C5 Tech Corvette Tech/Performance: LS1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Avg MPG

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 12-10-2013, 04:58 PM
  #1  
NJD
Advanced
Thread Starter
 
NJD's Avatar
 
Member Since: Feb 2013
Location: CA
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Avg MPG

I just bought a 2002 C5. I traded my 93 in for the 02. However, I notice I'm avg about 18 MPG on the highway. How, or what can I do to increase the avg highway MPG to what it should be(23-26 MPG).

Thanks
Old 12-10-2013, 05:04 PM
  #2  
jkru617
Intermediate
 
jkru617's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2013
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Is the 02 stock?
Old 12-10-2013, 05:16 PM
  #3  
NJD
Advanced
Thread Starter
 
NJD's Avatar
 
Member Since: Feb 2013
Location: CA
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Avg MPG

Originally Posted by jkru617
Is the 02 stock?
.

I don't thing so, as far as I can see..
Old 12-10-2013, 05:58 PM
  #4  
DEnglish29
Pro
 
DEnglish29's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jul 2012
Location: Indian Trail NC
Posts: 533
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

My C5Z get 18-20 around town & 26-29 highway (not stock)
Never heard of anyone getting 18 highway driving
Old 12-10-2013, 06:59 PM
  #5  
MY1STPEWTER
Melting Slicks
 
MY1STPEWTER's Avatar
 
Member Since: Nov 2004
Location: Paducah Ky
Posts: 3,495
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

My h/c auto with 3:42's gets 27 or 28 hwy. Something doesn't sound
right.
Old 12-10-2013, 07:35 PM
  #6  
GoldenFlame
Pro
 
GoldenFlame's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2010
Location: Indiana
Posts: 507
Received 33 Likes on 24 Posts

Default

A simple tune up can't hurt. (Plugs, Wires, Air filter, Fuel Filter)

I get around 21 combined going WOT very often, and about 26-28 HWY.
Old 12-10-2013, 08:03 PM
  #7  
Evil-Twin
Team Owner

 
Evil-Twin's Avatar
 
Member Since: Mar 2001
Location: small town in S.E Pa. PA
Posts: 21,325
Received 3,812 Likes on 1,925 Posts
St. Jude Donor '03-'04

Default

Originally Posted by NJD
I just bought a 2002 C5. I traded my 93 in for the 02. However, I notice I'm avg about 18 MPG on the highway. How, or what can I do to increase the avg highway MPG to what it should be(23-26 MPG).

Thanks
Because you are new to a C5, I cant assume anything..
If you haven't reset your DIC. you need to do that first to check highway driving. when you zero it out, it will vary greatly of a shor period of time.. the DIC is very sensitive to change. simple things like coasting can make a dramatic difference on average mpg. the more you drive the tighter the av mpg will get. in one day for example you can take an hours drive , set the av mpg to zero while doing 60 mph. after an hours of uninterrupted driving you should have an idea how good the car is at optimum highway driving speed with little variation in the speed.. but in the next hour you can dramatically change that number by changing speed or driving to an area with lots of up and down hills. the best av MPG can be achieve on a highway in a relative flat state like NJ. if you drive in combination of city and highway your mileage will drop. You have to fully understand the tool before you can accurately read the data. if you have a weekend filled with city driving in the computer then go out and drive on a highway for 20 minutes the city driving already embedded in the computer will effect the highway mpg. the longer the computer goes without a reset, the more accurate the overall mileage will be. if you have six months of city and highway driving embedded and then go out to check highway mileage you have to erase any previous mileage.
Bill aka ET
I have regularly posted 33 mpg driving to Atlantic City on the Atlantic City expressway where there are no hills. setting the cruise to 70 and letting it control the speed demand on the motor will yield the best mpg. Once over the bridge and into New jersey I reset the read out to zero. If I set reset from my house and then drive through the city to the bridge and then to Atlantic City and then into Atlantic City where there are lights on every corner and then back home, a totol of 145 miles I get 28 mpg.
Driving around town for a month with little or no highway and never seeing 5th or 6th gear, I average 12 to 14 mpg.

