Best add-ons or mods to boost mileage? 98, 5.7 Vortec
Chevy-SS
01-23-2005, 10:04 PM
I have a 98 K1500 Silverado, 5.7 Vortec. It is in great tune and runs smooth as silk, but mileage has dropped considerably. I bought it two years ago with 75,000 miles, now has 90,000. Highway mileage used to be around 18, now around 13. All tune-up items are new and I just ordered two brand new GM O2 sensors.
Hopefully, the sensors will help bring mileage back up to where it was, but I am curious about other mileage-boosting mods. I don't care about power levels, it's got plenty of power. Is it wise to get a new chip or re-program computer somehow? How about headers? Again, forget power, has a set of headers helped anyone with mileage? How about any of those throttle body spacers? Any other ideas?
Thanks
Hopefully, the sensors will help bring mileage back up to where it was, but I am curious about other mileage-boosting mods. I don't care about power levels, it's got plenty of power. Is it wise to get a new chip or re-program computer somehow? How about headers? Again, forget power, has a set of headers helped anyone with mileage? How about any of those throttle body spacers? Any other ideas?
Thanks
chevytrucks92
01-23-2005, 10:36 PM
TB spacers work for the TBI engines (87-95), but I dont know about the newer multi-port FI Vortecs.
I dont know where you live, but cold weather really hurts gas mileage, so that coudl aslo cuase a drop off in mileage.
A Flowmaster muffler seemed to help my truck (92 K1500, 350 TBI, 130,000 miles-averages 18-19 mpg mixed driving). I also have an AIRAID air intake, but I can't reallly say for sure if its helped or not (cold weather-I always let my truck run for more then 5 minutes when its cold befroe I ever put it in gear).
I dont know where you live, but cold weather really hurts gas mileage, so that coudl aslo cuase a drop off in mileage.
A Flowmaster muffler seemed to help my truck (92 K1500, 350 TBI, 130,000 miles-averages 18-19 mpg mixed driving). I also have an AIRAID air intake, but I can't reallly say for sure if its helped or not (cold weather-I always let my truck run for more then 5 minutes when its cold befroe I ever put it in gear).
abaird
01-24-2005, 08:29 PM
I have a 97 with some stuff(read below) Definitely didnt hurt. I have about 113,000 miles and in the winter with about 70% city 30% highway I average about 13-14 mpg. In the summer it is about the same but maybe a little better. On highway w/ the ac on I will get over 18. Like chevytrucks92 said, depending on where you live(how cold) does make a difference and I am like him when it comes to letting my truck idle for a while when it is cold. I figure if you want great mileage buy a 4 banger.
broughy84
01-24-2005, 09:57 PM
get a K&N filter it will help. Also open the exhaust up. Flowmaster or something like that. Let that baby breathe!
kenny-1907
01-27-2005, 07:47 PM
I had a 96 sierra a few years back with the 5.7 and when i bought it used it already had a k&n filter so i did not have to buy it. I bought larger tires for it, the truck came from the factory with 245/75/16's and i went to 255/85/16's and there was a considerable drop in performance. The 245's were 29" tall and the 255's were 33" tall. Before the tire change when going approx 30km/h and if i floored it, when it kicked down it would break them loose and then chirp them into second. It no longer did that after the tire change.........UNTILL i had dual exhaust installed. I gained back the lost hp because of the oversized tires if not even a bit more. Wish i could say the same for my 2000 silverado with the 4.8........
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