The best way for me to get better fuel economy is...

...to leave it parked and take my bike.

Other than that, I'd suggest replacing your engine air filter, putting the AC system into "ECON" mode, use 91-octane, and try to keep the RPMs under 2500-2700. An occasional "Italian tune-up" wouldn't hurt though if keeping the revs low.

Driving style has more of an effect on economy than I had ever thought (or wanted to admit!) Also, avoiding areas with high concentrations of stoplights or stop-and-go traffic helps. On my 13-mile morning commute, I've gotten as high as 16mpg and as low as 10mpg according to the MFI. It's an uphill commute, and depending on how many red lights I get stopped at affects my fuel consumption.

Also, how many miles do you have? If it's over 60k and you haven't changed the spark plugs yet, that might help, but it might not. Kind of a crap shoot on that one.

Happy motoring!
Matt

 

I just got my late-vin 2004 in May: Fuel economy is my only gripe and I purchased it well-aware that I'd feel the sting at the pump.

I have the tires overinflated a bit, and keep the suspension down on sport. It's the wife's daily driver with a half highway commute, we get around 13-15mpg or so :/ Next oil change I'll probably put in some German Castrol 0-30 over the Turbo Diesel truck 5/40 I have in the crankcase now. Otherwise, Matt's advice regarding maintenance items is solid. Using high quality synthetic differential lubes could help marginally. Replacing the H-pipe in the exhaust is an idea, as well as opening up the intake... but I doubt it'll help all that much.

 

I just got my late-vin 2004 in May: Fuel economy is my only gripe and I purchased it well-aware that I'd feel the sting at the pump.

I have the tires overinflated a bit, and keep the suspension down on sport. It's the wife's daily driver with a half highway commute, we get around 13-15mpg or so :/ Next oil change I'll probably put in some German Castrol 0-30 over the Turbo Diesel truck 5/40 I have in the crankcase now. Otherwise, Matt's advice regarding maintenance items is solid. Using high quality synthetic differential lubes could help marginally. Replacing the H-pipe in the exhaust is an idea, as well as opening up the intake... but I doubt it'll help all that much.

We're talking V8 gasoline engines here, right? (The title of the thread is "V8 Fuel Economy")

Castrol Syntec 5W40 meets spec, "0-30" German or not, does not meet spec.

I don't even want to think what "Turbo Diesel truck 5/40" oil you are using now, but why not use spec oil?

 

Fuel and economy??? I didn't know those words went together with the TOUAREG!!

 

...Only 18 more months, just 18 more months to wait for the V6 TDI here in the US...

 

The 0-30 German Castrol (European Formula) does exceed the VW 502 standard that the V8 requires, at 505. It's a full group IV PAO-based synthetic: The real deal.
Castrol USA - Grades

As far as the TDT goes, it's an impressive oil. It's actually rebranded Delvac. I've used it in my S4's for years with superb oil analysis results at extended drain intervals. It meets ACEA and API specs that exceed 502. It's also a true group IV PAO-based oil (an increasing rarity now that there are group III blends everywhere).

-Mike

 

The 0-30 German Castrol (European Formula) does exceed the VW 502 standard that the V8 requires, at 505. It's a full group IV PAO-based synthetic: The real deal.
Castrol USA - Grades

Followed your link - the only oil on that page that "meets" VW spec is the 5W40.

The 5W40 is also the oil that VW has on their approved list.

The 0W30 "exceeds" the spec, by their own estimation, but falls short of actually meeting the VW spec.

I'm not going to get into a war on this - you obviously have done a lot of research on oils and are diligently following oil performance with UOA's. If you are happy with your choice of oil - great! Just be aware that VW does not endorse your choice,

HTH

 

I put the boat into to storage this weekend. The V-10 got better milage pulling the boat than the V-8 did empty. The boat is 25' and weighs almost 7000lbs.

 

I put the boat into to storage this weekend. The V-10 got better milage pulling the boat than the V-8 did empty. The boat is 25' and weighs almost 7000lbs.

What would it take to change to the V-10's higher final drive ratio? You would pick up some mileage and loose some performance.

I'd hate to think what it would cost to change the gears. Considering that the V-10TDI cost about $15K more than the V-8 and the fact that diesel fuel cost $.30c a gallon more than premium fuel, I find it hard to make mods or even purchase the V-10TDI just for the sake of fuel savings.

It would probably take a million miles to see the savings.

 

V8 Gas Mileage - Modifications

I discovered this forum because I'm searching for ways I can easily improve my V8 gas mileage - yes I am a lead foot. This string seemed to be the best one I found that addressed this topic.