Last edited by Evil-Twin; 12-10-2013 at 08:12 PM.
Old 12-10-2013, 09:22 PM
  #8  
Bob Chapman
Pro
 
Bob Chapman's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jun 2002
Location: Marquette MI
Posts: 726
Received 43 Likes on 27 Posts

Default

There's a problem. My 02 C5 six speed gives me 31-32 mpg at 64 mph and 27-28 mpg at 80 mph on the highway. I get around 20 mpg around town.
Old 12-10-2013, 09:29 PM
  #9  
rpmrollbar
Instructor
 
rpmrollbar's Avatar
 
Member Since: Oct 2013
Location: Newberg Oregon
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

yes definitely a problem, my 97 6 speed gets around 26-28 hwy like clock work. 18-20 around town.
Old 12-11-2013, 01:19 AM
  #10  
Jeffwilson34
Burning Brakes
 
Jeffwilson34's Avatar
 
Member Since: Oct 2007
Location: Morristown TN
Posts: 1,093
Received 33 Likes on 25 Posts

Default

My 98 A4 with 3.15 rear gears averaged 32MPG from Knoxville TN to Daytona FL last year. Using the DIC and old fashion pen and paper calculations.
Old 12-11-2013, 10:06 AM
  #11  
lionelhutz
Race Director
 
lionelhutz's Avatar
 
Member Since: Apr 2007
Location: South Western Ontario
Posts: 11,061
Received 845 Likes on 721 Posts

Default

Is the car stock or not? You answer was confusing.

Are you using the display or did you calculate the fuel economy based on mileage and fuel pumped into the tank?


Originally Posted by Evil-Twin
setting the cruise to 70 and letting it control the speed demand on the motor will yield the best mpg.
There are lots of hyper milers who would argue that cruise is not the most efficient way to drive, especially using cruise in hilly areas. Also, how did 70mph become the magic number to getting the best mileage? Typically, slower speeds like 50mph or 55mph yields better mileage. The first recommendation for increasing fuel mileage is to slow down to the posted speed limit or below.
Old 12-11-2013, 11:25 AM
  #12  
Kreeess
Burning Brakes
 
Kreeess's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jan 2013
Location: Hercules CA
Posts: 1,091
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

hmm i get about 18-20 city and 24-27 hwy with a full exhaust and cam 6sp helps a lot
Old 12-11-2013, 01:54 PM
  #13  
95rtturbo
Drifting
 
95rtturbo's Avatar
 
Member Since: Nov 2011
Location: Chesterfield (St. Louis) MO
Posts: 1,377
Received 40 Likes on 34 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by NJD
I just bought a 2002 C5. I traded my 93 in for the 02. However, I notice I'm avg about 18 MPG on the highway. How, or what can I do to increase the avg highway MPG to what it should be(23-26 MPG).

Thanks
Is your car a 6 speed? Not trying to ask a dumb question, but, if so, do you use 6th gear on the highway? That would definitely affect your gas mileage.

Also, cold weather combined with winter gas, will lower your mileage a bit (although even so, you obviously should be getting over 20 on the highway).
Old 12-11-2013, 02:55 PM
  #14  
Jeffwilson34
Burning Brakes
 
Jeffwilson34's Avatar
 
Member Since: Oct 2007
Location: Morristown TN
Posts: 1,093
Received 33 Likes on 25 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by lionelhutz
Typically, slower speeds like 50mph or 55mph yields better mileage. The first recommendation for increasing fuel mileage is to slow down to the posted speed limit or below.

open highway my best mileage is between 70-90 MPH

Windows up and AC on. It does drop about 2 MPH windows down and top off.

Not stock but only bolt on mods

I have larger intake, Longtube headers, straight pipes back to quad tip borla, vararam, and custom tune. I also have the 3.15 gears

Plus my engine has over 300,000 miles so I doubt ot is as tight as it once was. Not sure if that would change the milage though
Old 12-11-2013, 03:41 PM
  #15  
Bluesteve1
Instructor
 
Bluesteve1's Avatar
 
Member Since: Sep 2012
Location: San Angelo Texas
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

i have a 2004 auto with 3.15 gears and i',m ave 15.3 in town right now. A lot of stop and go traffic and 35-45MPH.
Old 12-11-2013, 04:26 PM
  #16  
racebum
Race Director
 
racebum's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jan 2008
Location: oregon
Posts: 15,978
Received 153 Likes on 146 Posts

Default

stock 02z, avg 17-18mpg {i live in a metro area}, gets as high as 28mpg highway if i reset and drive a few miles

AFR is spot on and the fuel trims hover near zero on a scan tool.

how you drive the car has a big impact on mpg. 13-14mpg in town isn't hard to get if you use a little more throttle
Old 12-11-2013, 04:57 PM
  #17  
coia96vette
Burning Brakes
 
coia96vette's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jun 2008
Location: Lake Villa IL
Posts: 940
Likes: 0
Received 76 Likes on 69 Posts

Default

My 04 with 3.15 gears and auto gets 19 to 20 around town and 28 to 32 on the highway when I keep my foot out of it. Quite a bit less when I want to have some fun with it.

