2" LIFT = INCREASED FUEL CONSUMPTION?

[PeteS Member Find all posts View Profile Close PeteS]

OK,, I don't know a whole lot about this so I'm seeking some advice for a "discussion" with a work colleague

Colleague tells me that a 2" lift would increase fuel consumption. Says he does not how much but it will for sure. States tailshaft angles etc.... sure beats me :shock:

If tyres are not changed and I assume the weight difference is negligible then I can see any reason why it would increase fuel consumption?

Thanks
PeteS

[Drew Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Drew]

Ok, I feel I'm somewhat qualified to answer this one, given I'm one of those nerds who counts every litre and every kilometre in a spreadsheet.

I did notice an increase in fuel consumption after fitting my winch and 2" lift.

Commuting to/from work, up and down a 2000' mountain, I was averaging 13.4l/100km, now I'm averaging 13.7l/100km. I drive my vehicle economically, by that I mean I don't always plant it to the firewall - I simply don't earn enough money to do that! :lol: My last two tanks of ethanol blended fuel have returned about 13.6 and 13.1 so my rolling average might fall.

So I guess you could conclude that a suspension lift does increase your fuel consumption, albeit marginally. I think it could be put down to a few things, mainly increased drag as the vehicle isn't as close to the road, therefore more air goes underneath and last time I looked the underside of my 120 wasn't exactly sleek.

I have a copy of my fuel consumption spreadsheet if anyone is interested.

Drew.

[MTpockets Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close MTpockets]

I agree with Drew. More height, more drag.
My lift gets done next Thursday, I will be keeping an eye on things thats for sure. :lol:
cheers
Les

[PeteS Member Find all posts View Profile Close PeteS]

Thanks guys. Well there ya go, I never would have thought that.
So it goes like this.......... More Lift = More Fuel

After last weekends pradopoint.com meet in the Watagans I have added a lift to my wish list. I was more worried about handling, never even considered economy.

Les, If you could let us know how your economy goes after your lift it would be appreciated.
Thanks, PeteS

[Addy Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Addy]

Wengnuts,

I would be getting that checked out, sounds excessive to me.

[Drew Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Drew]

Driving style has a lot to do with fuel consumption also. Pretend you have bare feet and the accelerator is made out of broken glass, amazing difference.

Anyway Pete, you drive a D4D :!: What fuel consumption :?: :lol: I thought those things went for a couple of light-years on a thimble full?

As far as handling is concerned, there seems to be a couple of different quality set ups out there, it seems you do indeed get what you pay for. You know what I'm going to say, Bilsteins - you won't regret it. There is also the wheel alignment issues (see here), but I must say I'm happy now mine is sorted out.

After seeing a couple of other vehicles, it seems the Old Man Emu springs I have give a greater lift than the RidePro that ATS use. Look at Matthew's (120GXV6) vehicle next to mine for example. The slightly lower spring height will result in a less agressive suspension angle (lower wishbone) therefore easier wheel alignment. Then again, maybe Matthew's vehicle sits lower 'cause it's so full of gear! :lol:

Cheers,

Drew.

[lc120_man Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close lc120_man]

I have added a lift to my wish list. I was more worried about handling, never even considered economy.

With the right lift kit the handling is actually improves... But as everyone else said - you add the lift -
car seats higher = more fuel consumption... (probably around 0.5 liters per 100km)

The same as if you change tyres to LT ones - they are havier = more fuel consumption. Add roof rack = more fuel consumption. Add snorkel = more fuel consumption (OK it's joke )...

Stan

[MTpockets Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close MTpockets]

Thanks guys. Well there ya go, I never would have thought that.
So it goes like this.......... More Lift = More Fuel

After last weekends pradopoint.com meet in the Watagans I have added a lift to my wish list. I was more worried about handling, never even considered economy.

Les, If you could let us know how your economy goes after your lift it would be appreciated.
Thanks, PeteS

No worries Pete.