Hi, Guest
03-14-2012, 09:30 PM
I'm not sure how the break-in period for the new engines compares with the older Duratec models, but with my Duratec (07 ZX5 SES auto) I didn't start to see "real" fuel economy until at least 6000KMs.
Also, have you considered switching to synthetic motor oil? I find it actually does bring your overall fuel economy up a bit and the increase in cost isn't that bad for a 4-cyl engine. Plus, you can stretch our your oil change intervals some. Again, this takes some of the bite out of the yearly cost difference for synthetic vs. dino-grade.
Another thing that comes to mind is have you talked to your dealer about the firmware update for the DCT (automatic trans)? The revamped firmware makes a world of difference in driveability and it even seems to be bolstering the fuel economy numbers for more than a few people.
I have a fairly modded Zetec with almost 338,000KMs on it - I average 7.8-8.5L/100KMs on the highway at 130+. I get down near 7L flat at a 100 KM/H dead run... but I never seem to be able to hold it there for long
Even better at 90KM/H on the TransCanada up here when I have nowhere to be in particular.
Also, have you considered switching to synthetic motor oil? I find it actually does bring your overall fuel economy up a bit and the increase in cost isn't that bad for a 4-cyl engine. Plus, you can stretch our your oil change intervals some. Again, this takes some of the bite out of the yearly cost difference for synthetic vs. dino-grade.
Another thing that comes to mind is have you talked to your dealer about the firmware update for the DCT (automatic trans)? The revamped firmware makes a world of difference in driveability and it even seems to be bolstering the fuel economy numbers for more than a few people.
I have a fairly modded Zetec with almost 338,000KMs on it - I average 7.8-8.5L/100KMs on the highway at 130+. I get down near 7L flat at a 100 KM/H dead run... but I never seem to be able to hold it there for long
Even better at 90KM/H on the TransCanada up here when I have nowhere to be in particular.
Daily driver 1: 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport "S"
33" BFG Mud-Terrain KM2s, lots of Rough Country gear - bumper, 2.5" lift, swaybar disconnects, Superwinch 10,000lb winch, Detroit Locker in rear D44 axle, custom exhaust, K+N filtercharger, Superchips-tuned.
Daily driver 2: 2006 Subaru Legacy GT
COBB Stage 1+ package - AccessPort tuner, COBB intake and airbox. Stage 2 coming shortly - COBB 3" AT stainless DP and race cat, custom 3" Magnaflow-based exhaust and Stage 2 COBB tune.
33" BFG Mud-Terrain KM2s, lots of Rough Country gear - bumper, 2.5" lift, swaybar disconnects, Superwinch 10,000lb winch, Detroit Locker in rear D44 axle, custom exhaust, K+N filtercharger, Superchips-tuned.
Daily driver 2: 2006 Subaru Legacy GT
COBB Stage 1+ package - AccessPort tuner, COBB intake and airbox. Stage 2 coming shortly - COBB 3" AT stainless DP and race cat, custom 3" Magnaflow-based exhaust and Stage 2 COBB tune.