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99 xj, 31's under a 4.5" lift, getting 15 mpg..is that average or could it be better?

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Old 01-11-2014, 08:39 PM
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Default 99 xj, 31's under a 4.5" lift, getting 15 mpg..is that average or could it be better?

I know mpg should not be a concern BUT when your in collage and scraping by i want to do everything i can to get the most.

I just bought this about a month ago, super clean!!

99 xj
31's
4.5" lift
borla exhaust
new cadillac converter
120K on the odometer

If i drive LITE (55 most the time) i think i get about 15 maybe 17. ( i am in the mountain though.

Its in the shop for a new rear main seal, and exhaust manifold.
was thinking of getting a tune up, to see if that help since i don't know anything about it, and can't do the wrench work myself.

it runs really smooth, but would it be wroth the money?????? could i get better mpg then what i am getting???


Last edited by Imjosiah; 01-11-2014 at 09:12 PM.
Old 01-11-2014, 09:04 PM
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Not sure what the question is???

Keep up the good work at "collage."
Old 01-11-2014, 09:19 PM
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If your question is if you could be getting better gas millage than you are on that set-up, you've got it pretty good. On the same set-up I was getting 13 mpg tops. And in the mountains you say?! You have got it good man!
Old 01-11-2014, 09:49 PM
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lol. good call, **college.

yes, sorry. question. If i pay for a tune up could i get better mpg?? would it be worth it the money??
Old 01-11-2014, 10:44 PM
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So, here's the real question: what results do you expect? You may make some nominal gains, but if you're hoping for 34mpg, trade for a Honda now. Also, have you accounted for your larger tire size in your mpg equation?
The tune up may not give you the gains you're hoping for, but IMHO, it's a good idea for any used vehicle you've recently acquired with that kind of mileage. At the very least, it gives you or your mechanic a chance to more closely scrutinize what's under the hood. For a poor college kid, I say spend a weekend with a Hayne's, some handy buddies and a case of beer and figure some things out for yourselves rather than pay the $$$ to a third party. You have lots of resources available to you. Use them! Besides, the cool, hot chicks will dig that you're wrenchin'.
Old 01-12-2014, 12:51 AM
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15mpg is about the best you'll ever get be happy with it.
Old 01-12-2014, 01:08 AM
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Right if you haven't compensated for the larger than stock tire. You should be actually traveling faster than what the speedometer reads out. Either find the percentage difference and calculate tank to tank between actual miles traveled or change the speedo gear in the tcase
Old 01-12-2014, 01:34 AM
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yes 15 mpg is good
Old 01-12-2014, 05:14 AM
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im betting the tire size is the issue and youre probably getting a couple miles better than you think i had 30 in tires on mine for years and could never get better than high 17 no matter what speed on highways in florida nice and flat, than one day i was looking up something for someone else regarding gearing and found some tire size calculator that you could put in stock tire size and current tire size and it gave you a percentage of difference, using that percentage number i applied it to my mileage and i was right around 20 mpg

Last edited by kennzz05; 01-12-2014 at 05:16 AM.
Old 01-12-2014, 09:40 AM
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Anything over 15mpg is good! Don't complain, it could be MUCH worse!


And if you don't know how to do a tune up, go buy a Haynes manual RIGHT NOW and figure it out. A tune up is SUPER basic and simple on an XJ. Plugs, wires, distributor cap, rotor button and an air filter & its SUPER EASY! Add to that an oil change and a drive belt and youll be all set.

Last edited by bigvig; 01-12-2014 at 11:37 AM.
Old 01-12-2014, 10:37 AM
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Originally Posted by Imjosiah
new cadillac converter
I always preferred the Lincoln converters.
Old 01-12-2014, 10:47 AM
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Originally Posted by 95Cherokee
I always preferred the Lincoln converters.
Ha ha! I missed that! At least it's a comfortable ride.
Old 01-12-2014, 11:14 AM
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I am running the same setup on my '96, and I get around 15mpg around town if I drive it easy...............So I'd say you are right where it should be.
Old 01-12-2014, 12:23 PM
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I wish i was getting 15mpg. I have a similar set up and I only get 13.5mpg. I just installed a set of 703s, so hopefully my mpg's will improve.
Old 01-12-2014, 01:22 PM
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yup.. I'm barely getting 200 miles a tank after my 3" lift and 31x10.5 TSR's. I'm glad I only drive this thing 3000 miles a year or so.


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