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Mileage boost from removing hardtop!?!?

Old 11-08-2008, 08:07 PM
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Exclamation Mileage boost from removing hardtop!?!?

I've been driving my 4R without the top since the weather has been so nice here. To my surprise, the mileage has jumped a bunch. Not sure how much just yet, but the number of miles I get on a full tank has already rolled by and I still got a 1/4 tank left. Anyone else notice this with their 4R?
Old 11-08-2008, 08:22 PM
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Removing the canopy on my 22R 1989 truck increased the mileage a bit if I remember correct.

You'd think it would kill the aerodynamics.
Old 11-08-2008, 09:30 PM
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maybe its a wieght loss thing?
Old 11-08-2008, 09:55 PM
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i agree with BigBluePile...
cuz a 4 runner top weighs a couple hundred pounds?
it is fiber glass it's not the lightest thing, especially since there's 6 windows in it too. it would make sence that you got a bit better milage.
Old 11-09-2008, 05:44 AM
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You women are imagining things. The gas mileage increase is probably cause you are driving more modestly and slower trying to act cool cruising around the soccer moms at the mall.

Old 11-09-2008, 07:03 AM
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Originally Posted by waskillywabbit
You women are imagining things. The gas mileage increase is probably cause you are driving more modestly and slower trying to act cool cruising around the soccer moms at the mall.



Shhhhh, don't give away the secret.....!
Old 11-09-2008, 01:34 PM
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The numbers are in -- the truck gained 1.5mpg with the top off.
Old 11-09-2008, 01:44 PM
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I noticed that with my 4Runner this summer too
Old 11-09-2008, 02:26 PM
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Makes sence.. Removing a few hundred lbs helps mpg. I wonder if it creates a similar "vortex" in the bed like a pickup does... That might help too...
Old 11-09-2008, 06:01 PM
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I want to make a fastback-style soft-top. I imagine that would probably be good for additional mileage.
Old 11-09-2008, 06:08 PM
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Originally Posted by InternetRoadkill
I want to make a fastback-style soft-top. I imagine that would probably be good for additional mileage.
you would probealy be better off with buying one, it is really hard to make your own, you need special equipment

before you start, search so you can see the other people who tried and not make the same mistakes
Old 11-09-2008, 06:29 PM
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why is it hard for me to picture a 4runner in a wind tunnel?
Old 11-09-2008, 06:31 PM
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Originally Posted by Jay351
Makes sence.. Removing a few hundred lbs helps mpg. I wonder if it creates a similar "vortex" in the bed like a pickup does... That might help too...
don't make me go in to negative pressure and bernoulli effects, etc.
Old 11-10-2008, 08:32 AM
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Originally Posted by abecedarian
why is it hard for me to picture a 4runner in a wind tunnel?


First time ever I had mine off. I feel sooo.......naughty.



I also threw on a little "sumtin" "sumtin" this weekend...


Last edited by 87LVRunner; 11-10-2008 at 08:35 AM.
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