Fuel Mileage...

[lww]

Unfortunately, I'm stuck with the 3-speed automatic tranny... In my search for better fuel economy, I've found the Kumho Ecsta ASX comes in a 205/65/15 which I've just ordered from TireRack.com. Paired with my "new" 1985 15" 200SX Turbo 32 spoke wheels should give me about 5% more diameter and a litte more fuel economy.

Anyone have any other ideas for improving fuel economy on the LD28 powered 1st gen Maxima?

Cheers,
LWW

[diesel-man]

225/75r14 tires on rear, 195/70r14 on front...I've tried alot and this is the biggest that will work without rubbing.

[diesel-man]

225/75r14 tires on rear, 195/70r14 on front...I've tried alot and this is the biggest that will work without rubbing.

[lww]

I assume that's with the stock 14" Maxima wheels? The 200SX 15" wheels have -15mm offset so they bring the tires in from the fenders and allow you to get larger tires on without rubbing the fenders or the springs at least up to 205/65/15's.

Any other ideas?

Cheers,
LWW

[lww]

Although now you've got me thinking about 205/75/15's which would get me to within 1% of the diameter of the 225/75/14's you used without the extra cross section that would make the 225's a pretty tight fit on the front even with the negative off-set of the 15" wheels.

[lww]

Also, I do like having matched sizes front to rear and it seems like 225/75 rears with 195/70 fronts would put a pretty serious forward rake on that little sedan!

[diesel-man]

I assume that's with the stock 14" Maxima wheels? The 200SX 15" wheels have -15mm offset so they bring the tires in from the fenders and allow you to get larger tires on without rubbing the fenders or the springs at least up to 205/65/15's.

Any other ideas?

Cheers,
LWW

My 225/75r14 are 1.795 taller than your tires. Goes 5.5" further each time the wheel turns one rev.

It has been working for me since 1986. My experience vs....?

[HowlerMonkey]

Some Z cars came with a 3.36 ratio differential.

If you're at 3.70, even a 3.54 will help.

[Dairy]

I just got the k&n air filter and my diesel seems to be running a lot better. I have not had a chance to check the change in mpg but im betting it will help.

[lww]

I assume that's with the stock 14" Maxima wheels? The 200SX 15" wheels have -15mm offset so they bring the tires in from the fenders and allow you to get larger tires on without rubbing the fenders or the springs at least up to 205/65/15's.

Any other ideas?

Cheers,
LWW

My 225/75r14 are 1.795 taller than your tires. Goes 5.5" further each time the wheel turns one rev.

It has been working for me since 1986. My experience vs....?

I'm not arguing with your statement, just that I prefer not to run a staggered setup. As I mentioned in my post two days prior to your reply, a 205/75/15 might be doable and it's within 0.6% of the diameter of your 225/75/14 without the additional 20mm cross section so it would probably fit on the front as well as the rear giving the car an even stance and making tire rotation a simple exercise.

The Kumho Solus KR21 is available in 205/75/15 for only $75ea. from Tire Rack. Looks like the 205/65/15's are going to get swapped onto my wife's Subie!

Thanks for the inspiration!

[lww]

I just got the k&n air filter and my diesel seems to be running a lot better. I have not had a chance to check the change in mpg but im betting it will help.

The more air you can give a diesel the happier it is!