kudos383

I just traded in my 06 2500,8.1 with 59,000 mile's on it.it had 4'10 rears,4x4.ran perfect but best gas mpg ever was 12.2 on highway trip,would pull anything but wouldnt pass a gas stop.so i got a 2011 z-71 5.3,and am praying for better mpg's and that it will last a long time.

archebald23

If you have not done so, replace the plugs, plug wires, air filter, and fuel filter. Also replace all under hood vacuum lines.

basilkies

If your rig is jacked up or has larger tires and wheel this will cost you mileage. A canopy is the best mileage improver over a tonneu or bed cover. Narrower tires will help. As for the Black Bear tune, I have my doubts every tune or programmer I have checked out gave better performance usually at the cost of mileage.
I tell people that I figured out how to improve the mileage on my truck, I fasten the seat belt before I start it. Chevy trucks "suck" fuel. But then it is a full size pickup with a V8. What amazes me is the mileage is darn little better than trucks I drove that were 30 years older! On the other hand I bought my truck from some kid that jacked it up and put big wide tires on it!

therewolf

The whole fuel economy topic is a can of worms.

I've got the 6.0L(read 362 cu. in) engine in my 2500 CCLB 4X4 with A/C.

I get 16-17 MPG highway, if I drive reasonably.

I don't remember my '73 Belair with the 350,2bbl carb, and NO A/C ever
giving me better than 12MPG, IIRC.

So the '73 was less weight, a smaller engine, no A/C, and it still gave me
crappier mileage.

Of course, YMMV...

jensenracing77@yahoo.com

i have had this truck for just over a year now and is by far the most awesome truck i ever had. it constantly gets 14 MPG on the highway and 10 to 11 in the city. i had to put an electric gizmo in the transmission that was only $80 but other than that it has not had a single problem. i ran one tank of gas in the city easy and got 10MPG and ran another tank in the city driving hard and got 11. i think it is telling me that it would rather be driven hard. i put 20,000 miles on it last year but should be much less this year. i think i have ball joints making noise in the front now but that is expected with 130,000 miles on it. but i am sold on the 8.1.... i love it.

burninrubber

dont listen to whoever told you not to install a CAI. it will get more airflow than stock and will improve horsepower or just switch air filters on your stock to get better airflow, go with the k&n filter if you dont already have one. you can also change your exhaust to something like a magnaflow or flowmaster. with these two mods you should get at the very least another 5mpg

richardgmcwilson

can i expect similar mileage with a 6 speed stick? this is an 05, im debating if i should get it and give the 4.8 a break from the travel trailer in the summer