Bit of an odd question, really, but this is what I have been experiencing since having replaced the original 4x4 dampers with Koni yellows - significantly better fuel consumption!

Before and after I've driven the same variety of roads, during the same type of weather (approximately), using the same fuel (BP Ultimate), same tyres and tyre pressures, and the same idiot is still behind the wheel - and still I'm averaging 2 to 3 mpg to the good compared to with the old shocks.

I can only think of one explanation: the original dampers were completely knackered, which led to the car bouncing around quite a bit. This must equate to more sideways and upward movement that isn't helping the car forward but which is energy-consuming anyway.

Does this make any sense?

Do the Konis weigh the same as the original dampers?

Chris

I wouldnt have thought the weight of the dampers would make THAT much difference would it? If so I'll never carry more than 1/2 tank of fuel

I know this might not be a great point but

if you ride a mountain bike with soft suspension it is harder work than one with hard suspension

Thats because when cycling, you're body mass is moving up and down as your legs move. Therefore when you have soft suspension, less effort is going towards making the bike go forwards.

Perhaps it is the "bounciness" of the suspension with the car too.

Do the Konis weigh the same as the original dampers?

Wouldn't know that, but the original ones are "heavy-duty off-road" ones according to ETKA, so I don't think they are light as a feather. But I can't see weight make such a difference.

Goodas's theory fits in with my own and makes more sense, although the original dampers weren't soft or hadn't become so. Instead, the lowering springs had made them bouncy, i.e. no compression at all, and way too much rebound.

If the cornering is improved you wont need to brake into it and then accelerate afterwards, hence being more efficient and using less fuel

Hmm, probably that too!

So there you have it - performance upgrades are good for the environment!

I'd go with Goodas idea, firmer dampers will allow less roll so you can corner faster without realising it. Slowing down wastes fuel, you should try to avoid it whenever possible.

Bit of an odd question' date=' really, but this is what I have been experiencing since having replaced the original 4x4 dampers with Koni yellows - significantly better fuel consumption!

Before and after I've driven the same variety of roads, during the same type of weather (approximately), using the same fuel (BP Ultimate), same tyres and tyre pressures, and the same idiot is still behind the wheel - and still I'm averaging 2 to 3 mpg to the good compared to with the old shocks.

I can only think of one explanation: the original dampers were completely knackered, which led to the car bouncing around quite a bit. This must equate to more sideways and upward movement that isn't helping the car forward but which is energy-consuming anyway.

Does this make any sense?[/quote']

Placebo effect due to warmer weather I reckon...

I am discounting today's warmer weather - up until yesterday morning it was the same chilly 13-16 C that it has been for some weeks here in NL. And I'm talking about averages over prolongued periods here, so that evens out the variations.

and if anything colder weather would give better economy

if you have harder suspenion you may be driving a lttle slower naturally due to the harsher ride