Hi Everyone, just wondering what you guys are doing or thinking about doing to save fuel. Gasoline is now $5.23 per gallon in Nassau, Bahamas! Anyways, I have a 03 ...

Hi Everyone, just wondering what you guys are doing or thinking about doing to save fuel. Gasoline is now $5.23 per gallon in Nassau, Bahamas!

Anyways, I have a 03 GMC Sierra Z71, 5.3L, with dual Flowmaster exhaust, Fabtech Lift Kit, Weld Racing Wheels and 35" Tires (I didn't do any of the mods, I bought the truck with these already in place)

I was thinking about adding a Poweraid Throttle Body Spacer, Tornado Air Kit and a Volant CAI. Have you guys tried any of these ideas? Any pros/cons?

I've heard a lot of talk about using tuners as well. Are these really effective?

Thanks in advance for any input you may have.

Cheers!

My 5.3L engine is a powerful gas guzzling powerplant. I knew that when I bought it and had no expectation of better gas mileage than what I'm getting.

You can add a TBS, a CAI, a "tornado" fuel saver, hydrogen atomic gas treatment, electric fans, hydrodynamic tom-foolery, or any other gas mileage gimmick you can find. But truthfully, try to come to terms with the fact that you drive a truck. Keep your truck tuned up, use the cruise control, clean the air filter often, don't speed, ensure you have the correct air pressure in your tires, and drive with a light foot. Keep your mpg's up by using these simple tips - no funny gadgets or gizmos, no making your car look like Doc Brown's DeLorean from Back to the Future, and guaranteed to work!

I do alot of running for work.
My plan for saving fuel and the new truck
was to buy an econo-box.
In my case the fuel savings justified the added vehicle.
Just something to consider.

Chebby

Austin wrote:My 5.3L engine is a powerful gas guzzling powerplant. I knew that when I bought it and had no expectation of better gas mileage than what I'm getting.

You can add a TBS, a CAI, a "tornado" fuel saver, hydrogen atomic gas treatment, electric fans, hydrodynamic tom-foolery, or any other gas mileage gimmick you can find. But truthfully, try to come to terms with the fact that you drive a truck. Keep your truck tuned up, use the cruise control, clean the air filter often, don't speed, ensure you have the correct air pressure in your tires, and drive with a light foot. Keep your mpg's up by using these simple tips - no funny gadgets or gizmos, no making your car look like Doc Brown's DeLorean from Back to the Future, and guaranteed to work!

I agree with Austin 100% on the maintenance part- take care of your truck, and it will take care of you. Also, trucks are designed to do the things eco-weeny cars can't do, so there are consequences...

However, I have tried the throttle body spacer, and instantly gained 1-2 mpg when I installed it. I've also heard great things about programmers and the fuel savings they can give. With $5.00 gas, whatever you spend to improve fuel economy will pay for itself really fast!

I ride my HD Nightster when it's nice out to save gas and it has motor work done so it only gets about 32 to 40 mpg (I have had it in the high 20's, but not proud of that). I am sure that I could get better if it didn't sound so good under full throttle!lol Like Austin said, it's a truck. Maintain it and baby the gas peddle and possible consider going back to stock if gas is really hurting you that bad.

Just like austin said, maintenance, tire pressure and use the cruise control a lot. Cruise control is key, because the computer knows exactly how much gas your truck needs, your right foot does not. I use mine all the time, even on long back roads at 35 it makes a difference, just leave a lot of room in front of you and pay attention.

An almost instant gas saver would be to ditch the big tires and bring it back to near stock in terms of running gear.Big tires and a lifted truck look cool as hell but you pay for that look with low mpg's.

Not to sound like an eco-weenie, but the best way to save gas is not to drive. Ride share, plan your routes carefully, and eliminate unneeded driving. Of course, who wants to do that? You own a cool truck, so you want to drive, right?
When you do have to drive, use cruise control where possible, drive the speed limit, and keep the tire pressure to the max.
Save you $$$ for all the gimmicky stuff...you will need that money at your next trip to the gas pump.

lohchief wrote:An almost instant gas saver would be to ditch the big tires and bring it back to near stock in terms of running gear.Big tires and a lifted truck look cool as hell but you pay for that look with low mpg's.

Hopefully it never comes to that!

Austin wrote:My 5.3L engine is a powerful gas guzzling powerplant. I knew that when I bought it and had no expectation of better gas mileage than what I'm getting.

You can add a TBS, a CAI, a "tornado" fuel saver, hydrogen atomic gas treatment, electric fans, hydrodynamic tom-foolery, or any other gas mileage gimmick you can find. But truthfully, try to come to terms with the fact that you drive a truck. Keep your truck tuned up, use the cruise control, clean the air filter often, don't speed, ensure you have the correct air pressure in your tires, and drive with a light foot. Keep your mpg's up by using these simple tips - no funny gadgets or gizmos, no making your car look like Doc Brown's DeLorean from Back to the Future, and guaranteed to work!

Thanks Austin.. What kind of MPG's are you getting? We have similar rigs.