What is the most efficient RPM and MPH for the 5.3 motor?

[Bungee]

With gas prices today, it makes more sense than ever to drive efficiently--that is, to get the most bang for your gas buck. With that in mind, does anyone know what the most efficient RPM range is for the 5.3 silvy? And maybe even better, what the most efficient MPH speed is?

My best UNeducated guess is around 1500-1700 RPM, and somewhere between 55 and 60 MPH with an automatic tranny on stock size tires. Any ideas?

[jeverett]

Parked. lol
Mine does good about 65mph which is about 1700 rpm

[kenny-1907]

I think it is not so much THE speed, but how you get it UP to speed. Drive it like you stole it for one tankful then refill it and drive it like you did on your very first road test when getting your drivers license and see which is better. I think it is more of a driving style that will make for better mileage rather than a certain speed on the highway but don't get me wrong though, no doubt exceding the speed limit by more than 10 mph will definetly hurt your mileage. I know that my 2000 likes over 100 kmph better than my 96 did.

[2004vho]

Slow take offs, smooth stops/braking, and cruising on the highway UNDER 2,000 RPM is the best u can do with these trucks. Also, keep ur air and fuel filters up, adding a good name brand fuel treatment 2 ur gas tank during ur regular oil changes is also a good ideal.

[korndogg]

well I saw a thing on the news about MPG on the stickers when you buy your vehicles. people were complaining that they werent getting the MPG that the dealers said they would. Apparently, the MPG on the sticker is when you drive at a constant 45 mph.

[dr_of_lovephd]

Originally Posted by korndogg

well I saw a thing on the news about MPG on the stickers when you buy your vehicles. people were complaining that they werent getting the MPG that the dealers said they would. Apparently, the MPG on the sticker is when you drive at a constant 45 mph.

When I bought my 04 5.3 it came with the DIC that has the instant economy mode. It tells you what MPG you are getting in real time. So I set it to that mode and practiced taking off from red lights, going up and down hills and just daily driving to find the most efficient way to drive. Now I am getting higher MPG than what the sticker says, 17 city and 21-22 highway.

I found that between 60 and 65 mph gives the best mileage, at about 1700 rpm. Just speeding up from 65 to 70 adds 300 rpms in my truck. Also, if you are not in a hurry, keeping it under 1500 rpms on take off will save a lot of gas, but it isn't much fun.