I'm thinking the K&N should help some...it always helped with my 05 Jetta GLI, 97 Honda Prelude and 94 Toyota Corolla. Anyone had some experience with the improvement specifically on their Touareg?

Also, found these "chips" that go on the tank..don't know if they work so I may be a guinea pig. They're called QX3 chips and I found them on EconoFuelChips.net. Again, anyone had any experience with that? If not, I will re-post once I've had a chance to try them out.

We're already using the highest octane you can purchase in Colorado, which I believe is 91 Premium Unleaded. It seems to drink the gas so we're debating getting rid of it...which I'd hate to do since we've fallen in love in and only had it for 2 months.

Any comments are greatly appreciated!

 

I discovered this forum because I'm searching for ways I can easily improve my V8 gas mileage - yes I am a lead foot. This string seemed to be the best one I found that addressed this topic.

I'm thinking the K&N should help some...it always helped with my 05 Jetta GLI, 97 Honda Prelude and 94 Toyota Corolla. Anyone had some experience with the improvement specifically on their Touareg?

Also, found these "chips" that go on the tank..don't know if they work so I may be a guinea pig. They're called QX3 chips and I found them on EconoFuelChips.net. Again, anyone had any experience with that? If not, I will re-post once I've had a chance to try them out.

We're already using the highest octane you can purchase in Colorado, which I believe is 91 Premium Unleaded. It seems to drink the gas so we're debating getting rid of it...which I'd hate to do since we've fallen in love in and only had it for 2 months.

Any comments are greatly appreciated!

Well here is my comment
If you are thinking about getting rid of it due to its mileage what were you thinking when you bought it?
2 1/2 tons of german engineering is never great on gas.

Point number two I like to give is maintenance. This is very expensive on the treg, unless you do it yourself. With equal maintenance done on a ford expedition vs the touareg, the treg would cost about$3000 more on 35000 miles or so.
That buys a lot of gas too!

 

I think you're crazy for adding these chips to your tank. I'm almost positive they'd void your warranty if they found out. IMHO, I would not introduce anything like this to your system.

I'm in the same boat (or v8.) as you. I learned to use my cruise control as much as possible and not race away from the line. As much as I hate to say it, I stay as close to the speed limit as I can. That has given me 40-60 miles extra per tank.

I don't know if this overlaps at all but I'll throw it out there. I swapped out my cats for cat bypass pipes and I'm noticing about 1mpg (via MFI) better milage. That could be purely coincidental since I'm driving like I'm neutered. Just a thought and feel free to correct me. I won't be pissed.

 

I gave up on fuel economy and just drive normally (ie: lead footed). I find with the FSI it doesn't matter much if I baby it or beat it, it gets 16-17mpg in mixed driving. Only way to better it is to sell it and buy a TDI.

On the tablets or other gadgets..I wouldn't do it...kind of along the same idea as hair tonic/snake oil etc.

 

I gave up on fuel economy and just drive normally (ie: lead footed). I find with the FSI it doesn't matter much if I baby it or beat it, it gets 16-17mpg in mixed driving. Only way to better it is to sell it and buy a TDI.

Nick,

You are not "lead-footed" if you are getting that kind of milage; my "long-term milage" is close to 14 on the FSI v8 and 17 on the v10. ...Granted, I've only got 4k miles on the v10 (& they break-in slow) and I'm very lead-footed in "S" or shifting with the Paddles -- & it's all city driving.

I could see the v10 getting uber-good milage in "D"; under "normal driving" it would cruise around at idle -- but I can't resist stepping-on-it ( in bigger chunks that on the v8 ) to invoke the twin-turbos :mrgreen: With all of it's torque, if you drive "normally" w/gasser pedal pressure, you'll never feel the turbos kick-in :crazy:

 

Along the talk about mileage and TDi's, I just read an interview today in Automobile Magazine. They talked with a VW exec who said the TDi Touareg when it arrives, will be priced in the same range as a V8. As much as I like my truck I will be looking at it along with the Tiguan at that time, given the cost differences. Besides, I don't plan on getting rid of my current ride for a long time.

 

I get 15 mpg with my foot in it:dance:
2004 V8

Linder

 

A couple of thoughts on the subject...
http://www.clubtouareg.com/forums/f43/265-70r17-tires-andaxle-ratios-mileage-towing-offr-13799.html

 

V8 Gas Mileage - Modifications Revisited

I appreciate the comments back...we're just trying to squeeze as much MPG as possible... I know we'll be safe with the K&N so we'll at least do that.. I guess the chips are too good to be true. We've already done the 60k mi maint. at Tynans - so it's got brand new spark plugs, oil, etc.

