increase of gas mileage?

tarheel4eva · #1 12-20-2004, 02:56 PM

How can I increase the gas milage in my X? I have a 2001 6.8L V10(non-diesel) and I get about 11.7 mpg or so it says on the center console. Would adding a supercharger or a turbo kit help with fuel management? Does adding fuel additives help also?

RedLightning · #2 12-20-2004, 09:52 PM

I think a cai, cat-back, or electric fan might bring up that mpg(pluss some more hp).

tarheel4eva · #3 12-21-2004, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedLightning

I think a cai, cat-back, or electric fan might bring up that mpg(pluss some more hp).

Would that void the warranty that I have on the vehicle? It's not the FORD warranty, but an aftermarket 3yr/36K. I can always put the original parts back on to get my X checked out at a mechanic. What is a cat-back, and how would a electric fan be placed at? Also would getting a K&N air filter help with that as well? Would like to find diferent opinions on the subject matter! Thanks!

leowolf · #4 12-22-2004, 12:00 AM

adding a super or turbo charger would only make fuel economy worse, the more fuel air you put in the worse the economy, plus the added mass of the rotating parts will only add to the feast. diesels work on a totaly different principal and they get better economy with these add ons.

im affraid lower the profile and weight of tires is the best way to improve your economy with this monster.

driving habits can help, speeding up to the piont where it shifts into final drive (OD) and backing off just to the point that it maintains a constant speed in low speed zones. choosing routs with the least amount of stops, and the most highway ect. aslo shifting to netral while coasting down long grades can help. the least speed the the engine runs in OD the better the economy.

GooD LucK!

RedLightning · #5 12-22-2004, 02:45 PM

A cat-back is the part of the exhuast from the cattalitic(spelling?) converters and back, give you better flow. That would probibly void your warrenty, but a cai or e-fan I think would not.

An electric fan replaces your waterpump powered cooling fan. It cools better and more efficiently. And a cool air intake does just that, it brings in more air(cooler).

A cai might get you about 10 more hp. and a bit better mpg, and an e-fan would bring it up abit too, and get you about 15hp. Though those are numbers based on my truck not an excursion. For and e-fan check out flex-a-lite thats what alot of 1st gen Lightning owners use. A K&N drop in filter would perhaps get you better mpg(then stock), but a cai might be better couse it gets you more hp, and replaces the entire factory restrictive air intake. Of course you should do more research, b/c im not all sure about this.

RedLightning · #6 12-22-2004, 05:05 PM

http://www.timskelton.com/lightning/...iator_fans.htm

tarheel4eva · #7 12-22-2004, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedLightning

A cat-back is the part of the exhuast from the cattalitic(spelling?) converters and back, give you better flow. That would probibly void your warrenty, but a cai or e-fan I think would not.

An electric fan replaces your waterpump powered cooling fan. It cools better and more efficiently. And a cool air intake does just that, it brings in more air(cooler).

A cai might get you about 10 more hp. and a bit better mpg, and an e-fan would bring it up abit too, and get you about 15hp. Though those are numbers based on my truck not an excursion. For and e-fan check out flex-a-lite thats what alot of 1st gen Lightning owners use. A K&N drop in filter would perhaps get you better mpg(then stock), but a cai might be better couse it gets you more hp, and replaces the entire factory restrictive air intake. Of course you should do more research, b/c im not all sure about this.

was considering the CAI, but I would have to do some drilling to allow the original sensors in the mix ya know! I do not have all the tools available for that custom. Having it professionally done is not an option till tax season. For now I'll just get a new K&N drop in filter due to the one that is in there is very dirty. I appreciate all of your input and opinions! Thanks again!

urban cowboy · #8 12-25-2004, 12:09 AM

I have an f250 super duty with the V10, basically the same truck with different body. The simplest mpg, hp gainers are a K&N air filter, K&N oil filter and properly inflated tires. These are basic maintenance items anyone can do. The next would be a cat back exhaust, and as long as it is a street legal system in your state, it should not void the warranty.

tarheel4eva · #9 12-27-2004, 01:12 PM

I have the gas engine and was wondering if using the higher octane gas would help increase the gas mileage or would it hinder it? I have read the manual that came with the vehicle and it read that using only 87 octane is recommended and not to use fuel additives. Has anyone tried this or noticed any difference? I would like to keep this mini-bus as long as I can without any problems. Thanks!!!!!

urban cowboy · #10 12-27-2004, 01:51 PM

Higher octane doesn't really make a difference in these motors. Just be sure to replace the fuel filter regularly. Also try to run only brand a gas. I have noticed a difference when switching brands.

tarheel4eva · #11 12-28-2004, 01:51 PM

Cool well I'll just keep an eye on the falling gas prices. Thanks for all the info

gmmlilg · #12 01-31-2005, 12:12 PM

I have a 2000 Excursion and my mileage was around 12.5 on the hiway which was nothing to write home about so I did a little research also, now I get 16 on the hiway. Here is what I found and none of it will effect your warrenty. I bought and installed a fuel body spacer which can be found at Summit Racing for around $45 and a K&N air filter which was also around $45. As I was installing everything I looked at where the air intake got it's air from. Now this was where I believe I got most of my mileage, the air intake stops right in front of the plastic support at the side of the rediator. I pulled the front grill off which just pops on and cut a square hole into the plastic right in front of the air intake. Now I get great mileage in respect to a V10 and I have noticably more power. What I found doing my little research was that the more cold air you can get into and engine and the larger the pipes to get the exhaust out of the engine the better power and mileage you will get.

Good luck.

g

bhfdsta.1 · #13 02-02-2005, 01:58 PM

Like others have said, clean filters, proper tire pressure, and driving habits make a big difference. A quality after-market exhaust will also make a bit of a difference. As far as cutting the plastic in front of the air inlet, I would be wary of doing this, because that piece of plastic is there to keep water and other debris out of the intake. If you do opt to do this, just be careful where you drive and check your air filter frequently, as it will get dirty faster.

gmmlilg · #14 02-02-2005, 02:09 PM

bhfdsta.1 is correct as for checking your air filter but the aftermarket air intake systems offered just leave your airfilter hanging around in the engine compartment to collect all the debre plus hot air from the engine. So I really did not see the difference but cutting on your X can be a little nerve racking.

tarheel4eva · #15 02-07-2005, 03:09 PM

with the hole in the area for air to get through to the intake, when you are driving would rain water enter at that spot? How much water can the air filter hold before it causes a damaged part for your vehicle. I would consider doing something like that to help with the mileage. Then with a K&N filter is there not some kind of fluid on the filter to assist in the duty? You can always wash it out as described on the web site.

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