Ways to increase gas mileage?

keitkeit · August 16, 2006

I have a single cab 02 chevy 1500 with the 4.3 in it. I get about 17-18 mpg. I figured that was about right. Is there anything i can do to get this up aroung 20 or so? Has anyone here put on anything or done any mods to get there up?

sc4808 · August 16, 2006

I consistantly get 20+ with mine, it averages 20 or 21 on the Interstate running 75 MPH and 22 to 24 MPG on state highways running 60.

Mine is stock except for a K&N air filter and Synthetic oil.

My truck did the same thing as yours for the first 90K miles and then all of a sudden the mileage increased drasticly. I have modified my driving style some, no more jack rabbit starts and I am a little more smooth in my driving style.

For a long time I regreted buying the V6, but now I am happy that I did.

C & A s Dad · August 16, 2006

Keith, there is no magic wand. Some of the following will help, some of it might.

1) Drive like there is an egg between your foot and the pedal (not popular but it works)

2) TIRE PSI Run at least 35 PSI or the max PSI listed in your door jamb. I run 37 PSI

3) I have a True Flow CAI system that would appear got me not quite 1 MPG. This is questionable but according to my records with my truck it did.

4) Synthetic Oil If this helps at all it will be minimal.

5) I run Lucas Fuel Treatment at the ratio 3 ozs per 10 gals. It helps a small amount but the cost of the product is probalby not going to be offset by the small increase in MPG. I run it for the benefits it offers as an injector cleaner and an upper cylinder lube. I also get it at cost, which helps.

That is it, I know of no other thing you can do accept make sure your plugs are fresh and the 02 sensors are performing as designed.

redvett · August 16, 2006

I have a single cab 02 chevy 1500 with the 4.3 in it. I get about 17-18 mpg. I figured that was about right. Is there anything i can do to get this up aroung 20 or so? Has anyone here put on anything or done any mods to get there up?

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Keep your speed at 65 on the x-way, avoid fast acceleration, use Mobil 1 oils, install a tonneau cover, dump the fresh air intakes (PCM adds fuel) and large diameter exhaust pipes (hurts bottom end torque). Get a wait 4 me tune.

Above all change your driving habits. EZ does it.

OnyxMAX · August 17, 2006

avoid accelerating.

maintain momentum

don't let her run if you stop shut her down.

maintain speed on hills.

95Sierra2500 · August 17, 2006

Aside from driving easier, slowing down, and running the correct tire pressure, here's things I find help the most:

1. reduce weight. Engine doesn't have to work as hard, uses less fuel.

2. Cruise control is your BEST FRIEND. Use it often.

3. Synthetic oils. Everywhere. Engine, tranny, transfer case (if you have one), axles, everything. Reduced friction saves wear and tear, prolonging the life of your truck and improving fuel mileage.

I did that last summer on a '99 GMC Jimmy...Well, except the transfer case and axles, and the weight reduction...Probably would have seen more than 22 mpg on the highway, but between me, my dad, and all our stuff for a week (around 1,000 lbs extra). Not quite apples to apples but close enough.