Tuning 1.2 Fire for fuel economy

[masha]

After the exhaust rotted on my 55 reg 4x4 panda with the following:
- Longlife stainless exhaust
- K&N filter element for the standard air box
- improving the direct flow route into the the standard inlet pipe

After all this - yes, it sounds healthy and goes well (as well as as standard low-mileage 1.2 fire does I expect), but I am a bit disappointed that such a small car only ever got 40mpg before, which was strangely down to more like 35mpg post-mods. (if the trip computer can be believed, which I'm not sure it can). I'm just wondering if anyone has had any success optimising the 1200 petrol fire block for efficiency. I also understand my Panda has cambus wiring so electronic tuning is not that easy, although I understand a piggy-back box of tricks does exist to interrogate the ECU (pricey though I expect).

I've attended to other routine maintenance, this year: time-related fluids and timing belt change, new discs and pads all-round (I've noticed this car doesn't free-wheel brilliantly- but I put that down to the 4x4 transmission having a bit of an overhead, as I think the wheel bearings are find).

Any pointers appreciated (and don't say, ditch it and get a Multijet - as that would have been nice in the 4x4, but quite rare and expensive in the UK)

Thanks

 

[bluejohn125]

I'd be surprised if you will get gains with that engine / transmission combination. There are tranmission losses and low gearing that are designed into a 4wd type car.

You shouldn't really get worse economy with the simple mods you have made.. sometimes it is recommended to do an ECU reset after this (disconnect the battery for 1/2 hour or so).. then you drive normally for a while and the system relearns its new settings taking into account the changes you have made.

Try re-posting in the Panda section...

 

[masha]

Willdo - thanks for those two pointers - I will try the battery disconnect and panda section. Thanks for taking the time to respond, appreciated.