rdhenderson
Member
I have a 96 Tahoe with a 5.7L that is an absolute pig. What is the best way to improve fuel economy?
Fuel efficiency improvements
- Thread starter rdhenderson
- Start date
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blueflamed03
Elite Member
what gears do you have? how mnay miles? mods so far? stock tire height? lift?
Proper tune up. Plugs, wires, O2 sensors, check the fule pressure first with a fuel pressure test gage. Check that it reaches the correct fuel pressure and that it holds it after the pump stops running. Some of the stock fuel spiders have a well documented history of becoming gunked up and not introducing the fuel efficiantly. Also the regulator will start to leak and since it's located in the intake it will use more fuel with out you knowing it untill it has fouled the plugs and most likley the o2 sensor and then triggers a CEL. Most replace it with a redesigned spider that moves the injector out to the intake port and makes it more of a multipoint FI. Other than that check you tire pressures. This is the easiest way to gain fuel eco. Most tire shops like to run 30psi. when I have 33 to 34 psi in the tires they where more evenly and I get better milage. You have to stay with in the max ratings of corse but increasing the tire pressure 2 to 3 psi will help.
retorq
Full Access Member
I would suggest narrower tires but 235s on these trucks look like pizza cutters already.
96ProCompTahoe
Full Access Member
first question should be what MPG are you getting out of it right now?
fyremanpat
Fyremanpat
40mph tail wind will help!
drowndindreams
Full Access Member
likewise, anytime I see a semi on the highway I get behind him and stay there.
AtomicHoe094
Atomichoe094
edited.. nevermind
atis
Full Access Member
before the crate motor...18mpg (168,000)...now with the crate, no idea, only have 25 miles on her!
I agree with the tire pressure. Maybe UD's, electric fan, good tune??
I agree with the tire pressure. Maybe UD's, electric fan, good tune??
Danny_Z56
Full Access Member
^ yes that could help.
Also might not hurt to seafoam your intake.
Also might not hurt to seafoam your intake.
keruzam93
Full Access Member
seafoam everything! haha that stuff is awesome, decently cheap, and makes a great smoke show if its not windy outside. i did mine at my vocational school and we left the garage door open and there was a door open at the other end of the school and the cross breeze made the whole building smokey and they had to make everyone get out until the fire dept. said it was nothing. and then everything inside is squeeky clean
atis
Full Access Member
A good tune up will help...fuel filter, plugs, new coil, plug wires, air filter....
Another option is electric fan upgrade, take stress off the engine. I have read its worth a small increase in mpg.
Another option is electric fan upgrade, take stress off the engine. I have read its worth a small increase in mpg.
Cartwright
Full Access Member
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Sell it and buy a small car. In reality nothing you do will give you improvements that will make much of a difference.
rdhenderson
Member
I have a 3in RCD lift, 315 tires, a 10bolt rear, 99k miles and a K&N Cold Air Intake
atis
Full Access Member
I guess the question we need to ask is "whats everyone MPG" and whats their mods...need a starting point to figure out what improves mpg and what hurts it.
I was getting 18mpg completely stock with 100k on the vortec 350. With the new mods and new motor I am aiming for 20mpg...21 when I switch to E-Fans.
I was getting 18mpg completely stock with 100k on the vortec 350. With the new mods and new motor I am aiming for 20mpg...21 when I switch to E-Fans.
fyremanpat
Fyremanpat
99 Hoe with 3.42 gears and 305/70/16's...e-fans, recent tune up, msd ignition, k&n fipk, throttle body spacer, hypertech programmer...11-12 mpg. New gears will dramatically improve my mpg's
AtomicHoe094
Atomichoe094
18 is prettty gooood, dont think your really going to get past 25mpg or even a little less
10 to 12 here...
10 to 12 here...
atis
Full Access Member
I just want 20-21 mpg and 12mpg towing...
Which crate engine?
383, well they use more fuel.
If it's a stock replacement:350 355
New motors are some what of pigs untill you hit about the 5 to 10K mile mark. Everythings tight on a new engine. it needs time to break in and loosen up a bit. Bearings are tight, the rings are still seating. New engines use more power internally than older engines. It should improve a bit with age.
