Chevrolet Cruze Forums banner

Hello

1302 Views 8 Replies 9 Participants Last post by  carid
Hi,
I recently purchased a 2012 Cruze Eco Automatic and thought I'd join the group to learn some things.
I'm a 58 year old strength and conditioning coach and wrangler.
I'm also very technology challenged so forgive me for any mistakes I make posting.
Not sure if I can go ahead and ask a couple questions here, but guess I'll give it a go.
I'm looking to do any easy to do modifications if it will improve power and fuel mileage. I'd like plug'n'play and be able to do myself (I also have zero mechanical acumen). And I'd like to be able to continue to use regular gasoline.
Also wouldn't mind improving my head and fog lights capability.
Any thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks in advance.
1 - 9 of 9 Posts
Welcome to the forum!

The cheapest and easiest way I was able to extract more power and better fuel economy in my Cruze was by switching to premium gas. The 1.4L engine is turbocharged and with more compressed air, comes higher intake temperatures, especially in the summer. Higher octane fuel has higher resistance to pre-detonation. The Cruze will retard the timing if it senses pinging/knocking so it will run on lower octane, but it really prefers to be treated to 89+ fuel. I run 93 in mine and I saw a 15-20% increase in fuel economy when making the switch which negates the extra cost. It's worth a try, you can always switch back if you're not satisfied.
  • Like
Reactions: 2
Hi,
I recently purchased a 2012 Cruze Eco Automatic and thought I'd join the group to learn some things.
I'm a 58 year old strength and conditioning coach and wrangler.
I'm also very technology challenged so forgive me for any mistakes I make posting.
Not sure if I can go ahead and ask a couple questions here, but guess I'll give it a go.
I'm looking to do any easy to do modifications if it will improve power and fuel mileage. I'd like plug'n'play and be able to do myself (I also have zero mechanical acumen). And I'd like to be able to continue to use regular gasoline.
Also wouldn't mind improving my head and fog lights capability.
Any thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks in advance.
I purchased a small chip to run the car rich on fuel ($45) and wired into the mass airflow sensor and came with all the crimps to wire it in, just needed a small flat head and a pair of wire cutters/strippers.. with the turbo I get a decent kick in the torque, killed my fuel mileage though, I average 24.4 as of yesterday (all highway D:)

I switched my spark plugs to copper ngks which there are a few threads on here about that I think you'd find interesting

Switching to premium is a definite almost instant result. I don't prefer it because I've always heard mixed opinions so I just avoid it. I run NOS brand fuel system TREATMENT roughly every oil change with a tank of shell nitro V power, the car runs really well on that week and it keeps the carbon build up to a minimum for fuel ups to come!

I hope that helps, congrats and welcome!!

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
  • Like
Reactions: 1
Welcome. Premium gas is the best way to improve both fuel economy and power. You can also install an aftermarket tune but these also require premium gas to get the most benefit.

The way to find your best octane/price point. It varies depending on the price differentials and type of driving you do but this will work.

Run your tank down. Then fill with mid-grade and run two full tanks. Pay close attention to throttle feel and acceleration. Then repeat with premium. What you're looking for is the grade of gasoline that gives you the best performance for the pump price. For the 2012s very few members drop back to regular. Some go with premium but many have found that mid-grade gives the best performance for the pump price.
  • Like
Reactions: 3
Welcome to the forum!

What Obermd is spot on. I have a 2012 Eco also 6M. I have been "around this block" several times. I have tuned it also. With the tune it runs "OK" with 89 but the power and MPG drop off some. Now that I am back to using premium, the car runs much better and MPG is up.

I have dropped back to 89 octane from 93 a couple of times(but only for a couple of tanks) but seemingly always go back to premium. but have never gone back or even tried 87 octane.
Welcome to the forum, find out if you had the ECU recall. If you had the recall, premium is better but you won't be able to feel the difference and may discount the whole idea of it. Either way, you need to run multiple tanks low(not empty stuck on the side of the road low). The car gets used to a fuel map of 87 and won't let you hold the 91 (KRD should be on the sticker in your glove box for 91) fuel map for more than when you get gas at the gas station. You will feel the 91 fuel map give it's initial spike after getting gas and trying to speed up to merge into traffic. Once the 87 octane proves it's not 91, it will pull back to 87 map.

For me I can't run 87 in my 13 eco 6mt. I will stall at lights and stall in the winter with T/C turned on. Dealers said it was normal and after I went 93 and NGK plug swap I was fine. Now tuned (least mechanical and safer than chips), I been liking the car even more. It has it's issues here and there but when it runs fine I'm content.

There is a headlight harness upgrade but it is mechanical install.
Fogs if you already have them, not sure besides bulb swap. If not installed it's mechanical and most likely already programed to be Plug N Play after you mechanically install the kit.
See less See more
Welcome to CruzeTalk.

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk
  • Like
Reactions: 1
Welcome to the forum! :welcome:

I've stuck to the suggestions here and haven't looked back! I just got my NGK plugs (BKR8EIX-2668), just have to install them. I've been lazy the past couple days...
Hello and welcome to the site! Glad to have you here and congrats on your purchase. Plenty of knowledgeable and friendly folks here as well as informative and insightful discussion threads. If you ever have any questions, there's definitely a great team of owners and vendors that are happy to help.
1 - 9 of 9 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top