

I think everyone (v6 or v8 owners) need to keep in mind the testing that is done to determine the EPA numbers. For example, highway numbers (max speed 60mph, max acceleration 3.2mph/sec, avg speed over 10.3mile trip 48.3mph). I'm sure none of us drive like that. At least we won't until gas creeps back up to $4-$5/gal again.

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/fe_test_schedules.shtml

It also really depends on the driver's foot. In my wife's Expedition, when I drive from our house to downtown Houston on nearly every Saturday morning, I average just over 19mpg but when my wife drives this same route in about the same amount of time it takes me, she averages just under 16mpg. I'm so used to driving in traffic everyday that I don't accelerate/decelerate as quickly as she does and I also tend to coast more rather than constantly pushing the gas pedal.

You mileage may get better as the miles roll by but you might need to adjust your driving style a bit to make more of an improvement.

The way testing was done changed in 2008, they now accelerate faster, go up to higher speeds, and run the AC (among other things) to determine the new fuel economy for cars.

as for OP give it a little bit longer and see what happens. should go up a little once you get the car broken in

Dan · 05-15-2009, 07:32 PM

GM's LS series aluminum engines are notorious for gaining both mileage and power after a few thousand miles. Give it a little time to get broken in.

greenrail · 05-15-2009, 07:32 PM

It is a performance standard test. It is a guide for decision making. C'omon folks, that's why they use the disclaimer "Your Mileage May Vary."

Every new car I have owned (several) has loosened up quite a bit and mileage improved after 5-6k miles.

Also, it depends on how you drive. My daughter, (God Bless her!) is a speed demon. She hardly gets 30 MPG with her VW Jetta. She just about fell off the chair when I told her I have been averaging almost 34 MPG on some of our recent trips with my wife's Impala.

So, let her break in. Drive gently and I bet you can beat the EPA Highway ratings easily.

westvanGT · 05-15-2009, 07:35 PM

I think it should improve...the first two weeks after I bought my Mustang the mileage
was terrible. That is probably mostly from enjoying the power a little too much

But, as mentioned elsewhere in this thread, most of your milage has to
do with how you drive!

http://ecomodder.com/

I try my best at 'Drive without Brakes' and have really paid as much
attention as possilbe to tire-pressure, any extra junk in my car and
keeping the speeds lower on the highway.

As an example, I went over the Island last weekend, and the round trip I averaged 7.9 l/100km (almost 30mpg's i think)... I kept my speed on the highway right around 90-100kmh(just under 60mph).

Three weeks ago I did the same trip and averaged 10.1... It was from accellerating too fast and doin 140kmh plus pretty much the whole way up the island (speed limit is 110kmh).

Now I've really learned to do all the things that make my gas get me
that much farther(Over the last three tanks I've averaged just under 10l/100km in 80% city driving), so that when I want to step into it I don't have to
worry about the gas-gauge plunging.

The most important piece of the mileage component is the person driving!

z28camaro2471 · 05-15-2009, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camaro_corvette

I would first check your tires. My mom just bought an Impala and she was getting terrible mileage in it, well er, for an impala. I checked her tires and they were all above 40. Door asks for 32? So I put the tires to what the door and the manual says to put in it. She hasn't ran a tank of gas through it yet, so hopefully she gets better results. So far the computer is saying that we are breaking the 30's now consistently. I hope it is right.

She should get better mileage with the 40 psi. Higher air pressure equals less rolling resistance equals better mpg.

As to the original question, in time the motor will make more power and you will get better mpg. I wouldn't worry about it, the manufacturer's estimates are usually spot on or even low. If you never achieve their estimates, it probably has more to do with your driving habits than anything else. I'm not being critical of your driving, just stating the most obvious culprit.

Either way, enjoy! 20 mpg and 400hp is pretty damn good!

cam2fst4u · 05-15-2009, 08:50 PM

hey scott are you sure its not from you trying to do the burn outs? that would hurt the MPG

Anyway.. In my Trailblazer SS the mileage was horrible when I first got it... After the first oil change the mileage increased significantly I couldn't believe it but it did... most of the vehicles I have had have always gotten better mileage after it was broken in... Shouldn't be anything to worry about...

Oh and dont forget that revin the engine will also use a bit of gas too

Sterling · 05-15-2009, 08:51 PM

I remember reading in another thread that the engine will run a little richer for the first 1000 miles. Not sure how true that statement is, but I expect it to get better after the break-in period.

05-15-2009, 06:19 PM	#31
Camaro_Corvette 36.58625, -121.7568 Drives: Team 1LE Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Earth Posts: 23,710 View My Garage	I would first check your tires. My mom just bought an Impala and she was getting terrible mileage in it, well er, for an impala. I checked her tires and they were all above 40. Door asks for 32? So I put the tires to what the door and the manual says to put in it. She hasn't ran a tank of gas through it yet, so hopefully she gets better results. So far the computer is saying that we are breaking the 30's now consistently. I hope it is right. __________________ I am seriously never serious vv V vv Next order of business

05-15-2009, 06:56 PM	#32
TStko TKO Drives: you crazy... Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Earth Posts: 381 View My Garage	SS = performance LS/LT1/LT2 = better gas mileage. __________________ 1100-Preliminary Order Accepted 10/13/2008 DELIVERED- 5/29/09 cars are like women, some are old, some are new, some get turned on easily some need a lot more help, some you just wanna drive into the river, some you can't wait to get inside of, some are expensive to maintain, some are low maintenance, however if you treat them right, you'll have her for the rest of your life.....

