How to acheive greater MPG? (for my truck :P)

[chevyerett]

Ok, there are several things that I need some help with. My truck is a 2003 Silverado 1500HD 4x4. It has the 6.0, 4L80E, and a ton of weight. I've already shed my toolbox and headache rack.

First is electric fans. I measured the radiator, now whether I measured correctly or not is a different story, and got 34". However the Summit Racing website called for a fan kit that would fit a 28" radiator. Now I'm confused. I was hoping to use LS1 e-fans, but I'm not sure if they will fit.

Second, I'm planning on getting a Nelson tune. I've had one before, but it wasn't really for gas mileage. I emailed them today and got a reply saying better gas gives better mpg. So besides running premium does it matter where I buy my fuel?

Third, would a set of Pacesetters LTs benefit MY MPG any?

Also been thinking about a cam. Any suggestions?

Last, if anyone has done mods to their truck that yielded better MPG, please share.

I'm just trying to get a lot of ideas together and hopefully get better than 10-11mpg in town and 14mpg on the highway.

Thanks for any help!

[RedHeartbeat]

Tall narrow tires aired to maximum pressure. All weight removed possible. If you have a big bass boom box, get rid of it. Remove as much electrical load off the charging system as you can. Use regular headlights, not super bright high amperage units. Use the factory amplifier on the stereo, no aftermarket units. Run the a/c unit only on the highway. Install a cold air induction on the engine if you haven't already. Install new spark plugs. Have the catalytic converter checked for reduced airflow. Clean the air filter if its dirty. Run synthetic motor oil. Add injector cleaner every 4-5 tanks of fuel. Drive with a light foot.

[ducky]

Don't drive your truck. Thats the best way

[banker099]

headers made my mileage go down!

[txarkitekt]

First is electric fans. I measured the radiator, now whether I measured correctly or not is a different story, and got 34". However the Summit Racing website called for a fan kit that would fit a 28" radiator. Now I'm confused. I was hoping to use LS1 e-fans, but I'm not sure if they will fit.

LS1 fans will work fine. All you have to do is fabricate some braces using some flat steel or aluminum.

Second, I'm planning on getting a Nelson tune. I've had one before, but it wasn't really for gas mileage. I emailed them today and got a reply saying better gas gives better mpg. So besides running premium does it matter where I buy my fuel?

A custom tune WILL help. Get a 93 octance tune. Its only about $6 bucks extra per fill up to get a higher quality gas and octane. You motor will be more efficient running 93 over 87. Buy fuel only from Top Tier rated gas companies: Top Tier Gasoline companies.

Third, would a set of Pacesetters LTs benefit MY MPG any?

No, it will make better performance and sound, but will not necessarily make it get better mpgs... But do them anyway

For your motor to be most efficient, get the air in and out as efficient as possbile. Cold air flows better--hence Greg's note to get a CAI. 93 octane gas will combust better with the cooler air intake temps. Running a can of Seafoam through the vacuum lines to the intake will help clean out the combustion chamber. Any kind of headers will let the exhaust gasses escape more efficiently. Just make sure to have the tune done to accomodate all of your mods so everything works well together.

[chevyerett]

Thanks txarkitekt & RedHeartbeat, most helpful.

I already have a Volant CAI, and I'm currently working on making that work better. I also have a Magnaflow catback dual exhaust, Royal Purple engine oil, no boom box, spark plugs are fairly new (NGK Iridiums), and I'm cleaning the air filter right now. Also going to change out the fuel filter tonight. I have only done the Seafoam through a vaccum line once, may be time again.

Thanks for the help!

[withac]

Tall narrow tires aired to maximum pressure. All weight removed possible. If you have a big bass boom box, get rid of it. Remove as much electrical load off the charging system as you can. Use regular headlights, not super bright high amperage units. Use the factory amplifier on the stereo, no aftermarket units. Run the a/c unit only on the highway. Install a cold air induction on the engine if you haven't already. Install new spark plugs. Have the catalytic converter checked for reduced airflow. Clean the air filter if its dirty. Run synthetic motor oil. Add injector cleaner every 4-5 tanks of fuel. Drive with a light foot.

How does more draw on the electrical system reduce mileage?

[RedHeartbeat]

It adds a load on the alternator and requires more engine HP to turn it to make the energy. More energy produced means more fuel consumed.

[hwyto666]

you can use the 05 and up silverado electric fans. and have the PCM reflashed to run them.

[txarkitekt]

How does more draw on the electrical system reduce mileage?

Or you could do a set of underdrive harmonic balancer and overdrive alt. pulley and actually get better voltage output, plus you get to free up some hp/tq by allowing the accessories to spin easier..hence taking that load off the crank...