Hi,
New user and brand new 2003 Lightning owner! I am very pleased with my new truck! I know this may have been addressed before, but can anyone in the forum tell me ways to increase gas mileage on these? I know this is a high perf. truck and such, but I just want easy ways to help it a bit without voiding the warranty, removing the engine, etc. I plan to install a K&N air filter and Tonneau cover as a start. Thanks for any help you can give!
Gary

 

Being a newbie and all, I'm not trying to be rude or anything. But, I'm curious why someone who buys an F150 Lightning is concerned with Fuel Consumption? How else did you think it would make use of all that power?

Just my own thoughts

 

Not rude at all. Got a lot of good laughs on the Lightning forum to the same question. I know the truck is a hi perf truck and did not expect great mileage, just looking for ways to improve it. For info, I sold a 98 Trans am with LS-1 and 6 speed to buy it. My T/A got 25 mpg in 6th gear at 70 mph. Two different animals for sure, but maybe the Lightning should have a more friendly OD trans or something. Anyway, no offense taken, I'm just trying to do a little better than 12-14 mpg. Might just have to live with it though!

 

I think you are going to have to live with it mate.
Remember, your truck weighs considerably more and is way less aerodynamic than the TA.
All this takes more fuel to move it along.
Simple answers to economy are....

1. Drive less
2. Trade for diesel

 

Thanks, it is a keeper anyway!

 

Heck I get that in my 4.6 liter. You have it made if you get that in your lightning!

 

Yep, that's about all you are going to get (unless you pull out the blower..... ) Even driving like you have an 'egg' between your foot and the pedal, you won't or can't really improve on what you are getting now......

And why would you want to drive like that with an "L"????? A blown 5.4 in a reg cab F150!! Don't get any better then that!! (well, maybe a blown V10..... )

My old '86 5.0 GT would only get 20 mpg at best...... I could drop that to <10 mpg when needed!

 

I have to agree with Permit1971... I get around 15 mpg around town for the most part (and get 13-14 occasionally when I really stay on it) in my little 4.6. If you're getting a mile or two less for an extra 160 HP, all I can say is I wish I had the same problem!

 

I pursued the same MPG/HP improvement game...
Installed K&N System...little help.
Installed Borla Cat Back system...Little power no MPG.
Installed Flexalite 270 Electric Fans... mas power & 1 / 1.5 mpg.

Electric fans provided dual benefits.
Do a search under electric fans and Mr. Troyer correctly stated the same.

Good Luck and enjoy that Porshe wolf.

Regards

 

Thanks to all!

 

I get high 12's on the highway and low 11's around town. It seems to burn 1/8th of a tank on one pass down the 1/4 mile track. I don't understand, it's basic transportation.
JE