Mods and Gas Mileage

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Old Aug 22, 2000 | 10:34 AM
  #1  
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From: Glen Ellyn, IL
Question Mods and Gas Mileage

Re-post from SuperCrew THread

I am doing an unoffical poll of the Super Crew thread to determine what mods people have installed and the effect that it has had on their gas mileage. After reading nearly every thread with regards to the various mods (Filter, FIPK, exhaust, Superchip), I have come to the conclusion that gas mileage increases are only a bonus in select instances and most people or doing mods strictly for the respective Hp and sound improvements.
Does anybody have good data to indicate that the mods they have made have noticeably increased their gas mileage? (I am aware that most people drive their trucks more aggresivley after the mod) I am mainly interested in knowing if anyone has made a modification purely for economic reasons.


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2001 SCrew Lariat, 5.4L, 4x4, Arizona Beige, CD, Leather 60/40, Skids, Slider, 3.55LS, Tow Package, Block Heater. Future Mods: Plastic Bed Liner, Westin Chromed Stainless Step Bars, Front Hitch, Warn semi-hidden winch. Bed Cap. K&N Filter
 
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Old Aug 22, 2000 | 05:51 PM
  #2  
Bill Bateman's Avatar
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WOW! YOU COULD HAVE HAD A V6! :-)

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98 SC/XL/4.2/5 speed/3.08/MoonLight Blue Metalic/Mobil One Synthetic/235.70S.16 Michelin XC LT4/AR-136 Wheels/Chrome Nerf Bars/Bug Shield/Aluminum Tool Box/K&N/Superchip/NOS maybe.

DAMN FLEXING DOOR CRACK!

Ford Engineering, reinforce the curve in the door! The cracks will stop.


 
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Old Aug 22, 2000 | 10:30 PM
  #3  
F150Sven's Avatar
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From: Oregon, IL
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With my combo, on a recent trip that was about 70/30 interstate/2-lane, my mileage was about 16.3mpg. Before the mods, I was getting on about 15mpg. The 2-lane part of the trip did include some passing, so it wasn't all cruise and snooze. I realize this won't give you a good average, but it does show a good back to back comparison of stock vs. mods. My truck only has 4900 miles on it, so the mileage is bound to get better.

BTW, the increase in power sweet, also.

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2000 F150 XLT 4X4 Off Road 5.4L Reg. Cab 3.55
K&N, WMS Velocity Tube, and Gibson Sweptside...

(For now)

 
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Old Aug 23, 2000 | 05:12 AM
  #4  
lightningcrashz's Avatar
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From: liquid sunshine state (oregon)
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Wow, I do have a v-6. too bad my gas mileage is not reflecting it.I get on it often and also like to use the ac.Total price of truck is why i have a v-6 not fuel economy

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JET air filter
delta tool box
pumpin' stereo
class III reciever hitch
spray in bedliner
headlight&tailight covers

2000 black F150 4x4 sport v-6
-----------------------

lightningcrashz@hotmail.com
 
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Old Aug 27, 2000 | 12:26 AM
  #5  
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My Gibson exhaust and K&N filter didn't do any good for the mileage. The Superchip showed the only increase in mileage. My best before the chip was 21.5 and after was around 23.5 mpg. I would not give up my chip but I don't think you can buy one just for an increase in mileage. The fun and work factors have to be part of it.

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1997 F150 XLT
Debut sport truck
Ext. cab short bed
4.6l 3.55 tow pack *leather *K&N filter *Gibson swept side
*power rear slider
*soft tonneau
*full running boards
*timbren rubber springs *tekonsha brake control.
*bugflector II
*superchip
*rancho RS9000
















[This message has been edited by ALLFORD (edited 08-27-2000).]
 
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Old Aug 27, 2000 | 11:13 AM
  #6  
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The best gas milage I've ever gotten was 23 mpg all highway on a trip from Boston to Foxwoods.I seem to get better milage when I use Citgo 93.But since I've changed tires to BFG's 285/75/16 gas milage has gone down slightly will be filling up today and keeping a record on full tank milage.Keep ypu posted.

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99 F250 XLT LD 4X4 S/C,5.4,3.73 Limited slip,Bright red clearcoat ,4whl abs,remote start w/keyless entry and alarm,chrome rims,tinted,westin nerf bars,factory tonneau,superchip,K&NGen II fipk,pioneer in dash cd,pioneer amp,infinity kappas all around,Lund front runner bug sheild.Gibson split rear,stull SS grilles.


 
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Old Aug 28, 2000 | 05:35 PM
  #7  
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From: Virginia
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Hi ALLFORD,

Interesting post, and nice mileage gain from the Superchip!

I think you're absolutely right, the purchase of the Superchip should not be one that is done *primarily* for gas mileage, you should be looking for better performance, etc. as we feel the increase in gas mileage is more like icing on the cake.

