Gas Mileage
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Gas Mileage
I recently just purchased an 06 STX 4x4 supercab with the 4.6 liter and was wondering mow to modify my truck to get better gas mileage. Should I start with a new air filter? Does a custom exhaust system reduce gas mileage?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Magnolia, TX
It's really going to be very difficult to modify the truck to get better mileage. Your best bet is to drive conservatively - no lead footin' it.
A better intake *MAY* help a little, and I mean a little. A reduced backpressure exhaust *MAY* help a little but it's doubtful as the CATS typically are the most restrictive part of that system.
I'd bet good money that you can't buy your way into better gas mileage, but you can drive your way to improved mileage.
CMOS
A better intake *MAY* help a little, and I mean a little. A reduced backpressure exhaust *MAY* help a little but it's doubtful as the CATS typically are the most restrictive part of that system.
I'd bet good money that you can't buy your way into better gas mileage, but you can drive your way to improved mileage.
CMOS
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From: 3rd Rock
Originally Posted by bah
I recently just purchased an 06 STX 4x4 supercab with the 4.6 liter and was wondering mow to modify my truck to get better gas mileage. Should I start with a new air filter? Does a custom exhaust system reduce gas mileage?
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Ditto on the tonneau cover. I have a '05 4x4 screw with the 5.4. I added a K&N and noticed hardly any change to the mileage. Added a Flowmaster and 3" cat back and noticed hardly any change to the mileage, although it sounded much better. Added a tonneau cover and the around town mileage went from 13.5 to 14.5 and the highway mileage went from 16 to 17.5.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,055
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From: Magnolia, TX
spiggy,
That "cover the bed/ leave the tailgate down" theory has been debunked many times. Neither will help with mileage improvement. There is ZERO proof to support the theory of the bed cover and quite a bit to support the tailgate up/open top bed theory (including wind tunnel tests).
See links below:
http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns/Archive/1997/October/05.html
http://ask.yahoo.com/20050427.html
CMOS
That "cover the bed/ leave the tailgate down" theory has been debunked many times. Neither will help with mileage improvement. There is ZERO proof to support the theory of the bed cover and quite a bit to support the tailgate up/open top bed theory (including wind tunnel tests).
See links below:
http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns/Archive/1997/October/05.html
http://ask.yahoo.com/20050427.html
CMOS
Last edited by CMOS; Dec 29, 2005 at 07:39 PM.
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Postmaster
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From: Marion, VA
I think the only thing you can do is keep the air pressure in the tires up, drive it carefully and let it get broken in. I think some people who have added or changed things on the truck in an attempt to get better mileage really think it helpoed but they may have subconsiously altered their driving habits to get the improvement.
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QUOTE]That "cover the bed/ leave the tailgate down" theory has been debunked many times. Neither will help with mileage improvement. There is ZERO proof to support the theory of the bed cover and quite a bit to support the tailgate up/open top bed theory (including wind tunnel tests).[/QUOTE]
For One...where did I ever mention anything about the tailgate down Theory??? I am confused...did I miss something. Second...if you are right and there is zero proof...try doing a web search on the subject of the tonneau covers...or better yet...ask a few of the members here who have put one on and seen an increase in fuel mileage.
This might however prove to be too difficult for you, but through the searches I have done...I have found a few articles that have stated better fuel economy with a bed cover. Now since you know soo much...find the article that proves me wrong and post it for my viewing pleasure...I am sure that not only myuself but others who are misinformed on this subject would like to know the real truth behind this.
For One...where did I ever mention anything about the tailgate down Theory??? I am confused...did I miss something. Second...if you are right and there is zero proof...try doing a web search on the subject of the tonneau covers...or better yet...ask a few of the members here who have put one on and seen an increase in fuel mileage.
This might however prove to be too difficult for you, but through the searches I have done...I have found a few articles that have stated better fuel economy with a bed cover. Now since you know soo much...find the article that proves me wrong and post it for my viewing pleasure...I am sure that not only myuself but others who are misinformed on this subject would like to know the real truth behind this.
Senior User
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That "cover the bed/ leave the tailgate down" theory has been debunked many times. Neither will help with mileage improvement. There is ZERO proof to support the theory of the bed cover and quite a bit to support the tailgate up/open top bed theory (including wind tunnel tests).
This might however prove to be too difficult for you, but through the searches I have done...I have found a few articles that have stated better fuel economy with a bed cover. Now since you know soo much...find the article that proves me wrong and post it for my viewing pleasure...I am sure that not only myuself but others who are misinformed on this subject would like to know the real truth behind this.
Last edited by spiggy769; Dec 30, 2005 at 09:26 PM.
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I have an 06 lariat with the 5.4 and my only mods are a volant intake and aero-turbine muffler. So far my truck is getting 16.5mpg. That is probably 75% on the highway, but I am really impressed with this truck. My yukon got 13.7 on its best day.
micky
micky
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From: So Cal between Hemet and
Some of you guys crack me up!
You buy a HUGE HEAVY full size truck with a big *** 5.4Ltr V-8 and then you worry about gas mileage!! LOL!!
Sorry but you guys kill me!! LOL!!
Now I've got a 2005 F-150 Super Crew myself but I already know the mileage sucks!
You buy a HUGE HEAVY full size truck with a big *** 5.4Ltr V-8 and then you worry about gas mileage!! LOL!!
Sorry but you guys kill me!! LOL!!
Now I've got a 2005 F-150 Super Crew myself but I already know the mileage sucks!
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Chappell hill
When went out looking for trucks. Started with the idea of a V-6
well when saw est of 2 or 3 mpg better no way going to drive a
small cramp truck for that little of savings. If were 10mpg or better
than might give it some thought. If gas is that big of concern for
someone than a V8 full size truck is not what one needs to look at.
If ya start doing too many mods and hope to get 1mpg better,
hard to recoup the cost in most cases.
Saw the report on "tailgate down theory" hard to believe it actually
reduced mileage. If look at truck racing, the beds are covered
well when saw est of 2 or 3 mpg better no way going to drive a
small cramp truck for that little of savings. If were 10mpg or better
than might give it some thought. If gas is that big of concern for
someone than a V8 full size truck is not what one needs to look at.
If ya start doing too many mods and hope to get 1mpg better,
hard to recoup the cost in most cases.
Saw the report on "tailgate down theory" hard to believe it actually
reduced mileage. If look at truck racing, the beds are covered
New User
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: So Cal between Hemet and
Originally Posted by centexKR
When went out looking for trucks. Started with the idea of a V-6
well when saw est of 2 or 3 mpg better no way going to drive a
small cramp truck for that little of savings. If were 10mpg or better
than might give it some thought.
well when saw est of 2 or 3 mpg better no way going to drive a
small cramp truck for that little of savings. If were 10mpg or better
than might give it some thought.
In fact, when you have the 6 you tend to be heavier on the throttle looking for more pickup and you can actually get WORSE mileage.
