MODs to improve mpg... without sacrificing performance
Hello, all. New to the whole message board thing, but looking for some advice. I have an '07 5.7L Crewmax, and I'm only getting about 14.5 mpg if I baby it. A little disappointing since the sticker had 18/22. I hope I'm not the only one dissappointed by this. Love the performance and everything about it, but just wish I could improve the mpg. Would a new intake or exhaust help? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Re: MODs to improve mpg... without sacrificing performance
Living in Texas, I'm sure you're running with the A/C on, this might decrease MPG a bit.
Get a tonneau cover or Cap for the bed....lessen the air drag in the cargo bed.
Also, increase the tire PSI by 2-3 pounds above what it says in your door jam.
Re: MODs to improve mpg... without sacrificing performance
Let's see: You've got a 7000 lb vehicle. Right away, you are off to a bad start. Your fuel is most likely diluted with ethanol; that doesn't help your mileage either compared to straight gasoline.
Keep in mind also, that the mileage numbers are only estimates (read the fine print). These numbers were determined by testing the vehicle under very controlled and ideal conditions. All vehicles sold in the US are also tested under the same controlled and ideal conditions to determine mileage ratings. The numbers are only intended to be used as guidelines for the purpose of comparing one vehicle to another, and there is no guarantee anyone will achieve the actual mileage listed on the sticker.
Best thing to do is to keep your engine properly tuned, and your truck in good overall working condition. Keep your tires properly inflated. Keep the weight down by not hauling around excess and unnecessary cargo in the bed. Obey the speed limit.
And if you are looking for a magic bolt-on device that will give you better mileage, there aren't any.
Re: MODs to improve mpg... without sacrificing performance
A friend of mine with a 4.0L Ranger asked what kind of mileage I got on my 99 Ranger and I told her 21mpg. She said she only got 12 with hers. Determined she had auto vs my 5 speed which would account for maybe 3 mpg. Asked when she last changed air filter and she said "What?" so I took a look and it was really nasty so I replaced it and told her that should help. Then, because she has a dog in the cab, she turns her truck on and lets it idle for the next 25 minutes while we chat!!! Mystery solved!
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2003 Tundra Access Cab SR5 V8 4X4
RAPS, C.R. Lawrence Slider Rear Window from Yipes!, Hellwig Rear Anti-sway Bar, ASA TRS alloys, 265/70-16 Firestone Destination AT tires, debadged doors, ARE MX series cap, WeatherTech front floor mats, Scanguage II gauge & code scanner
Re: MODs to improve mpg... without sacrificing performance
Quote:
Originally Posted by tree1979
Hello, all. New to the whole message board thing, but looking for some advice. I have an '07 5.7L Crewmax, and I'm only getting about 14.5 mpg if I baby it. A little disappointing since the sticker had 18/22. I hope I'm not the only one dissappointed by this. Love the performance and everything about it, but just wish I could improve the mpg. Would a new intake or exhaust help? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Aftermarket intake or exhaust are more likely to hurt fuel mileage than help. Get a ScanGuage II and let it help you change your driving habits. I now turn my engine off for long construction stops, and coast every chance I get.
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2003 Tundra Access Cab SR5 V8 4X4
RAPS, C.R. Lawrence Slider Rear Window from Yipes!, Hellwig Rear Anti-sway Bar, ASA TRS alloys, 265/70-16 Firestone Destination AT tires, debadged doors, ARE MX series cap, WeatherTech front floor mats, Scanguage II gauge & code scanner