I hope this question doesn't get me black listed, but...

I saw the adds they run on the bottom of the screen by google and clicked on the cyclone/tornado fuel saver. It took me to the MyAuto.TV web page where they have this fan looking thing that installs into the intake downstream of the filter. Supposedly it will increase gas mileage and power by making a tornado of air, therefore making the atomized fuel mix better, etc, and give better gas mileage and power. I've heard some discusion on this (fuel air mixing, and how a vortex air flow increases effeciency.) and that it is a larger justification, and advertisement, for ram air rigs (especially on a lot of the four bangers).

In short does anyone think (or know, especially on a 390 ) if this thing is worth the money or not, and will it work?

 

It's bunk. Stay away from it. Only way to get better than average gas mpg on an FE is to keep the pedal from hittin the floor.

 

i agree with scarmodo, stay far away from things like that, ull be more happy without it, there isnt much that can help FE's get better gas mileage.

 

well, thanks guys, I was hoping... just praying that there was some way of getting that gas mileage up.

Are there any ways to get it up (the mileage) and still get higher end performance or are these two opposites. What's about average for the 360/390. If there aren't I should probably just pursue the power end of the spectrum, eh?

I don't know, I just ordered the crane 901 cam and will install that (thanks for all the suggestions and info), got the edel intake, carb, msd ignition, exhaust headers, etc. Are there any tranny kits with another gear to keep the engine at lower rpm/power band, or anything like that, or am I too far into the rebuild to even consider gas mileage?

 

Its Snake Oil....there not even heavy enough to make a good paper weight!!-Russ

 

Sounds like that motor is being built for performance. Here's a thought: Get 2 pumpkins for your differential. A high gear that you like to spin the tires (such as a 4.11 or 3.70, etc) and get up to speed fast and a highway gear such as a 3.00 or 3.25. If you build it up too much, your options for any decent mileage will disappear.

My 2

 

What's a pumpkin?

 

Ring and Pinion gear cluster in the rear end.....-Russ

 

Also known as a third member. It is the casing for the gears and can be changed in less than an hour.

 

I also tried the Power-aid style throttle body on my 99 with the 5.4l V8.

It just made more noise. No noticeable improvements in power or mileage...

 

OH I forgot about the Housing?

 

I know you guys probably won't believe me but I actually got 15 mpg with my 401 yesterday. Ok so it was actually 14.8 but come on, that is basically 15. The engine must be getting a little more broke in. That is with 3.50 gears, when I had 3.00's the best I ever got was 13.9 but that was with the first engine so I don't really know if the gears have necessarilly been a main culprit. Anyway I hope it keeps getting better, especially with the price of gas...

 

Shoot thats great...Mine with the stock 390 and 3.54s only got 10..up hilll..down hill..
Pulling, carrying..Didnt matter! -Russ

 

I ran from 80 miles with 390 and 3.70 gears doing 60-65 the whole way and got 16 mpg. Just kept my foot out of it. Course my truck is lighter than most being a stepside.

 

True, You obviously have to have them tuned pretty good but the real factor I think is how you use your foot and if you are on flat surface. Last night driving the same style from Billings to Miles City I got 10.5 but had to go up a lot of hills and just held my foot where it was at on the flat. I stopped at Forsythe which is about 42 miles from Miles City and fueled up, between the and Miles City I got 12.5 I had a guy tell me that his dad had a 74,75, or 76 3/4 ton 4x4 with a 390. Said his dad put dual exhaust on it and a Carter Thermoquad and tuned it to get maximum mileage. Supposed result- 17 mpg! Not sure if I believe it but I suppose it is possible.