Better MPG for Tahoe 99

[dpx]

I have a Tahoe 99 5.7L that is equiped with and bug deflector and rear air deflector. I have changed the airfilter, the spark plugs, the wire sets and the distribution cap (and rotor). My MPG is around 16, I live in Sweden and the 1 US gallon costs near 9 dollars so its pretty expensive. I mostly drive on highways at around 60 MPH.

So naturally I would like to improve my MPG.
Is performance chipping worth it? I have the standard exhaust system and I think I would have to change that together with the air-filter which would cost a lot. Or can I just do the chipping without changing anything else?
How about changing the size of the tires? (I currently drive with 245 standard wheels).

Should I do all of the above or is sufficent just to change one or two of them to get an increase in MPG. Which would give me the higest increase in MPG per dollar spent in gear. (US gear costs a lot due to imports and customs so they can cost up to 3 times as much than prices in the US)

 

[southboundchicken]

sounds like your 5.7 is doing about as good as its ever gonna get. the money your gonna spend try to get better mpg would be better spent on the gas itself...in other words your spending money trying to save money and for what your trying to get i dont think you'll ever see...just my 2 cents

 

[Donnie Yukonie]

as he said ^^ your really not going to see a huge gain out of any of those modifications sadly enough these trucks dont get the greatest gas mileage

 

[SPLmonster13]

Unfortunatly the mpg is the price you pay to drive the most enabled, epitome of masculinity known as the Tahoe....seriously though it's a driving living room. It has the aerodynamics to match...there isn't too much to be done...sorry bud

 

[19Yukon97]

Mine gets 19.4 on the highway...course ive spent alot for it to get that...

 

[SunlitComet]

you can get some improvement with a good intake and cat back and a tune if you have controlled driving habits but at us dollars that would be around $900 for good proven products. every setup is different but use a conservative estimate of 2-3 mpg gain to determine your cost recovery math. of course we don't always consider that or justify purchase on that alone but it has an effect on your decision with prices so high for you.

 

[stereodesigner]

Most bolt on are not that great..your getting great MPG imo

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2

 

[nimrod.sixty9]

I think I would have to disagree on it not paying off. At $9 a gallon; if moving into the project slowly, then Id say in the long run it would be easier and payoff.

I would start with the common things; check tire pressure, removing any unnecessary items out of the truck, and most importantly driving style. There are plenty of documents about this; Google search.

First thing I plan to do (after many other things have been taken care of) is to replace the manifolds. These things suit better as boat anchors than exhaust. Then I will replace the muffler; considering its shear size and tone, I know this thing is restrictive. However, know this will be minimal of any gains when it comes to fuel economy.

 

[rolfsent]

Sell it and buy a Hilux. Better MPG's and not even Top Gear can kill one.

 

[dpx]

Thanks for all the responses, but no, I wont change to a Hilux

I often use the enigine heater before I start the car in the mornings. I also have relatively high air pressure in my tires and no unecessary cargo/weight so I think I have done most of these small things that one can do to increase the MPG without any real costs.
The car has a rear air deflector, does anyone know if it does any good? My rear windows still get dirt and im thinking of taking it of.

I need to change tires soon and Im wondering if I should go for a bigger size from my standard 245's, anyone have any experience with changes in MPG when changing the tire sizes?

My exhaust system is new so I would not prefer to change that, when I drive on the highway I have well below 2000rpm since I dont drive that fast. I belive that it might not help much to change to a bigger exhaust system as I am driving so slowly anyways and that the gain in MPG would be minimal and not worth it. Anyone disagree?

I also have a question regarding removing the top of the air box, leaving the filter exposed so the engine gets more air. This way there will be less 'resistance' before the air filter. Can I use the original filter for this or do I need to buy another verision?

Im not only doing this for the MPG, I also do it for the challange of it! If I want good MPG i take the volvo