Thanks again for the comments, will try the cruise more and just be smart when we lead foot it. (We'll make sure it's worth the gas to race that Porsche.)

 

Rather than K&N, I would recommend aFe Pro Dry S Media filters. These do not use oil, so no MAF oiling problems, and can be cleaned. Price about the same as K&N at $37.50 each.

 

What would it take to change to the V-10's higher final drive ratio? You would pick up some mileage and loose some performance.

 

We might be suprised. if it's only the third member that needs changing it could only be a couple hundred bucks.

 

The V-10 3.27 ratio is much too high for the V-8. The 4.10 diffs from a Cayenne would be about right... some could probably be sourced from a salvage yard for a good deal.

 

i get 250 miles per tank (nyc) on my 04 v8

 

I exercise the ostrich principle. I let my wife drive the TReg and don't look at the gas bills!

 

4.2 econ vs 4.5 econ

Here's some crap, I come to Las Vegas with my dad in his (04/03) Cayenne S from Salt Lake. We stop in St. George, exactly 300.2 miles, did the math and he was averaging 80mph and got 19.2mpg on that partial tank...

The wife made the exact same trip a few hours later in the Treg, she got at best 18mpg (according to mfa, not true math) and averaged 75mph...

So why is it the Touareg with a smaller engine and slower speed the mileage is such a bust? We all know how mfas work, the porsche said 23-25 the whole way. Is it the drive ratios of 4.56 ratio over the 4.10 with the Porsche. Just a generic question as I learn more about them as time goes on. Just tryin to chew the fat here:chew:- become an educated partner on the site.

 

Here's some crap, I come to Las Vegas with my dad in his (04/03) Cayenne S from Salt Lake. We stop in St. George, exactly 300.2 miles, did the math and he was averaging 80mph and got 19.2mpg on that partial tank...

The wife made the exact same trip a few hours later in the Treg, she got at best 18mpg (according to mfa, not true math) and averaged 75mph...

So why is it the Touareg with a smaller engine and slower speed the mileage is such a bust? We all know how mfas work, the porsche said 23-25 the whole way. Is it the drive ratios of 4.56 ratio over the 4.10 with the Porsche. Just a generic question as I learn more about them as time goes on. Just tryin to chew the fat here:chew:- become an educated partner on the site.

First off, ignore what it says on the MFI since it is very optimistic and just do manual calculations to get accurate mileage. Another thing to factor in does your Treg have a roof rack on it with anything attachted to it? That will mess with mileage. Motor in the Cayenne if a V8 also should be the same as in the Treg. I have not heard of a 4.5l in a Cayenne.

 

In my opinion the two main items that make the Porsche a tad more economical, based on both having V8's (4.5L vs. 4.2L) are the following:

1. Final drive axle ratio: Porsche 4.10 vs. 4.56 Touareg
2. Weight: Cayenne 4970 vs. 5300 Touareg

As was mentioned earlier do not rely on the MFAs; calculate accurate mileage with actual miles driven and gallons upon fill up.

So a few hundred less pounds and fewer revolutions in the driveline can make that little difference (1.2 mpg). But then you gotta add back the 'fun' quotient (not to forget that wonderful interior) and I would take the Touareg any day.

That's my two cents. Happy driving.

 

I felt the drive ratio was going to be the main factor- and I wasn't relying on the mfa, I was just saying because of what it said the mileage would be a little less. And over the Porsche, I would choose the touareg any day. We had the option between 04 v6 cayenne 60k miles or 04 v8 Treg 104k miles- no brainer. : )

Thanks for the input

 

Maintaining correct tire pressure also has an impact on fuel economy, a few extra psi never hurt anybody (as long as the tire can handle it)

 

Touareg Tim "We had the option between 04 v6 cayenne 60k miles or 04 v8 Treg 104k miles- no brainer."



Yes, no brainer - buy the Cayenne - it's done half the miles and is a Treg by another name.

 

Take both for a spin back to back again, and compare RPM readings at the same speed.
On paper those final drive ratios should be the difference along with the weight difference as enchanted egg mentioned. Mind you, I didn't know that there was such a huge weight difference between the two.

 

This was the alternative...

http://www.vwsouthtowne.com/Vehicle...cleDetails/used-2005-Porsche-Cayenne-4dr_6_Spd_Manual-South_Jordan-UT/890655003