Improving '99 Tahoe Fuel Efficiency

I'm not exactly car savvy but have done some minor repairs to my Honda. With fuel prices on the rise, what simple mods can I make to my Tahoe to gain some fuel economy?

The only surefire way I know to get better mileage out of your Tahoe is to park it. As the proud owner of a '99 Hoe I've pretty much come to grips with the thirsty V8. But if anybody does have any mods they know that work I'd love to hear 'em too.

One of the biggest effects on fuel mileage is as simple as tires that are under-inflated. I always keep mine aired up to just under the max (42 PSI on mine) and check them often.

Change that air filter if it's been a while!

Another thing that can help perhaps another 1-2 MPG is running synthetic oil in the crancase, and all the driveline. I switched over a few years back and noticed a slight gain, especially in colder climates where heavy viscosities are a drag on the system.

I have also heard, (although I haven't tried it) that replacing the oxygen sensor in the system can help mileage also. I can't verify this, but I can understand if the sensor isn't working properly it would call for more fuel.

Cat-back exhaust can help some as well. I had a '97 K1500 P/U with 350 changed the pos factory muffler and did 3" from the cat back with a flow master 50 muffler and gained about 2-3 mpg.

Cat-back exhaust can help some as well. I had a '97 K1500 P/U with 350 changed the pos factory muffler and did 3" from the cat back with a flow master 50 muffler and gained about 2-3 mpg.

That is a very good point. I thought about that AFTER I had already posted! Of course it will be hard to keep your right foot from constantly burying the pedal because of that nice sounding exhaust!

Sprucegoose nailed it. GM and Ford are now coming out with a hybrid Silverado andprobably next the larger SUV's. I would live to see a smaller version of the Duramax in a Tahoe.

Jason

That is a very good point. I thought about that AFTER I had already posted! Of course it will be hard to keep your right foot from constantly burying the pedal because of that nice sounding exhaust!

I resemble that remark, I did exhaust on my current truck and tend to put my foot in to it a little more, it sounds good. If I can keep my foot out of it and drive it more like I did before the exhaust then I do get better mileage.