2005 Ford Focus. Change gears or transmission for better mileage?

Huge problem as everyone goes the other way, faster, quicker, less gas mileage. I'm going the other way. I want better mileage. I'm upset Focus only gets 30 mpg. I'm often in highest gear (5th) around 30-35 mph. 98% of my driving is alone with no luggage. I REALLY could use a full gear higher than what I have. I wonder if I could get a little bit higher first and continue up with 4th feeling like my 5th is now then have 6th as an honest overdrive. Better (not sure how more expensive) would be 6 speed trans with bottom 5 gears feeling like it does now and the 6th gear to be a step up, actual overdrive. I feel I should easily get 40 mpg. Costs a lot? My '81 Escort got 34 mpg and lasted 164,000 miles before it died. My '93 got 38 mpg and lasted 265,000 miles before I sold it. I'll put a lot of miles on car. So - it's savings in gas for at least the next 100,000 miles versus cost of gear change. Driven manuals over 30 years. I know when to change gears without lugging engine. Any help?2005 Ford Focus. Change gears or transmission for better mileage?
they do have 8th gears now on new cars,and its controlled

by the PCM,so if you want this kind of trans you have to change almost all the electrical harness ,PCM and trans.



maybe all kind of new cars have this now,so just in case you want to replace your car ask for this trans,,2005 Ford Focus. Change gears or transmission for better mileage?
You have a 16 valve engine that does alot of revs!! the only way to save money is to buy a car with a smaller engine like a 1.1 not only will you do more miles to the gallon but you will save loads on road tax and insurance.



Auto cars will burn more fuel than manuel cars wrong tyre pressure, blowing exhausts, air con, all burns exra fuel.
There are no gears to change to that would give you better gas mileage (not enough demand to redo the final drive gear ratio for that transmission)... Most people if they are building a Focus want power.. and to tear one of those transmissions apart costs higher than the few dollars extra you will save even if you could find the gears (So you are loosing about $5 every tankful... Most teardowns and changeouts start at $1000 for a independant shop)



What engine do you have in it By the way? Best economy has been the 2.0 SPI models.... the 2.0 DOHC and 2.3s give more power for a few gas miles
The cost of doing what you suggest will never be recouped in fuel savings. I wish my car got 30 mpg. You mentioned already being in 5th gear as low as 30 mph.



That is part of your problem. You fourth gear is 1:1 ratio, where your 5th gear is .8:1. If you are driving at low speeds in 5th gear it is hard on the drive train. Read your owner's manual and it will give you suggested gear position for MPH driven.



I personally wouldn't goto 5th gear in that car until about 45 - 50mph. Also, that is strictly a cruising gear. If you need to speed up or pass someone, shift back to 4th.



Last, how does the mileage compare to the window sticker from when you bought it? Is that 30mpg city or highway? Compare your numbers to the window sticker. If they are close, then the car is doing what it is supposed to.