Need some expertise

gotmeanewtruck · June 19, 2002

Hey fella's

I am wondering whether or not K&N air filters are worth the money and do they improve gas mileage/horsepower. Also, do flowmasters contribute to gas miliage in a significant way. Some guys rave about K&N, but do the filters make a big difference? I'm kind of skeptical. I here alot of here-say, but nobody ever seems to have tested whether or not there mileage improved. Anybody got some input. I ask cause I'm paying $1.75 on gas-about 40 bucks a tank.

vortec4800 · June 19, 2002

Ouch, that's really expensive for gas...

I have the K&N air filter and a Ram Air setup, I noticed a difference - but I'm not sure if its the K&N or the filter that did it, both, or what. Anyway, I would reccoment the K&N, they make very high quality air filters and better flowing intake can really help things.

Shaners · June 19, 2002

I would think that at best you would see about 1/2 mpg increase with the K&N FIPK. That's about what I saw on my '00 Silverado with the 5.3L

gmcjoe · June 19, 2002

I also have the K&N FIPK on my Sierra, along with a Flowmaster 40 muffler. I didn't buy it for increased MPG, but more power and a nice sound ;) I can say I noticed an increase in throttle response.

While some will say the K&N filters allow dirt into the throttle body, etc, I pulled my intake tube after having the filter setup on for about 40K miles and the TB was CLEAN

Kania2k1 · June 20, 2002

I have a quarter of a tank left with the new exhaust on. Letcha know what the mpg's are in a couple days.

brax71 · June 21, 2002

i did the K&N FIPK and then the Flowmaster about 5-6 months later.

I felt a noticible difference from the FIPK and when i drove conservatively, i got anywhere from 1-1.5 MPG increase.

Flowmaster brought about a more enjoyable change (the cool sound) as well as a less noticeable seat of the pants change. It also brought about approx 1-1.5 or so improvement when driving in a gas friendly manner.

With the BFG 285 ATs, and 4WD, it just doesn't get all that great a mileage. just for kicks, i drove 250 miles at 60 mph and got 19.4 mpg.

MarkD · June 21, 2002

My opinion...

As with most mods, there is some efficiency improvements, but not enough to justify the cost on it's own. However, the way I look at it, the efficiency improvement it one of many reasons for buying (power,sound,efficiency,customization). The gas savings are, well, just an excuse to tinker.

WHOA!!! TALK ABOUT HONEST!!!

Fact...

1 mpg improvement on a 30k mi/year vehicle will save 111 gallons. At $1.20/gallon this is a savings of $133.20.

So...

FIPK cost ~$250+. It would take 2 years to make up the cost of of the FIPK.

Headers ~$500-$800. 3-6 years to make up cost.

Cat-back ~$450 3 years to make up cost.

If headers, cat-back, and FIPK gave total improvements of 2 mpg. It would take you 8-11 years to recoup the investment with mileage.

RedHawk · June 21, 2002

I thought the power was for us and the MPG increase was the reason you give your spouse,,,, to justify the cost..hehehe!

I know my motor effeciency has gone way up over stock.. UPD induction, HPP3, UD pulley and a few free mods have droped over a full second off ET. My free cam I installed has been worthless though..Still testing and looking for a better cam..

Here are some dynos I just had done on a few of my mods..

Big Red II Dynos

gotmeanewtruck · June 22, 2002

Good points MarkD. Thats why i'm skeptical about buying a K&N. It just doesn't seem worth it when it comes to mpg.

BuckMaster · June 24, 2002

With the installation of the FIPK and true duals with Raven mufflers I saw a 3 to 4 mpg increase in gas mileage. With what both cost I have a payback in about 3 years.

MarkD · June 24, 2002

MAN! Buckmaster!!!

What does that put you at 19-21 mpg. Awesome for an Extended cab 4wd fullsize!!!!!!!!

I hope mine gets that good.

Kania2k1 · June 25, 2002

I got the same mileage in 3rd with the cat back and tonneau as I did in D without the tonneau. Driving in D now.

BuckMaster · June 25, 2002

MAN! Buckmaster!!!

What does that put you at 19-21 mpg. Awesome for an Extended cab 4wd fullsize!!!!!!!!

I hope mine gets that good.

Yep, I get consistent 20-21 mpg on highway trips and about 18 in town.

2000 GMC · June 25, 2002

When I first bought my truck I was getting around 17mph on the highway and about 14 in the city. I installed my K&N FIPK last March. I noticed my milage got a little better, about 18 highway/ 15 city. I plan on installing some Flowmasters in the next few months. Hope to see a major improvement, if not it sure will sound good.