This has been asked many times I'm sure but I don't have the capability to easily browse the 100+ pages of threads in this sub-forum.

I have a 2001 F-150 SuperCab 4x4 with the 4.6L/5 spd manual drivetrain. The truck is closing in on 90,000 miles (I bought it used with 36,000 miles on the odometer) and I like it alot. It is generally used for commuting, light hauling of items for our small hobby farm, and occasionally hauling a classic car on an open trailer.

With fuel costs rising I'd like to improve the MPG the truck currently gets. I know that generally when increasing horsepower that reduces economy so while a performance bump would be nice to have increased economy has to rule at the moment. I'm an average D-I-Y driveway mechanic who doesn't know a lot about newer electronic systems, but not afraid to tackle new things when I have good instructions to follow.

1) What kind of inexpensive modifications could I make to increase the fuel economy?

2) What kind of inexpensive modifications could I make to increase the power, preferably without sacrificing the fuel economy?

Thanks.

 

Keep your tires aired at a higher pressure, don't use aggressive off road tires and drive it as easy as you can. Cheap mods do not equal more power and better mpg. Economy and Power upgrades just don't go together on a 5000 lb truck.

 

My Predator tuner gained me about 2mpg on 93 octane. So for 4$ more per fill-up for the 93 octane I get at least 40 more miles on 20 gallons. More power was a bonus as was the diagnostic capabilities.