Getting Better Mpg - Trying The Recipe Again!

GMBGuy · December 13, 2008

Hello Everyone,

I am on yet another quest to see what I can do to prove-out again a "recipe" for trying to get better performance, gas mileage, usability, and peace of mind with my newly acquired "used" 2003 Suburban 4WD with 120K on the odometer. I have now run 2 tanks of consistent fuel (knowing the source) and have done a dyno to "baseline" the vehicle as it sits today. My goal and intention is to look for the biggest "bang-for-the-buck" and share the best measureable results I can get. I am independent from any of the gimmicks and "fads" out there. I do have the receipts from the previous owner that the standard maintenance was performed using mineral-based and standard GM recommended fluids. What I am going to start with are:

1. Replacement of the current tires with Michelin LTX M/S tires.

2. Standard evaluation of all filters including gas, fuel, air, cabin (if equipped), and PCV valve.

2. Evaluation of the fluids including radiator, crank-case, transfer-case, transmission, and differentials.

3. Evaluation of the "lubrication points" including body, door, front-shafts, and rear-hatch.

4. Evaluation of all sensors including all 4 "O2" sensors, MAF sensor. The MAF sensor will be cleaned too.

5. Evaluation and/or replacement of the coils and/or spark plugs.

6. Evaluation of the alignment of the vehicle and corrections if necessary.

I am trying to be complete with this approach. In the midst of this there will be fluid replacements. I have heard so many stories about AMSOIL, REDLINE, ROYAL PURPLE, MOBILE1, etc. Does anyone have imperial PROOF of which of these lubricants truly has the best friction reducing properties as well as longevity? I am surely NOT a tribologist. I would like to try to post this for controlled review as I am going through this quest. I will be measuring the performance and results using the AUTO-Engineuity, PC based monitoring package. Also, I will be testing (and paying for out of pocket) Dyno-jet runs to see exactly what the gains, or losses, are occurring based on the latest changes or adjustments. All changes must conform to the Magnusson Act and not void any warranty. I can post, for controlled review, the results from a 1999 suburban test if need be. I just would like to share the results of this latest iteration. Gas is cheap today but almost surely will be getting back to the $3.85 to $4.25 sometime in the future. I would like to get ahead of the next curve.