RE: Mods to improve gas mileage
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RE: Mods to improve gas mileage - 12/3/2006 1:37:58 PM
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red69
Posts: 10
Joined: 12/3/2006
Status: offline
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I have an 05' Z71 crew cab that gets 18.5-20mpg on the hwy and around 16-17 in town driving. 5W-30 Mobil 1 got me another 1-2 mpg.
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RE: Mods to improve gas mileage - 12/4/2006 2:00:48 AM
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dragondad
Posts: 10
Joined: 7/1/2006
Status: offline
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I have a 2000 5.3 with several modifiations. The biggest improvement I've seen from any of these modifications came from my Hypertech III power programmer. I calculate my mileage at each fill up and found I gained about 2mpg more than when I was running stock programming. There are a few other nice perks but as far as milage, i'm pretty happy.
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RE: Mods to improve gas mileage - 12/4/2006 1:24:32 PM
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algutkin
Posts: 3
Joined: 11/21/2006
Status: offline
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Ratman,
There have been engineering studies completed that proved mileage was increased with the tailgate UP.
Yep, it stands to reason, race cars have flat backs. The engineering studies showed how the airflow actually wrapped around the back and pushed on the tailgate to increase performance.
So, for all you guys that drive with the tailgates down, and all the junk blowing all over the place, you are hurting your gas mileage and looking silly in the process.
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RE: Mods to improve gas mileage - 12/5/2006 4:42:01 AM
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flukester
Posts: 3
Joined: 12/4/2006
Status: offline
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Jimbo, where do you get this BG44k stuff? and a KN air filter won't help? man, there are a lot of reviews that say it does! I was going to add one til I read your post. and finally what's the deal about the alignment? I've got an lifetime alignment with Firestone, you reckon them clowns know about this, my truck is pulling to the left a tad and was going to get an alignment.
quote:
ORIGINAL: jimbo310
A few suggestions. First use synthetic oil. I have a 2000 Silverado 5.3 V8 and noticed about a 1 mpg improvement. I use Mobil 1 10W30 Extended formula. The synthetic oil lowers internal engine friction and more than pays for itself. It is the cheapest oil you can use all things considered and your engine will last forever. Second, increase the air pressure in your tires. The manual calls for 36 psi. Inflate to 40 psi. I've done that for years and find that the truck rides smoother and feels like it is rolling rather than dragging and tire wear is nice and even. OEM tires can take up to 44 psi and LT tires(load C) can take 50 psi, but check your tires to see the max...some Michelin P series tires recommend no more than 36 psi. Use a new air filter...and the high capacity A/C Delco or Fram are fine. There is little or nothing to be gained by using a KN or AirHog according to real testing...and if used improperly these filters can foul up your air intake sytem with too much oil causing dirt to adhere to the passage ways. Third, get your alignment checked...make sure it is set properly...and note that for a Silverado not to pull to the right, the settings need to be somewhat asymetrical...the Chevy dealers know about this as well as any other astute alignment facility..an everyday alignment will not be satifactory. Use a can of BG44K Fuel Conditioner put in about 15 gallons of gas and do this about every ten thousand miles. This is the best product on the market and cleans out the fuel injectors, cleans the values and combustion chambers of dirt. The results have been document by using fiberoptic visualization before and after....an excellent product. Keep the tailgate up! Tests show that gas mileage is worse with the tailgate down that up. It you want to lessen aerodynamic drag, get a complete tailgate cover or cap. A friend has one of those retractable ones and loves it and claims that it improved his mileage on a Dodge about 2 mpg. Keeping windows closed lessens air drag...use the vents. Less aggressive tread design tires give better gas mileage...less rolling resistance...and keep your speed under 65 MPH will help as well. My usual mileage is 19-20 all around driving...and 20-22 on the highway. Happy motoring. Jimbo.
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RE: Mods to improve gas mileage - 12/5/2006 9:15:30 AM
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jessejames
Posts: 11
Joined: 8/30/2006
Status: offline
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Wow, how K&N has done a great job marketing their merchandise. K&N makes the worst air filters made. They SUCK! Don't believe me? Do a search on air filter comparisons. Yes, K&N has the best airflow, I'll give them that, but that increased air flow is at the expense of your engine's loss of compression and cylinder scarring due to all the dirt the K&N is allowing to pass through. Worst filter made for the health of your engine.
quote:
ORIGINAL: flukester
Jimbo, where do you get this BG44k stuff? and a KN air filter won't help? man, there are a lot of reviews that say it does! I was going to add one til I read your post. and finally what's the deal about the alignment? I've got an lifetime alignment with Firestone, you reckon them clowns know about this, my truck is pulling to the left a tad and was going to get an alignment.
quote:
ORIGINAL: jimbo310
A few suggestions. First use synthetic oil. I have a 2000 Silverado 5.3 V8 and noticed about a 1 mpg improvement. I use Mobil 1 10W30 Extended formula. The synthetic oil lowers internal engine friction and more than pays for itself. It is the cheapest oil you can use all things considered and your engine will last forever. Second, increase the air pressure in your tires. The manual calls for 36 psi. Inflate to 40 psi. I've done that for years and find that the truck rides smoother and feels like it is rolling rather than dragging and tire wear is nice and even. OEM tires can take up to 44 psi and LT tires(load C) can take 50 psi, but check your tires to see the max...some Michelin P series tires recommend no more than 36 psi. Use a new air filter...and the high capacity A/C Delco or Fram are fine. There is little or nothing to be gained by using a KN or AirHog according to real testing...and if used improperly these filters can foul up your air intake sytem with too much oil causing dirt to adhere to the passage ways. Third, get your alignment checked...make sure it is set properly...and note that for a Silverado not to pull to the right, the settings need to be somewhat asymetrical...the Chevy dealers know about this as well as any other astute alignment facility..an everyday alignment will not be satifactory. Use a can of BG44K Fuel Conditioner put in about 15 gallons of gas and do this about every ten thousand miles. This is the best product on the market and cleans out the fuel injectors, cleans the values and combustion chambers of dirt. The results have been document by using fiberoptic visualization before and after....an excellent product. Keep the tailgate up! Tests show that gas mileage is worse with the tailgate down that up. It you want to lessen aerodynamic drag, get a complete tailgate cover or cap. A friend has one of those retractable ones and loves it and claims that it improved his mileage on a Dodge about 2 mpg. Keeping windows closed lessens air drag...use the vents. Less aggressive tread design tires give better gas mileage...less rolling resistance...and keep your speed under 65 MPH will help as well. My usual mileage is 19-20 all around driving...and 20-22 on the highway. Happy motoring. Jimbo.
_____________________________
1991 Chevrolet Silverado 4x4 auto, 5.7L 350 (newer motor, 15,000 miles on it)
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