[derik]

I have a 1989 mustang 2.3 liter. What would be the best way to increase gas mileage without doing anything major? I was thinking about changing it over to a 5 speed manual and maybe selling the AOD transmission that is in it. If there is a different way then what would it be?

 

[derwynn67]

Uh sell it and get a more effecient car

 

[mather]

A standard transmission won't do much if any better than the over drive automatic already there, and the costs of re-engineering, adding clutch and pedal, changing flywheels, etc. will be enough to buy a large amount of fuel.

If you're looking for economy, sell the Mustang and buy something with better mileage or a hybrid instead. Your 22 year old vehicle is pretty much used up anyway.

 

[cibor]

Rather than switching transmissions, I think it would be more cost effective to inflate the tires to high pressure, but not too high, and evenly. Check the spare.

It could take a while to get your payback from the transmission change out of your savings on [hopefully] improved mileage.

Take it to Ford for an oil change, and ask them to run you VIN on their proprietary [Ford-only] database of Advisories, Alerts, Memos, Notifications, Recalls, Service Campaigns, TSB’s [tech service bulletins], etc, etc.

And get your alignment checked and maybe a tuneup by Ford.

===============

“…independent mechanics complain they lack the proprietary tools and data to service many late-model cars…” some 2004 models and earlier.

They’r seeking a “Right to Repair” law allowing them access to manufacturers’ databases.
Wall St Journal, Feb, 2011.
. .
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703555804576102272750344178.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_sections_smallbusiness

Toyota & Ford withhold Technical Service Bulletins from customers & National Hwy Traffic Safety Admin [NHTSA]

"Automakers can save money if owners don’t know about service campaigns that include extended warranties," consumer advocate Clarence Ditlow said.

Toyota alleged it wants to “protect its intellectual property” by withholding the bulletins.

Ford alleged it wants to protect its customers from the risks of do-it-yourself repairs using info in the TSBs. But Ford sells the TSBs to commercial distributors like AllData who resell them w/o restriction.

Mercedes refused to comment on its policy of releasing TSBs in their entirety to the public & govt.
. .
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/03/automobiles/03COPYRIGHT.html?hpw

 

[Hanan]

Maintenance is the best thing to keep the gas mileage high. Changing the transmission from a aod to a 5-speed wouldn't make sense. You would spend more then it would offset and owning 9 different mustangs there isn't a bid market for the auto transmission out of a 4 cylinder mustang. Good luck though.

 

[dario]

Cold air intake, dual exhaust (if it doesn't already have it), and a k&n air filter. Other than that, you could take the cats out, but I don't recommend this because it is illegal.

 

[riordain]

Slow down and don't peel out when you start. Make sure the engine is running right and is in good condition. Make sure your tires have the right amount of air in them.

 

[Turi]

un fortuanatly there isn't. sorry