better mpg
Asked by Ridgeline9 Jan 01, 2011 at 10:02 PM about the 2006 Honda Ridgeline RTL
Question type: Car Customization
I would like to get better mpg with my Ridgeline. I was thinking of going total synthetic,i.e., engine, rear end, and transfer case. Any problems? Also, my Honda tech said it would be no problem using a 5w30 oil vs the factory 5w20 as they do it all the time. He also said not to change the transfer case oil as it drains with the engine oil. This does not sound correct as it is different oils and you would be 1/2 qt low at oil change. Correct? Also, what about using a K&N air filter? Thanks to all your advice. Vic
4 Answers
the transfer case and the engine are seperated from each other by the transmission so it can't drain with engine oil and adding a K&N filter can increase fuel economy and horsepower, if your thinking of putting a full cold air kit i'd recomend a kit by afe which can be better than K&N kits, also changing the exhaust can improve fuel economy, and adding an electric fan
charlieknight answered 13 years ago
I drive a Honda Element, and am thinking about getting a Ridgeline so I'm reading everything I can about them. I added a Performance Chip to my Element and get about 30 miles to the gallon vs 27 mpg and great top end when passing on the interstate. It's not expensive and I installed it myself, from now on I will have a Chip in what ever I buy!
everything is great, I did all these things and more to my 2009 ridgeline @ 100000 miles. -tune up-iridium plugs -timing belt and water pump -new belts -O2 sensor front and rear (front 65 Ea. and Rear 35 Ea. Rock Auto) -pcv valves -all fluids (Engine, Tranny, Gear Box and Differential) -shocks and springs -k&n air filter -Torneau cover these made the car run like it was new, mileage was around 21 highway and 17 city. But the one part I did change 1000 miles later was the Mass air sensor and my mileage on the highway has been as high as 23.4 and city 19 city. (As per the mileage monitor in car and Scanner dashboard.) Hope this helps. P.S. O2 sensor and Mass air flow sensors can fail and not give off alarms in car. Mine were reading very low voltages but still functioning right above the failure point. Mass air flow sensor was reading false causing computer to call for more gas than needed. Causing lower gas mileage Hope this helps total cost for what I did $1200.00 did work myself with help.
Omg!!!! First I installed larger pipes from the cat back to a new Borla muffler. That made a big difference in both power and better gas mileage. I then changed the stock air intake to a K&N cold air intake system! That was when I noticed the biggest difference! 10hp more and 10 additional foot lbs of torque. Every new K&N system comes with a performance data sheet. I was planning on selling my truck cuz I really hated the gas mileage. After my upgrades I love my truck again and plan on keeping it till it dies!
