GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Good morning and a happy belated new year to you all. Ok, we all know that getting more air into the cylinders will boost power, (SRI, CAI, etc.) but I hear lots of talk about it boosting your mileage as well. The story goes that since your engine is getting more air, it would need less fuel to create an equal (or greater) combustion/explosion, hence more power, less gas, which makes perfect sense. However, after thinking about it for some time, I figure that it would do the opposite to your economy. Don't quote me on this as I'm by no means an expert on the subject, here goes.Since your ECM is trying to maintain an optimum air/fuel mixture of 14.7:1, it'll react to the sensor reading extra airflow by adding extra fuel, thus keeping the ratio intact, which equals to more power, and more gas. So, what do you think? I certainly hope I'm wrong because as much as I like power and speed, fuel economy is still very important to me. Let me know what you think guys, take care.

We have seen a steady 1-2 mpg increase with our K&N Typhoon CAIs on our 2009 Vibe GTs.

The CAI on my 04 Vibe has increased mileage by probably 2-4 mpg, but that's in the summer. In the winter the air is colder, science happens, and that science happening decreases your mileage in the cold. Important to know though, the CAI in the 03-08 Vibes is a real CAI, with the filter down by the fog lamp. The CAI in the 09-10 Vibes is like the SRI on the 03-08 Vibes: the filter is still in the engine compartment, so it gets warmer air.

Quote, originally posted by KITT222 »Important to know though, the CAI in the 03-08 Vibes is a real CAI, with the filter down by the fog lamp. The CAI in the 09-10 Vibes is like the SRI on the 03-08 Vibes: the filter is still in the engine compartment, so it gets warmer air.The intake for the 2009-2010 2.4L is considered a CAI by K&N because there is a tube that runs up from behind the lower driver's side of the front bumper cover and pushes cooler air directly into the heat shield and thus into the air filter. The air filter is surrounded by a heat shield that keeps the hot air of the engine off the air filter. So, it looks like an SRI, but is really considered a CAI.Also, I thought of another thing... alot of people tend to see decreases in their gas mileage because once they install an intake, they tend to step on the gas more to hear the sound of the intake and feel the boost in acceleration. Our steady increase of 1-2 mpg has been because we don't step on the gas. We accelerate slowly and smoothly. The key is trying to keep the RPMs under 2500 when accelerating. This will help alot with your mileage whether you have an intake or not .

I installed a TB spacer and CAI and I swear my mileage has increased. Not many people see it because they get on it more just to hear the sound. Your logic does make sense but it all depends on driving habits.

Hmmmm. Im may have to reconsider a CAI. Im running a drop in K&N right now.

A larger intake allows the car to breather easier. Also a larger exhaust will help. If you do these mods and drive it hard the MPGs will go down. If you drive it normally your MPGs should go up.

Quote, originally posted by Salsa Guy »A larger intake allows the car to breather easier. Also a larger exhaust will help. If you do these mods and drive it hard the MPGs will go down. If you drive it normally your MPGs should go up.No wonder my MPG's haven't gone down since installing the supercharger....I guess I'm doing it wrong...

Quote, originally posted by BlueCrush »No wonder my MPG's haven't gone down since installing the supercharger....I guess I'm doing it wrong... Yes, you clearly are doing something wrong...I averaged 21 MPG on thw first 2 tanks after the SC install LOL! Back up to 29-31 mpg now that the novelty has worn off....

Quote, originally posted by BlueCrush »No wonder my MPG's haven't gone down since installing the supercharger....I guess I'm doing it wrong... no. you, sir, are doing it correctly!!

I get about 26MPG normal driving. On the Highway I'll get 34MPG

It will help MPG but the sound of a CAI at full throttle is so nice.

I'd say unless you plan on racing her, then leave her stock and she'll last longer. Many people won't pay for aftermarket add ons. If you have aftermarket systems get ready to turn off a lot of buyers in the future. They assume an abused vehicle with an immature driver. Dealers don't like them either. If you plan on spending 1500+ dollars and tons of man hours on mods and won't race it on track then just polish her up and put a nicer sound system in and go cruising for the ladies and save your communion money for a house or college . You can do that for 500.

Take it from a guy who used to mod and run imports in the late 90"s. If you really want to mod a car and want the experience get an older import for a couple of hundred and go frankenstein on that one. Save the newer car.