Other than changing driving habits, what are some modifications some folks have done to increase their MPG's? I have an 05 KR Screw 4x4. I am getting somewhere around 12 in the city. Is this about right? The truck has 103k on it, I run fully synthetic oil (Castrol 5w-20 as a matter of fact) and put in a K&N filter where the stock filter went, no CAI on the truck.

I am curious what are some of the modifications you folks have tried to increase the MPG's and what actually works. Thanks in advance for taking time to respond.

 

have you changed your plugs yet?

 

Have not done that....just got it last weekend! What plugs are best for the 5.4L?

 

12 mpg city is spot on for your truck. I'd get an economy tune, will probably be the most effective, aside from changing your habits.

 

The Champion 1 piece plugs are recommended as the factory ones like to leave pieces in the head.

You need to follow the TSB on plug replacement really carefully as there is a very high chance of breaking a plug or two off in the head. If you do break one off, here are removal tools such as the lisle.

Do yourself some searches on plug replacement for the 5.4L before you dive in.

Congrats on the new truck!

 

Try updating to K&N intake, not just air filter. Should MPG increase by up to 10% according to K&N.

 

I would not believe that. It is the general consensus that cold air intakes generally just add noise. I love my Volant CAI but as much as I hate to admit it, I don't think it really gave me any benefits other than making the truck sound cool.

 

I would stay away from champion 1 piece plugs. My 2004 had 75k i changed plugs added champions. I had to change them at 90k cuz of very bad mileage and rough idle. After taking 1 plug out they looked like they had 200k on them I called champion and after talking to the rep they replaced the plugs with whatever i wanted I also had the same issue on my wifes 2005 expy. again I went with stock plugs and never had an issue since. Just my .02

 

I've got a set of U/D pulleys, electric water pump an electric fan and a Magnaflow cat back. It made a noticable improvement in both power and economy. Somewhere around 2-3mpg depending on my driving habits. Next will be a ECU flash with some sort of econo tune.

I also keep my air pressure around 45psi and stay pretty ginger with the throttle. I'm pretty happy.

 

There are alot of mods that will "help" your M'sPG. However, where is the point of diminishing return? In other words. The $800 - $1000 you put into mods will buy alot of fuel. Please don't misunderstand - I have done it and I like the results. Best bet for fuel mileage is a softer touch on the accelerator, and if you have access to "real gasoline" buy it. Stay away from the ethanol blends.

Also, Loose the K&N. I like them - but your trucks throttle body does not.

 

Have you calculated how many miles you will have to drive to save enough money to pay for what you have already spent? I don't think you want to know.

 

^ kind of like getting a diesel for the "fuel economy". Cost vs return.

 

ScangaugeII..Install it,watch it,and drive by it....

 

The Edge/Gryphons have that MPG monitor feature too (a lot of newer vehicles have this feature built in) if you want to go the tuner route. Nothing like the "average MPG" function to rat-out a lead foot.

 

Maybe....but keep in mind I picked up another solid 15-25hp in the process as well. Better fuel economy and more power to the wheel.....I'd say that makes it worth the money I spent. Most people spend that much money just for the horsepower return alone.

As for how long it will take to make it back. Figure at an improvement of 1.5-2.0L/100km, the price of gas here right now is roughly $1.00/L and our trucks hold about 115L of fuel. Everything together cost me about $1,200.

So we're looking at roughly 60,000-80,000km, or about 2.5-3-years worth of driving to break even. I plan on keeping my truck for at least that, so by the time I reach that point I've tacked on another 15-25hp for free and everything beyond that is money in my pocket in fuel savings.

So again I say....well worth the money spent.