I purchased my first truck a couple months back, a 2001 Chevy 1500 extended cab/short bed with the 5.3, and have been loving it, but she's got about 135,000 miles and I'm not too sure of the vehicle history.

Mainly, I'm wanting to know what yall think I could/should do to increase engine life and fuel efficiency.
I've been thinking about getting a CAI, but I've heard that it can damage older engines due to them staying cold longer on start-up and I definitely don't want to hurt it in any way.

Thanks,
Zach

 

Hi zm1040,

Welcome to the Chevy Forums.

CAIs work well, but they are much more likely to give you more power than better mileage. What happens is the average person's driving habits adjust to the increased power available(probably on a subconscious level) and the new performance is just too much of a temptation for most.

I've got a K&N, and while I get a minimal improvement if I drive very carefully, most of the time it just doesn't happen for me, either. I love that CAI, though. Simplifies the intake, gives you a cleanable filter, faster revs, R-R-R!

Has the transmission filter been changed recently? That could cause you some trouble, at some point down the road...

 

Oil change, trans filter, fuel injector cleanse,fuel filter, spark plugs,air filter would all help

 

all these are a great way to help.
Also if you get a tenneau cover for your bed it is supposed to help with fuel efficiency too.

 

What is best CAI in yalls opinion? K&N or AirAid? Is there a difference?

I'm going to try to get one of those and a fiberglass cover this summer.

 

stay away from air raid. i had one and it killed my gas mileage because i re oiled it and the oil was sticking to my mass air flow sensor throwing off my air/fuel mix making it run rich.