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how do i improve mileage on an 8.1?
#11
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.
#12
If you have not done so, replace the plugs, plug wires, air filter, and fuel filter. Also replace all under hood vacuum lines.
Last edited by archebald23; February 28th, 2013 at 8:21 PM.
#13
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!
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!
#14
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...
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...
#15
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.
#16
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
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