LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000) Discussion topics related to the 1990 - 2000 Lexus LS400

Gas Mileage

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Old 09-03-05, 07:18 AM
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media2lexus
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Default Gas Mileage

Are there any tips or modifications to increase gas mileage? I own a 1998 LS400
Old 09-03-05, 09:22 AM
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Brandicus
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Cool

drive slow



no seriously an ECU upgrade might help ya there
Old 09-03-05, 10:34 AM
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TJW98LS
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Does anyone know if a K and N air filter would increase gas mileage? How about a cold air intake?
Old 09-03-05, 10:42 AM
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lexodude
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The K&N Website knfilters.com says it increases gas mileage and most of the people on here agree so i went ahead and put one in the 1st day i had my caar so i dont really know if it has increased gas milage or not.

Last edited by lexodude; 09-03-05 at 02:30 PM.
Old 09-03-05, 11:58 AM
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I wasn't able to detect any obvious difference with the drop in K&N. I've enlarged the snorkel opening about 30% on mine. Best has been 28 MPG and with a mix of city driving, it's about 20-21 MPG. Lexkost has modded his and he may be able to give some additional input. He likes what it does for his car BTW.

FWIW, when I had the K&N in, the silica content in my oil analysis went up several points. Interpret that how you want...I opted to use the stock filter and the silica count went down.
Old 09-17-05, 08:32 PM
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hyperopt
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Originally Posted by media2lexus
Are there any tips or modifications to increase gas mileage? I own a 1998 LS400
What kinds of gas mileage are you getting?
Old 09-17-05, 11:26 PM
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GRAND_LS 4
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Originally Posted by RA40

FWIW, when I had the K&N in, the silica content in my oil analysis went up several points. Interpret that how you want...I opted to use the stock filter and the silica count went down.
I've heard this with more then one car, thats why I'm sticking to the stock filter.
Old 09-18-05, 05:58 AM
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ychachad
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I have had K&N for over 15 years in my cars without any problems. Every car I have had for 15 years has had K&N.

Originally Posted by GRAND_LS 4
I've heard this with more then one car, thats why I'm sticking to the stock filter.
Old 09-20-05, 11:52 AM
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austxlexus
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Originally Posted by media2lexus
Are there any tips or modifications to increase gas mileage? I own a 1998 LS400
Yea, sit with the seat further away from the gas pedal...that way you can't floor it!!
Old 09-21-05, 04:54 AM
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ychachad
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Leave the A/C off.
Don't drive faster than 65mph
Accelerate with ease, (watch the fuel econ display on the 98+ models and learn to use it for max efficiency)
Keep tyres inflated to 32 F, 34 R psi.
Don't make unnecessary trips.
clean/replace air filter
change spark plugs
change engine oil, use a lighter oil such as 0W20 or 5W20
remove all unnecessary items from your trunk.
Don't fill up more than 1/2 a tank of gas to reduce weight.
Don't carry your friends around, they add weight. Ride in their car instead.
drive at night if you can cooler air gives more power and reduces fuel consumption
Use highways rather than city roads with stop and go traffic.

Last edited by ychachad; 09-21-05 at 10:31 AM.
Old 09-27-05, 08:36 AM
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Chad, good advice.
Old 09-27-05, 09:28 AM
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JBrady
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Several good tips above.

Tires definitely make a difference. Proper inflation is also important.

Synthetic oil in 5/30 or 0/30 is recommended for many reasons including mileage.

Stock air filter is hard to beat. The K&N for our engine is not their best effort. IMO stock is probably higher flowing and a better filter. I have used K&N for years as well and they are a good company it is just on our application the design ends up with a solid cover in the middle and a relatively small filtration area vs. stock. The oil is also a potential problem with MAF sensors. I am not sure how it would effect the oil analysis though as our engines are very tight with extremely low blow by.

Speed is certainly a consideration but I was able to average over 30mpg averaging 70+mph over a 100 mile stretch of highway. Tank average was 28.9mph again all highway. This was in a HEAVILY loaded car. I was moving and had several hundred pounds packed in the car. Basically as full as it could get. Normal city/hwy average is 20-22mph.

Another consideration is ride height. Most would not consider lowering their cars but a lowered car tends to have better aerodynamics. Wider tires and heavier wheels do the opposite.

BTW, I have gotten over 500 miles on many tanks of gas.
Old 09-27-05, 11:41 AM
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Final Word
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Originally Posted by jbrady
Several good tips above.

Tires definitely make a difference. Proper inflation is also important.

Synthetic oil in 5/30 or 0/30 is recommended for many reasons including mileage.

Stock air filter is hard to beat. The K&N for our engine is not their best effort. IMO stock is probably higher flowing and a better filter. I have used K&N for years as well and they are a good company it is just on our application the design ends up with a solid cover in the middle and a relatively small filtration area vs. stock. The oil is also a potential problem with MAF sensors. I am not sure how it would effect the oil analysis though as our engines are very tight with extremely low blow by.

Speed is certainly a consideration but I was able to average over 30mpg averaging 70+mph over a 100 mile stretch of highway. Tank average was 28.9mph again all highway. This was in a HEAVILY loaded car. I was moving and had several hundred pounds packed in the car. Basically as full as it could get. Normal city/hwy average is 20-22mph.

Another consideration is ride height. Most would not consider lowering their cars but a lowered car tends to have better aerodynamics. Wider tires and heavier wheels do the opposite.

BTW, I have gotten over 500 miles on many tanks of gas.
I got 31.6 mpg a few weeks ago.. Normally i average 27-29mpg on the highway, set at cruise between 60-68mph.
Old 09-28-05, 11:30 AM
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JBrady
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Originally Posted by Final Word
I got 31.6 mpg a few weeks ago.. Normally i average 27-29mpg on the highway, set at cruise between 60-68mph.
Nice. How many miles did you average the 31.6mpg over? As I said I was able to average over 30mph for 100 miles at around 70mph. 21 gallons of fuel and 31mpg gives a theoretical 650 miles to the tank.
Old 09-29-05, 05:16 PM
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Final Word
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Originally Posted by jbrady
Nice. How many miles did you average the 31.6mpg over? As I said I was able to average over 30mph for 100 miles at around 70mph. 21 gallons of fuel and 31mpg gives a theoretical 650 miles to the tank.

It was for about 30 miles on a pretty flat highway.. Even so, i was still impressed


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