34 MPG Grand Prix?

[adamsjd1]

I know our Caravan doesn't do that. Nor does any other Automatic I've ever driven from another maker.

I've got a coworker who drives a 1996 Buick Park Avenue with the GM 3800 Supercharged, like what's used in the GTP. He consistantly gets 30+ mpg on that car as well, even with the higher fuel injectors and supercharger to suck up gas.

[almightybmw]

mmmm, just registered, but have been reading for a month or so, I have to chime in. I also have a 02 GP SE, and on the last trip out west, one leg of the trip netted me 34.88 mpg. Cour De' lane to Portland, cruise set at 67mph. I'll bet I could break 35mpg with a few mods, as that was all stock, all driver skill.
I agree with the trans comments, as at 67mph it's just a hair under 2000rpms. at 42mph the 4th gear lockup engages and I can pretty much slowly get to 67 from there. The off-throttle disengage is nice too, don't have to shift to N when coasting.

Now I just need help with the in town, as 20-21mpg just isn't good enough for me. I do bike when I can, just need the mpg up when I do drive.

[GasSavers_Dust]

Just thought of something. Take a look under your car, there should be a nice big bump in your exhaust where your 02 sensor is. If you put a straight pipe in there, and mount the sensor sideways, you should pick up a mpg or 2. It's called a u-bend delete.

[bowtieguy]

i had a 1995 olds 88(3800). things that helped me were: grill block overinflated tires(55psi front, 50 rear), and synthetic fluids, besides driving tech of course.

realizing these were mentioned prior, just wanted to confirm them.

however, be wary of the tranny flush. inexperienced shops often perform this with electrical problems to follow. besides, many(most?) mechanics deem it unnecessary.

whatever tranny service you do, by all means DROP THE PAN and REPLACE the FILTER!!!

[almightybmw]

Originally Posted by Dust

Just thought of something. Take a look under your car, there should be a nice big bump in your exhaust where your 02 sensor is. If you put a straight pipe in there, and mount the sensor sideways, you should pick up a mpg or 2. It's called a u-bend delete.

From what I've read the U-bend delete doesn't apply to the 3.1, only the 3.8. I could be wrong, and not getting 1-2mpg more. Guess I'll have to read more and find out.

[adamsjd1]

I believe the U-Bend delete is also only for the 3800 Series II engine.

Today I checked my air pressure with a gauge and saw that all my tires were at 30 psi or less. One of them was at 25 psi. So I've now them all equally at 45 psi. Of course, the ride is a little firmer, but I've noticed the car rolls much easier. I should be getting similar, if not better this tank. I'm halfway beyween 3/4 and 1/2 tank right now with about 260 miles on the trip odometer. Should be interesting when I fill.

I might look into creating my own belly pans made out of Carbon Fiber as it's lightweight. Shouldn't be too difficult to create a mold with a few bends in it to get the pans where I need them. For permenant places, I'll simply pop-rivet them into place, and then use low-profile bolt heads on removeable ones.