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.

[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.

[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...

[ducky]

Don't drive your truck. Thats the best way

[Wtfan18]

Don't drive your truck. Thats the best way

i 2nd that one my v6 yota isnt even that great... 16/19 i been on the bike everyday 50mpg LOVE IT. 200 miles for 16$ i cant complain.

[chevyerett]

i 2nd that one my v6 yota isnt even that great... 16/19 i been on the bike everyday 50mpg LOVE IT. 200 miles for 16$ i cant complain.

Don't think I haven't thought about it. I have to pull a trailer at least once a week, sometimes more. I've gotten the bicycle all ready, just haven't ridden it to work yet...

I should make a receiver hitch for my bike...

[Wtfan18]

hahaha yeah well my thoughts are its only getting worse... soo either suck it up and deal and just enjoy the truck or sell it an be miserable haha. w/e its just gas... think of all the fun it brings burning it haha. just make the most of every tank i sure will.

[chevyerett]

hahaha yeah well my thoughts are its only getting worse... soo either suck it up and deal and just enjoy the truck or sell it an be miserable haha. w/e its just gas... think of all the fun it brings burning it haha. just make the most of every tank i sure will.

Yeah I decided I wasn't going to worry about it anymore last week. Since then I've been feeling better and enjoy the truck once again. I have noticed a gain since I added the '05 e-fans. Now if I could just everything working right. Those fans draw a ton of current .