Installed air filter...MPG dropped??

[ryansride2017]

I recently changed the OEM air filter in my Nissan Sentra to a FRAM. I was enjoying 38-39 MPG but after the filter change I am now getting 33-35. I drive alot of highway miles so my driving style has not changed. I'm using about a 5 tank average to get my fuel consumption. Can a filter change make that much of a difference?

I'm ready to go to the Nissan dealership and get an air filter from them.....I could quickly make up the added cost with the MPG I would save.

 

[TR3-2001SE]

I noticed a major difference in my Miata milage when I went from the OEM to NAPA GOLD. People said I must be crazy but the Napa filter is still giving me 31+ and the OEM best was about 28. You can see the difference in the number of pleats OEM about 66 Napa about 99. Material I think is better also. Filters can make a big difference Just my humble opinion.

 

[Jeff in Western WA]

Interesting, I just "threw in" a "K&N drop in" air filter in my Miata, removed the MAF "screen" and also threw in a set of Bosch Platinum +4's, (just didn't like the long crank starts/mileage), little help though, very short trips average 3 miles), not broken in yet (4K~ miles) and lite aceleration on my '03 Miata gives me about 25`MPG around town, I expect warmer weather, Mobil 1 0w30 (at 5K)and Mobil 1 in RR and transmission (5 spd) will help, hoping for 27 mpg's~, rare, with the low gearing, I haven't heard of any Miata's getting over 30 mpg due to the 4:xx final drive ratio, even in OD...

 

[seotaji]

you guys are making me want to return my fram to get something else.

i'm going to check out the pleats on other filters.

the fram 8475 i have now = 28 pleats on the UP side and 27 on the DOWN side.

 

[Eddie]

The number of pleats means little as it the total artea of the filtering media.

 

[Bamaro]

If its a computer controlled car, especially if its OBDII, the computer should compensate for air flow and a bad filter would only affect excelleration since less air means less gas but the fuel/air mixture should remain the same.

 

[TR3-2001SE]

Good milage in a Miata.
1. Napa Gold Air filter
2. NGK Spark Plugs
3. Drive 4mph over the speed limit. you are actually driving the speed limit as most speedometers are 4mph off.
4. Shell or Amoco premium gas 93 octane 2001-2004 model
5. Techron about 15,000 mile intervals
6. Good syntetic oil Mobil 1 10w30
7. Live in a area with no alcohol in gas
8. Live in a rural area where the speed limit is never over 55mph.

9 Have at least 25,000 miles on engine. Takes this milage to fully break-in.

[ April 15, 2004, 11:44 AM: Message edited by: TR3-2001SE ]

 

[darkdan]

Bosch Platinum 4s? Someone actually bought those?

Air filters are cheap, go put a different brand in.

 

[Jeff in Western WA]

have had good luck w/ Bosch Platinum +4's, AC/Delco's are preferred but, a # of folks in the B - Body community were getting a significant % "out of the box" bad and many had problems soon after installation too....w/ my '96 SS (LT-1) the Bosch were a "quality (?) plug" alternative to a tough install around my headers....figured I'd try 'em on the Miata vs., the copper 30K plugs, no real diff though, car just seems to crank a bit longer than I'm used to, maybe mileage inc of approx 1/4 mpg, I'd rather run 87 Octane than premium though, dislike Shell and coist, like Chevron, use Techron at 15K intervals already, good tips, 4mph 'eh?....thanx..Jeff

[ April 15, 2004, 05:41 PM: Message edited by: Jeff in Western WA ]