Considering a 4.4i V8

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

No additional torque with the 4.4 N62, only around 25hp (315hp) vs the '03 M62 (290hp). Early M62s had 282hp.
Torque figure is 324 @3600 rpm for both.

Ah, good to know. You do get an extra cog in the transmission though. Makes a huge difference to fuel economy, not that these trucks are known for fuel efficiency... but every little bit helps. Helps add 100 miles to highway range.

Since you like the M62... I'd try to find a 4.6is if you can OP. Not too big a price difference, but you get more power, more options usually, and will hold it's value a little bit better.

[TiAgX5]

Yeah, I found that around 70mph is the M62/5 cog "sweet spot" for hwy mpg (around 23 mpg/580 miles on 25 gals), do 80mph and it drops to around 19 mpg/480 miles on 25 gals.

[crystalworks]

^That's damn good mileage out of the m62. Best I've ever done, at any speed, is 22mpg with the N62. 497 miles on that tank. Could have made the 500 but we were at a gas station... and I wasn't carrying an emergency gallon.

[TiAgX5]

I've done dozens of runs between Coppell, TX and Spring Hill FL (1100 miles). I can usually get to the FL house with one gas stop, but have YET been able to get back to TX house with one stop.

The 23 mpg comes with "prepping" the X for a road trip. I put on the non-staggered 18" wheels with 255s (inflated to 36 psi). Also worth noting, I have toe/camber set to minimum BMW recommended settings (less tire scrub during hwy driving). I've also added 10oz of Lucas Upper Cylinder Lube at EVERY fill-up for the past 100k miles (helps keep compression rings lubed, less drag on the cylinder walls & better sealing).

Of course, no AC, windows up, minimum braking and no rest stops during the 23 mpg runs.

[crystalworks]

^Okay that makes sense then. I haven't tried a trip without 20's on it, though I do inflate to 36psi. I'm anticipating slightly better mpg's (even just 1mpg would be nice) now though with the new wheels. Haven't tried the Lucas Upper Cylinder Lube, but do use their oil additive. Might pick up some of that for the next fill up. Thanks for the info.

[Ven]

I use Lucas UCL in all my vehicles but add it conservatively only 5 oz per fill up.

[TiAgX5]

Yeah, Lucas recommends 3oz per 10 gals of fuel, 7.5 oz for 25 gals. States over treating is a non-issue.

With over 100k miles over-treating and still OE cats (one set of upstream O2 sensors at 105k, no codes, just preventative), I would say they are correct. The M62 motor/fuel system "plays nice" with the stuff.

The alignment REALLY reduced tire wear, I run sticky Y rated Ultrac Vortis (NO treadlife warranty, 200 rating). These are similar to Michelin SuperSports, crazy grip!

The pic is after 20k miles....online tire forum posters say these won't last that long, I expect 40k out of the rears (50k fronts).

[crystalworks]

^I will be minimizing camber AND toe when I go in for my alignment in a couple of weeks. Those look great! Last time I had them just minimize camber...

Again, thanks for the infos.

[TiAgX5]

No problem.

Just be aware, running minimum toe REALLY lightens up "on center" weight and makes "turn in" at brisk speeds much quicker. Overall, makes the X feel much lighter.

If anyone in the household drives distracted (texts, for example) I would recommend not doing it.

[ispencer]

I'm going to look at a 2003 4.4 this weekend. Looks to be a nice car, so will report back after I've looks at it.

A few cars I've seen advertised have said they have transmission problems. Light in, and it either needs a gearbox replaced or a sensor... They don't offer much information other than they can drive the car a short way before it goes into limp, low power, mode. I'm not considering these cars in my search, but was curious to see if this was common, and what I should watch for, if anything, when I'm looking at cars. Any advice on this one guys?