5.3 Improving Power And Increasing Fuel Mileage

[Ikhanton]

I am new to this group, and I see depth to this groups knowledge base.

I am purchasing a 03 AV 1500 and I am evaluating what mods I need in order to increase fuel mileage. And I know that any mods will increase HP as well. But if I keep my foot on the pedal the same then I should see an increase in MPG.

So, I am questioning you all on what mods you felt gave you the biggest bang for your buck; which in turn gave you the biggest increase to your fuel mileage.

I do ask if we all can keep the sarcasm down to a minimum, your knowledge is what I need now in making some wise decisions. The knowledge of this club is helping me in my descision to buy an AV.

Thank you for all of your thoughts and generous ideas.

 

[kwinsor]

Hi Ik,

I don't think there are any significant mileage improvements that can be made. None that are cost effective. There are a lot of things that make more power but they end up using more fuel.

Improved mileage is a smoke screen to use when you talk to your spouse about the cost of the mod.

Please destroy this message after you read it, we can't let this secret get out.

kw

 

[11H]

Ikhanton,,,

I will give you my opinion here, but it will probably be scrutinized by some nevertheless... Any bolt on parts you will find in the aftermarket will not affect fuel mileage any measureable amount IMHO... Some claim this some claim that, but if they truly gained a measureable amount, then the part they replaced or put in, took the place of a part that was causing poor mileage... (i.e. If you do an injector flush on a truck with 40K miles, then you might see a difference... Or if that Volant intake setup replaced a dirty oem filter, then you might see an increase, etc)

The one think I can tell you though, is that most aftermarket parts like exhaust, computer upgrades, or intakes, will prompt fuel ENRICHMENT, so more power can be made theoretically... The extra power comes from more air/fuel, so the extra power requiring less throttle should be a wash...

I would expect your best effeciency would be with a properly maintained unmodified avalanche, running 5W-30 oil ... But here's some links to threads to spice up your decision:

Fuel Mileage Mods #1

Fuel Mileage Mods #2 (8.1 Liter)

Hope this helps, and welcome to the board!

11H

 

[Ikhanton]

Okay, thank you, I have enough information on this subject we can stop here.

 

[marc_w]

Fuel mileage wise, a free-flow, straight through, exhaust enabled me to see mid to high 18's on the highway. I was previously in the 16's no matter what kind of driving I did.

Driveability, The MSD wires are the best bang for the buck. Slight, increase in 'around the town' driving for me.

 

[steelheadchaser]

I agree with 11H on this. Due to ever tightening CAFE standards, anything that could appreciably benefit engine efficiency, hence gas mileage, would have been done by GM. Realistically, ensuring that you always have a clean air filter and running synthetic oil, combined with conservative driving habits, are the best bet for improving mileage. As always, YMMV.