this might be the wrong place to put this post, but i didn't really know where it belongs, so i will start here. i have a new 2004 f150 super crew (5.4L V8). i'm getting probably 12-13 miles per gallon and would like to add some aftermarket parts to improve it. i was thinking about changing the muffler to a higher flow (magna flow or flow masters) and changing the air filter to a k&n filter. has anyone tried this setup and does it help? if this doesn't help improve my performance and mileage, then i will go consider an air intake system and an exhaust system. i'm trying to keep the cost down. thanks for any advice on what i should do.

 

Normally, the addition of performance items will increase gas mileage when you're not layin on the pedal. Air intake system, catback exhaust, chip or programmer, underdrive pulleys, etc. will all give you better numbers at the track and the gas pump--provided the added power doesn't return you to the days of mashing the pedal every time the light turns green.

SL

 

Good advice Snappy.

I was on the same quest as you Learn. I have done several little things such as a Magnaflow Exhaust, K&N Air Filter, and even a tonneau cover in the quest for better MPG... only to get maybe 1-2 MPG on the highway w/cruise on. No real big difference in city driving.

But lets face it, you're pushing a big beast that weighs a lot and isn't very aerodynamic so don't expect a lot. Also, try not to justify the cost for an upgrade on the "Saving Gas Money" clause, that just won't cut it because you really won't see that much of a difference and to make it a difference you'd have to clock a lot of miles before that extra 1-2 MPG add up. Get a tonneau cover because you want to keep the stuff in your bed dry, the K&N Filter because it's "cheaper" in the long run (after about the 3rd air filter change out you could have bought a K&N), or an exhuast system because that's the way you want it to sound.

Tony

 

Good advice from Snappy and Tony.

This is why I've pretty much left my truck stock. There is no real return on the investment. My truck usually averages around 14-15 mpg and gets as high as 19 mpg on the hwy. I think most of it has to do with how much weight you decide to put on the gas pedal.

 

I can't agree more with the above posts.

I had the big MPG shock after I purchased my truck too. Funny how we don't even realize it until we are shelling out $50 or more at the pump every week.

This truck is bigger (fits the kids car seats), safer and more comfortable. Until they come up with a truck which can have all these and cheap on gas we have to be willing to pay the price at the pumps.

 

I can't agree more with the above posts.

I had the big MPG shock after I purchased my truck too. Funny how we don't even realize it until we are shelling out $50 or more at the pump every week.

This truck is bigger (fits the kids car seats), safer and more comfortable. Until they come up with a truck which can have all these and cheap on gas we have to be willing to pay the price at the pumps.

 

I can't agree more with the above posts.

I had the big MPG shock after I purchased my truck too. Funny how we don't even realize it until we are shelling out $50 or more at the pump every week.

This truck is bigger (fits the kids car seats), safer and more comfortable. Until they come up with a truck which can have all these and cheap on gas we have to be willing to pay the price at the pumps.

 

The best route to fuel economy is sensible driving habits. I average between 15 to 16mpg local driving but that has a lot to do with my driving conditions. I live in Florida, which is basically flat, and the temperature rarely goes below 45°. I got a Magnaflow exhaust and an Xcalibrator tuner but haven’t noticed any improvement in mpg yet, but a huge improvement in performance. Hopefully in a few months or so, the thrill of the tuner will wear off and I’ll take my own advice and drive sensible again.

 

I am in agreement with the subject and have been trying to say why there is little improvement with the changes that are being used.
Even using cruise control at any time other than level and sleight inclines will reduce milage if it causes the transmission to shift down where you could control by foot and prevent shifing at the expense of a little road speed loss for a short time.

 

How many miles on the new truck??

You will get better milage after it breaks in....

I beleive most trucks indicate after 3000 miles...

Mine got better after this.

 

thanks for the reply
i have been driving very sensible. i hope your right rinkart, because i have roughly 1000 miles on it so far, so i hope it improves.
thanks again

 

Maybe more than that. I've got 18K now, but I noticed slight gains up until about 12K. BTW, I drive like a grandma. If my truck had a vacuum gauge, it would rarely read below 10" Hg .

SL