Cheap mods

[jimmydager]

Hey all,
I am looking for ways to improve my MPG and maybe HP on a tight budget. I was wondering what were some cheap ways to increase MPG. I have a 92 chevy silverado with a 4.3L V6. If you have tried anything, please tell me what it was and any improvements that you saw.
Thanks,
Jimmy Dager

[LT-Z71drvr]

I used to own a 1996 K1500 with a 4.3 Vortec and a 5 speed manual.
I added a Gibson Exhaust and a K&N Air Filter, and I saw probably 1-2 mpg increase, which really depended on how I drove it.

Those are the two things to start with in my opinion.

[tirefryer93]

jimmydager,
I sent you a private message about the air cleaner, but there are some other good ways to get ponies out of these pickups. First, as you are trying to do now, the motor needs to breathe, both in intake and exhaust. With the 4.3, you might not want to change the exhaust due to noise, whatever your preference is. But other than the high-flow air filter and air cleaner modifications, two other things to do are throttle body spacers and fuel pressure regulators. Throttle body spacers raise the throttle body about an inch, giving the intake air more velocity, helping it mix better with the fuel and keeping the intake temperature down. Depending on the type of spacer, the power difference will vary. However, with all of them, the downside is that they cause the engine to run lean, which hinders their potency. To compensate for the lean mixture, however, you can install, for well under $100, a fuel pressure regulator. With it you can increase the fuel pressure anywhere from 3-6 psi, depending on the fuel pump. After that, it's nothing but testing and tuning to find the right area that fits your needs. Send me messages if you have more questions on these and more power adders.