Hello - (and some advise please!!)

32of32 · July 17, 2006

Hi,

I just picked up a 2004 Z71 Tahoe 5.3L (w/ 5k miles !!) for my wife and I was wondering if there is a nice collection of mods I can do to improve performance (and fuel mileage).

I have an '02 WS6 Trans Am Convertible so I am used to free mods, bolt-ons that noticeably improve performance and fuel mileage - is the same true for these bad boys?

(this is a great site/forum BTW!).

pwall · July 17, 2006

Welcome to GM-Trucks.com!

For your truck, all kinds of mods that you can do. Some will increase performance, some will not.

Best value for your dollar is a customized tune. There are many to choose from. I have a Wait4Me tune in my truck and I am very pleased with it. (http://wait4meperformance.com).

Have fun mod'ing....

CapitalTruck · July 17, 2006

Just remember, power has to come from somewhere, that somewhere is fuel! Modern automotive engines use more than 99% of the fuel that is introduced into them to burn. Unless you can figure out a way to burn that last fraction of a percent, you are not going to increase both gas mileage and power. Factory engineers spend months to wring every least MPG out of a vehicle. There is nothing we can do that will up BOTH the power and the MPG.

larry arizona · July 17, 2006

Just remember, power has to come from somewhere, that somewhere is fuel! Modern automotive engines use more than 99% of the fuel that is introduced into them to burn. Unless you can figure out a way to burn that last fraction of a percent, you are not going to increase both gas mileage and power. Factory engineers spend months to wring every least MPG out of a vehicle. There is nothing we can do that will up BOTH the power and the MPG.

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You are partially correct. GM tunes for maximum power and MPG to the point of meeting emissions standards. Aftermarket tuning such as wait4me performance tunes outside the emissions boundaries and can actually raise HP TQ and MPG.

Wait4me does some great tuning and I run a 87-93 octane econo tune and it was maybe only .5mpg better with 87 but over 3MPG on 93. It has a seat of the pants performance gain and a better tow haul mode.

Wait4me claimes something like 30HP when using 93 octane and there tune.

Very pleased for $158.10

m3gumby · July 17, 2006

capital truck i believe you are also partially correct. There are many factors that determine the MPG of a GM truck. Take for example the Hummer...suck fuel economy, but built to run through brick walls. You also have to think about price of the car. GM is also trying to keep their cars affordable, and by doing that, they use plastic parts such as plastic intakes. You can increase your mpg by putting an intake as well as upping your hp. By adding certain modifications its creating a more efficient engine. Adding a quality exhaust system will up your mpg as well as power. I disagree with what you said about upping both power and mpg.