Back in the SL2 Saddle!

[bescurred]

New guy here, Just picked up a 1995 SL2 5 speed off CL with 122k on the clock. Found you guys here and seems like a pretty sweet site for help.

First thing I did to the car was an oil change, plugs, wires, fuel filter, and a air filter. I also ripped out the factory speakers and put in some pioneer 6 1/2's. I bought the car b/c I drive 62 miles one way and gas in my silverado was killing me since I normally put 93 octane in her. So i'm looking at a savings of about 200 bucks a month in gas alone and not to mention wear and tear on my truck.

I've read the ECTS needs to be looked at and heard also that the shifter cable for these cars are prone to breaking. Any advice on that? Should I tear into that anytime soon? I don't bang gears or anything so i'm hoping to hold off on doing that for a bit.

What kind of MPG are you guys realistically getting with mostly hwy driving? I'm hoping I can pull about 36!

[alordofchaos]

Shifter cables can break, but I wouldn't think it is that common. Shifter bushing is more likely to go but can be swapped out preventatively in about 30 minutes or less, for about $30 (saturnbushingman on ebay sells Delrin and stainless steel bushings).

I'm pulling a pretty steady 35 mpg, but my commute is only 25 miles one way. I'm sure it would be higher on a longer commute. I've hit 39 when I did all my driving on 55 mph roads.

Welcome to saturnfans - this is a really great site with a lot of helpful, knowledgable people.

Keep an eye on your oil level (check each fillup until you get used to how much it uses) - just in case you haven't seen this tidbit elsewhere

[Melissa_M]

Pull the console off and look at the shift cable bushing.
Could be it has already been replaced. Or you wait till it does, then throw on the replacement from saturnbushingman.

M_M

[adventureoflink]

Originally Posted by Melissa_M

Pull the console off and look at the shift cable bushing.
Could be it has already been replaced. Or you wait till it does, then throw on the replacement from saturnbushingman.

M_M

and in the interim you can use zipties with careful shifting.

that being said, with the SL2 tuned up (new plugs/wires, new 188/195 degrees F t-stat, new ECTS, etc) I got about 35 MPG.

[TXSaturn02]

I'm getting around 39 MPG on about 85% HWY driving at mostly 60 MPH. I also keep my tires on 37 PSI on all four and drive conservatively.

[Midnight13]

Congrats on the new (or new to you Satty)!!

I have a 98 SL 5 spd, and get 37,with a mix of city and highway on the tank.
You already tuned it up,which is wonderful! First thing i've always done when getting a newer older vehicle. With these gas prices, i'm looking to get my bike out once the weather is good enough!