05-15-2009, 07:32 PM	#38
greenrail Comic Curmudgeon Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS-2010 VW CC Sport Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Near Chicago, IL Posts: 2,392	It is a performance standard test. It is a guide for decision making. C'omon folks, that's why they use the disclaimer "Your Mileage May Vary." Every new car I have owned (several) has loosened up quite a bit and mileage improved after 5-6k miles. Also, it depends on how you drive. My daughter, (God Bless her!) is a speed demon. She hardly gets 30 MPG with her VW Jetta. She just about fell off the chair when I told her I have been averaging almost 34 MPG on some of our recent trips with my wife's Impala. So, let her break in. Drive gently and I bet you can beat the EPA Highway ratings easily. __________________ Member Illinois Camaro Club His Name is Rosie - "Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick!" - If you know who said that, then you know the genesis of his name.

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05-15-2009, 04:45 PM	#29
rforbes Drives: IOM SS/RS Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: The Colony, Texas Posts: 797 View My Garage	Are you running premium or regular? My dealer told me it would not hurt to run regular in the SS, but I do not know why anyone would do that. I believe Premium increases the mileage a bit, and obviously better performance.

05-15-2009, 06:10 PM	#30
patriotpa Account Suspended Drives: 02 Silverado, 09 Vue, 10 1SS Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Tired of apologizing when we should be kickin' butt! Posts: 1,962 View My Garage	Don't get anything containing alcohol. Alcohol kills MPG. I lose 3 mpg in my Silverado when I get 10% alky fuel. I normally get 19MPG when I keep my foot out of it. Buy 10% alky blend, and I get 16MPG. Good fuel pays for itself. CITGO gas sux too. Terrible MPG. I don't know what they put in it, but it sux. I get serious pinging running it.

05-15-2009, 07:04 PM	#33
patriotpa Account Suspended Drives: 02 Silverado, 09 Vue, 10 1SS Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Tired of apologizing when we should be kickin' butt! Posts: 1,962 View My Garage	You're buying a sports car and you're worried about mileage????? I'm happy as long as it's 2 digits!

05-15-2009, 07:13 PM	#35
FNKNSTN Banned Drives: A Black Car Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 800	Did you want a Hybrid, or a muscle car? As far as I'm concerned... it's getting at least twice the mileage that my 77 Chevy gets.

05-15-2009, 07:32 PM	#37
Dan Drives: 2004 GTO Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Montgomery, AL Posts: 448	GM's LS series aluminum engines are notorious for gaining both mileage and power after a few thousand miles. Give it a little time to get broken in.

05-15-2009, 07:35 PM	#39
westvanGT Drives: 2006 Mustang GT Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver Posts: 21	I think it should improve...the first two weeks after I bought my Mustang the mileage was terrible. That is probably mostly from enjoying the power a little too much But, as mentioned elsewhere in this thread, most of your milage has to do with how you drive! http://ecomodder.com/ I try my best at 'Drive without Brakes' and have really paid as much attention as possilbe to tire-pressure, any extra junk in my car and keeping the speeds lower on the highway. As an example, I went over the Island last weekend, and the round trip I averaged 7.9 l/100km (almost 30mpg's i think)... I kept my speed on the highway right around 90-100kmh(just under 60mph). Three weeks ago I did the same trip and averaged 10.1... It was from accellerating too fast and doin 140kmh plus pretty much the whole way up the island (speed limit is 110kmh). Now I've really learned to do all the things that make my gas get me that much farther(Over the last three tanks I've averaged just under 10l/100km in 80% city driving), so that when I want to step into it I don't have to worry about the gas-gauge plunging. The most important piece of the mileage component is the person driving!

05-15-2009, 08:50 PM	#41
cam2fst4u Drives: 08 SS trailblazer,08 Silverado Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: stanley va Posts: 6,268 View My Garage	hey scott are you sure its not from you trying to do the burn outs? that would hurt the MPG Anyway.. In my Trailblazer SS the mileage was horrible when I first got it... After the first oil change the mileage increased significantly I couldn't believe it but it did... most of the vehicles I have had have always gotten better mileage after it was broken in... Shouldn't be anything to worry about... Oh and dont forget that revin the engine will also use a bit of gas too

05-15-2009, 08:51 PM	#42
Sterling Drives: 2010 Camaro 1LT/RS M6 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Fairhaven, MA Posts: 5,882 View My Garage	I remember reading in another thread that the engine will run a little richer for the first 1000 miles. Not sure how true that statement is, but I expect it to get better after the break-in period.