Fuel Saving tips

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Permalink Reply by Lt. Caleb French on January 19, 2009 at 8:50pm

There are quite a few different things that you can do to get better mileage.

First and foremost, adjust your driving style. You would be surprised at how much thicker your wallet will feel if you just ease up off of that hammer son! I especially notice this in the 16 - 24 year old men with modified exhaust that think that everyone everywhere in town has to hear them pouring the fuel to the system. And yes I am a 23 year old male that owns a 1996 Chevrolet 2500 with strait pipe exhaust, but i don't hammer on it everywhere I go anymore. I used to be a very aggressive driver like one in the before mentioned age category, but when I got on the fire department and saw the destruction of aggressive driving and especially when I started running with EMS and actually being responsible for patient care, I quickly changed my tune. and it saved me about 1-2 mpg. Also if you aren't already, consider changing to premium fuel. It makes a huge difference in performance and sometimes mpg.

Here are some of the performance modifications that I have administered to my ride that saves fuel and improves your HP and Torque numbers:

K&N cold air intake system - .5 mpg, 7 hp, 12 ft. lbs. About an hour to install.

1" Air Raid Throttle Body Spacer - .5 mpg, 3 hp, 11 ft. lbs. 20 minutes to install.

Summit Racing Headers - no improvement on mpg, 14 hp, 23 ft. lbs. 2 hours to install.

Electric Radiator Fan - 1 mpg, 9 hp, 11 ft. lbs. 2 hours to install. This is simple because the engine isn't mechanically turning the fan so it has more available power and torque.


Before modifications and change of driving style I was getting 9 mpg (350 Vortech V8 with 4:11 gears on a heavy duty 3/4 ton chassis), now I am getting a best of 13.5. Money well spent.

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Permalink Reply by BillySFCVFD on January 19, 2009 at 9:59pm

Caleb,

Where did you get the electric fan?

Billy

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Permalink Reply by Lt. Caleb French on January 19, 2009 at 10:45pm

Billy,

You can get em' anywhere aftermarket parts are sold. Here is the link to where I bought mine. Make sure you research this product if you plan to switch out. Some fans don't come with a temp sensor. Its not hard to install, just follow directions to a T and make sure that you have everything you need.


http://www.chevypartspro.com/catalog/?N=&uts=true&Ntt=Elect...

Just because the domain name is www.chevypartspro.com doesn't mean that they only deal Chevy parts. They have anything and everything. Just enter your vehicle information.

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Permalink Reply by Lt. Caleb French on January 20, 2009 at 3:33pm

A comment from Billy left on my profile and I thought he had some very good questions.

Caleb,

Did you use the Flexalite fan as shown?

I have a 95 Chevy pick 'em up with a 305.

Did you notice a change in temp and amp/volt gauge readings? Does the fan make excessive noise when it kicks on?

Thanks, Billy


Billy,

Yeah, I used the flexalite fan, It is the big single 10 blade fan, pulls almost 10 amps. I have a BIG aftermarket 165 amp alternator so I don't notice any change in the volt readings when it kicks on because of this, seeing as you have a 305, you probably have an 85 amp stock alternator?
If so I would upgrade to a 115 amp or better depending on your current electrical load (look at my truck in the show off your ride discussion in the group and you will know why I have a big alternator). Should do ya fine. Temp stays right where it was with the stock fan, and you can program some of the sensors to keep the water at a predetermined temperature. Mine is nice and quiet.

Caleb

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Permalink Reply by Lt. Caleb French on January 23, 2009 at 9:56pm

Anyone know if Mass Airflow censors are worth the money?

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Permalink Reply by BillySFCVFD on January 25, 2009 at 11:46am

Caleb,

Are you talking about a retrofit on your truck? Is there one out there?

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Permalink Reply by Lt. Caleb French on January 25, 2009 at 1:53pm

Billy,

Yeah, there are aftermarket airflow sensors that are supposed to increase airflow, and in turn increase power, torque, and mileage. Just wondering if anyone out there was using one? They run around 300 bucks.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Williams on February 17, 2009 at 11:36pm

Hey guys I had a 2007 Chevy Tahoe I put a new air box and a new mass flow sensor it only increased the fuel milage by 1mpg. Very dissapointing to say the least. It did however improve the throttle response which was worth it.

I eventualy sold the Hoe and went back with my One ton Dodge dually mainly to pull my trailer to the track! And yes I have messed with the 6.7 Diesel it will spin all four tires in the rear!

Also I have a 1967 Chevelle which I drag race see pic. However I plan on doing less burnouts and not driving back to the pit. Instead i will get towed back by the golf cart. Racing fuel was up 6.40 a Gallon. My car sucks it like you have no idead. Expensive hobby to say the least.

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