Get notified of new replies

To Avg MPG

Old 12-11-2013, 06:26 PM
  #18  
lionelhutz
Race Director
 
lionelhutz's Avatar
 
Member Since: Apr 2007
Location: South Western Ontario
Posts: 11,061
Received 845 Likes on 721 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by Jeffwilson34
open highway my best mileage is between 70-90 MPH
I can do much better at around 40mph compared to 60-70mph. Upwards of 50mpg....
Old 12-11-2013, 08:22 PM
  #19  
QCVette
Le Mans Master
 
QCVette's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jun 2009
Location: South Dakota
Posts: 6,332
Received 624 Likes on 486 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by lionelhutz
I can do much better at around 40mph compared to 60-70mph. Upwards of 50mpg....
I have never tried 6th gear at 40mph, but at 55-60 mph mine does better than faster speeds. On mine it looks like if is not lugging the motor, the slower the better mileage.
Old 12-12-2013, 03:23 PM
  #20  
Bill Curlee
Tech Contributor

Support Corvetteforum!
 
Bill Curlee's Avatar
 
Member Since: Dec 1999
Location: Anthony TX
Posts: 32,736
Received 2,180 Likes on 1,583 Posts
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08

Default

You really need to determine and post if your engine is STOCK OEM or has modified parts on it. i.e. Headers, aftermarket air filter, Aftermarket Cam,, etc etc.

If it does, you need professional tuning. If it doesnt, you need to examine and replace as necessary the:

Air filter
Plugs
Wires
fuel filter

You could also have issues with the O2 Sensors.

AND

Data Log the PCM to figiure out what your long term fuel trims are doing. That will also let you look at the O2 sensor output to see if they are properly toggling HIGHT ot LOW, LOW to HIGH~~~~~

You also need to read and post your DTCs. Learn how to do it as it is very easy and VERY helpful when figuring out what is wrong with your engine/car:

READING YOUR Engine Diagnostic Codes



The Diagnostic Display Mode is entered with the following procedure:

1) Turn on the ignition but don't start the engine. NOTE! You can read the DTCs with the engine running and or driving down the road but it can distract you. BE careful! Some DTCs clear themselves when you turn the ignition OFF!

2) Press the RESET button to turn off any warning messages. (i.e. door open, trunk open ect)
3) Press and hold OPTIONS
4) While holding OPTIONS, press FUEL four times within a 10-second period.


Initially, on-board diagnostics go into an Automatic Mode which shows diagnostic codes in a pre-set sequence: PCM - TCS - RTD - BCM - IPC - RADIO - HVAC - LDCM - RDCM - SCM - RFA. All codes will be displayed for each. ( i.e. PCM = 4 codes) If none are present in a given module, you will see No More Codes on the display.
There are two kinds of diagnostic codes, Current and History designated with a letter suffix, “C” or “H”. A current C code indicates a malfunction is present and active in the module displaying data. A history code indicates a problem existed sometime in the last 40 or 50 ignition cycles. When not accompanied by a current code of the same number, it's potential evidence of a previous problem, now resolved, that was not removed by clearing the codes.
More likely it's an indication of an intermittent malfunction.
Intermittent codes are the most challenging of the diagnostics. An intermittent code may have happened once, may have happened more than once but is inconsistent or may be happening on a regular basis but not at the time the codes are displayed. History codes can also be caused by a current malfunction in a system that is not operating at the time codes are displayed. An example is the rear window defogger which doesn't operate until the Body Control Module detects engine rpm. For history codes set by a module that does not operate with the key on and engine off, a special diagnostic tool called a Scan Tester is necessary to properly diagnose the malfunction.
Once the system has displayed all modules, it goes into the manual mode which allows selection of each module using combinations of Driver Information Center buttons. Manual mode can also be entered during the automatic sequence by pressing any button except English/Metric (E/M). Once the display shows Manual Diagnostics, select a module by pressing the OPTIONS button to go forward or the TRIP button to go back. Once a module is selected, a code is displayed, and if more than one are present; press GAGES to go forward or FUEL to go back.
To exit the diagnostic mode at any time, press E/M. If you want to erase codes in a given module, press and hold the RESET button To reset the codes once in manual mode, press and hold RESET until it displays NO CODES Press OPTIONS to go to the next module. Repeat the steps until you have reset the codes in all the computer modules.
NOTE!! Only reset the codes IF you want to - it is NOT necessary to do this. Clearing a code does not repair a problem. You are simply erasing the evidence of it in the module's memory. If you clear the code/s, and extinguish the Check Engine Light, your emissions status ready will NOT allow you to pass an emissions test until you have completed the required driving cycles.
Once you have the codes, the next question is: What to do with the information?
First, consult the factory service manual. Any serious C5 Do-It-Yourself owner should invest in the Corvette Service Manual of the appropriate model year. The Service Manual is really a requirement if you want to understand and work on your C5. You can GOOGLE the DTC and also find information on it.




Here is very good site that explains the DTCs:


http://www.corvette-web-central.com/C5DTCcode.html


http://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_cod...d-ii-codes.php



Make sure to include the H or C suffix!!


Quick Reply: Avg MPG



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:33 AM.