I just recently bought a 1997 Honda Civic HX 5-speed. I LOVE IT! But here is the kicker, I bought it because of the gas mileage, supposed 37-44 mpg.

I got 40mpg once on the highway, but mostly around 33-36 mpg with a mix of mostly highway and a bit city. I have had the car tuned up, and have used some
fuel injection cleaner products. any other ideas out there?? Thanks, great forum, my first post!

Dan near Chico, CA

 

an intake will help mileage, so will good spark plugs and a clean air filter and that kind of stuff. that's still good gas mileage but cars will never get exactly what the EPA (or whoever) quotes.

 

Yeah...EPA is the "perfect" conditions and their "top" rating...the only way to get their numbers is to improve on the car and learn to drive it the most efficient way...

 

In addition to a replaced air filter and spark plugs, replace the O2 sensor if it is old. Replace the distributor rotor and distributor cap if they are worn.
Check the timing. If it's retarded too much, you will get lower fuel efficiency and power.

 

also this may seem obvious but just driving it right will help...try driving in a higher # gear as often as possible

 

From my experience a Short Ram intake SRI is worth ~1 or 2 mgp. A Cat back exhaust is worth another ~1 or 2. The header will drop mileage, but much more power. Changing nothing tune wise here where my results over a 4 month 100 mile a day "testing"

Stock 32mpg
+ SRI 35 mpg
+ Cat back 37-38 depending
+ Header 34 mpg.

So I am better then stock, with much better top end response. The above was averaging 70-80 MPH with or with out AC on. Average was about a month for each mod. Hope this helps.

 

I have a 97 HX with 240,000 miles on it. I'm the original owner with the original motor. When it was brand new, my mileage was around 37 mpg in combined driving. I still get that kind of mileage sometimes I can get up to 40 mpg. My mileage did drop down to around 33 mpg when my egr port was clogged. I also had to replace the cat converter since it was original and the exhaust manifold was cracked. I trying to get over the 300,000 miles mark.

 

Thanks so much for all your input! This is a great message board. I LOVE MY HONDA!!

BTW, anyone know what an EGR port is, in reference to the last post??

Thanks and Happy Spring Driving...

 

Item 14 in the pic.

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I had a check engine light for a couple months something about decrease egr performance. Not all motors have EGR valves but the HX models do. Get a gasket from the dealer, pull off and disconnect the valve, start the motor, and shoot some carb cleaner down the hole.