Sorry it took me so long to respond. Been extra busy. What do you consider a full tune up? I've replaced spark plugs, cables air filte, O@ sensor... What else should I do?

And yes, I agree that AC + high temp + slow driving (stop and go) = low fuel efficiency.

I will take it on short trip to San Diego soon (120 miles uphill) and see what it'll do.
But first I want to change the oil on my tranny. What kind of oil do you recommend? And do you recommend that additive "LUCAS" ?
Thank for your insight.

AVITOLS,

You say your commute is heavy traffic 40 min. How many miles do you drive in that 40min? If you have alot of idle time in there, I bet that has alot to do with it. I know in your area it would be difficult to go without AC, but it would be interesting to try running through a tank without AC to see how much it'* hitting you.

Those 40 minutes of line take me for a whooping ride of 0.7 miles. Sure, the temp is starting to get milder here so I will be able to run without AC.I just filled up again yesterday. It took 14.78 gallons and the trip counter shows 160 miles, that'* 10.82 miles/gallon.

By the way.. I have checked the catalytic converted and it seems fine and it won't rattle.

I would say that'* your main problem. During that 0.7 miles, you are getting essentially 0MPG or close to it. The only way to really save gas under those conditions would be to shut off the engine, but if you need to move more often then once a minute, that'* not practical, and it will wear out your starter besides. I wish I had a better answer. :(

Another thought is idle speed. If you are idling too fast, that will also reduce your MPG, since a large amount of your time is spent idling. Also a technic I find that may help is whenever the line inches forward, just take your foot off the brake and let the car move forward on it'* own if you can. Ignore irate drivers behind you that would like you to jackrabbit between starts and stops. Moving that distance in such a long time, nobody is going to get anywhere faster by jackrabbiting. Of course if you're going up a hill in this line, that may not work, but I think you see what I mean.

Ok. Here'* the news. Still having lousy mileage. 180 miles to tank now. I'm also having some ocasionall starting problems. Turns on and dies. I am starting to believe that the computer is at fault. It seems that it is out of timing.
I have a 94 SE that I can take parts out. How compatible is it?
Could I take the computer out and repace it with the 94 SE? Needs re-programming?

Unless that SE is programmed for a supercharger, then it would need reprogramming. I am sure this has been posted, but have you reset the computer [ECU, ECM, PCM]?


-justin

Swap the MAF sensors, unhook the battery for a few minutes. See if that helps.