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Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Performance Products F150Online Superchip ordering system: F150Online Superchip Ordering System
First National F-150 Online Rally Event Organizer
 
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Old Aug 28, 2000 | 05:40 PM
  #8  
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Hi Barlitz,

Interesting thing you posted about getting better mileage using the Citgo 93, we've noticed that too, compared to most other brands in our area. Citgo tends to have a high energy content in comparison in most parts of the country, which is why it's one of our favorite fuels. Texaco & Amoco have traditionally shared similar advantages, though it remains to be seen what will happen now that Bp bought Amoco....

Your post is an excellent example of why we try to encourage people to consistently track their mileage, as mileage is one of the better informal indicators of energy content.

I'm not surprised that those larger tires are costing you a bit of mileage, especially if they're taller. That increases load, and will cost a bit of fuel mileage having to overcome.

Good luck!

------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Performance Products F150Online Superchip ordering system: F150Online Superchip Ordering System
First National F-150 Online Rally Event Organizer
 
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Old Sep 7, 2000 | 01:02 PM
  #9  
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I just got back from a weekend trip to Michigan (from Virginia!) I put about 1300 to 1400 miles on the truck. I ran premium most of the time (my girlfriend filled it up and put regular in!) I consistently ran 70, 75, and 80 mph. Sometimes with the ac on. Mainly it was interstate driving with maybe 100 miles just around town. There were a few mountains too. My best for the trip was a little over 17 mpg and worst was just under 14 mpg. Is this to be expected? I have well over the break-in miles(almost 40k!) Just driving to work I usually get about 14 to 15 mpg. What's the best long distance speed to get the best gas mileage?

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'99 F150 SC Lariat 4x4 Deep Wedgewood Blue with Harvest Gold 2-Tone, Medium Prairie Tan Leather (getting seat repaired), all the factory options (minus captain's chairs, 6 disc cd changer, ford tonnuea and push button 4wd) Polar Bear Brush Guard, Ford Factory Steb Bars, Extang Tonnuea Cover, Duracoat Liner with Rubber Mat, Flowmaster 50 series, Superchip, K&N Filter, Airbox Mod and Silencer Removed, 2 Rockford Fosgate 8"'s and a 250 watts RF amp

 
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Old Sep 9, 2000 | 09:45 AM
  #10  
Rand's Avatar
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From: DOT BOMB CITY!
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Keep your hats on. I have been tracking mileage and use over a period of several months and several thousand miles WITH AND WITHOUT CHIP!!

I am switching over to the chip next tank.

Give me a month or two! Should be good data and we'll find out if the chip is giving me increased mileage.

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Rand

98 Ford Expedition 4X4 XLT
5.4, 3.73s, 17" wheels,
Homemade 3" "COLD" Air-Box
mod, SuperChip, Amsoil
everywhere but tranny, Perma-
Cool combo 6 pass trans/oil
cooler (FQR 5.4 @ 50K)

 
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Old Sep 9, 2000 | 08:27 PM
  #11  
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My wifes 97 Cougar Sport increased hwy mileage from 21 to 25 mpg with the following mods..

K&N filter
Glasspacks replaced resonators
Superchip
Bosch +4 plugs

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Member: Never trust a person over 40 who drives a Chevy club
Flatheads ain't so bad!
Certified backyard mechanic I & II

 
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Old Sep 11, 2000 | 05:52 PM
  #12  
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Hi beechkid,

Glad to see you put the Bosch Platinum +4 spark plugs in, they do help a bit, we like them too.

Each of your mods probably helped your mileage bit, though I'd guess the Superchip and the +4 plugs probably did the most overall, as the Superchip in my MN12 car (all 94 & newer Tbirds & Cougars & all Lincoln Mark 8's are "MN12" vehicles) added 2.3 mpg, and the +4 plugs added .5 mpg for us.

Getting 4 more mpg total gain is very nice, great return on investment!

------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Performance Products F150Online Superchip ordering system: F150Online Superchip Ordering System
First National F-150 Online Rally Event Organizer
 
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Old Sep 13, 2000 | 10:07 AM
  #13  
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How much to the Bosch +4 plugs go for. Do they also improve performance?

[This message has been edited by embinns (edited 09-13-2000).]
 
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Old Sep 14, 2000 | 12:49 AM
  #14  
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HI embinns,

I wouldn't expect a really noticeable power gain from the +4 spark plugs, unless your current plugs have 30,000 or more miles on them, in which case, you'll pick back up the 8-10 hp you lose in that amount of miles to normal plug wear. What we noticed was a small power gain, a much smoother idle, a little bit crisper throttle response, and a small mileage improvement. Overall, I'd call those excellent results for a set of spark plugs.

The cost of the Bosch Platinum +4 plugs is $5.99 each at most stores.

------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Performance Products F150Online Superchip ordering system: F150Online Superchip Ordering System
First National F-150 Online Rally Event Organizer
 
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Old Sep 14, 2000 | 02:35 PM
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I'm embarrassed to say that I have not paid attention to the ease with which the spark plugs can be changed on my 4.6L engine. Since they are supposedly good for 100,000 miles, I never took the time to look at them. Is it a difficult thing to get them out? I know some engines are a bear . . .

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1999 SuperCab 4.6L AT
K&N Filter
Superchip
SpinTech TruckRV Muffler (I recommend this)
Edelbrock IAS Shocks

 
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