'01 GMC Sierra 1500 is worthless

[pgfpro]

I needed a break from my Honda so I started trying to up the FE in my GMC Sierra 1500.

This thing is a fuel hungry monster. I have tried all the easy mods and have had no luck

I can drive this thing like a "Bat out of Hell" or like a grandma going to church and it gets the exact same mileage.

Anyone have any suggestions for this beast???

[Backtobasics]

The engine is a derivitive of the Corvette and Camaro engine. They choked it down for use in the trucks.
I would look to some traditional "power" modifications as means to allow it to breathe. Air intake, exhaust, headers. There is software, LS1 Edit, among others that will allow you to modify the code. Most use it to custom tune for higher horsepower applications, but it will also allow you to build your own MPG tune.

[tjts1]

Sell it.

[robchalmers]

I'd go with the remap and breathing. allow the engine to run naturally but just try and not be tempted by all that power!!!!!!!!!

[moorecomp]

Maybe modified gear ratios to go with the engine mods? 3.08 rear end was available on those with the V6.

[SVOboy]

Taller gearing in the back perhaps?

[darcane]

Which "easy mods" have you tried with no results?

I've got basically the same truck ('03 Silverado W/T Extended cab, 4.8L with 3.73 gears) and have been considering a few eco-mods. I would be interested in knowing what other have found not to work so that I might avoid wasting my time on them.

I've read reports of 1-2mpg gains by getting the ECM tuned, and these guys seem to be the best deal: Black Bear Performance :: Custom Tuning Solutions for 96 and newer GM Vehicles I'll probably get this done in a few months.

Mike

[pgfpro]

Originally Posted by darcane

Which "easy mods" have you tried with no results?

I've got basically the same truck ('03 Silverado W/T Extended cab, 4.8L with 3.73 gears) and have been considering a few eco-mods. I would be interested in knowing what other have found not to work so that I might avoid wasting my time on them.

I've read reports of 1-2mpg gains by getting the ECM tuned, and these guys seem to be the best deal: Black Bear Performance :: Custom Tuning Solutions for 96 and newer GM Vehicles I'll probably get this done in a few months.

Mike

I haven't done a whole lot, just the low $$ mods.

Canopy
Tire pressure increase to 50psi
Driving techniques
Driving with out A/C with windows up
premium fuel

The next thing I'm going to try is a non-ethanol fuel.

[darcane]

The number on thing I've done is removing the ladder rack that was on it when I bought it.

Is yours 2wd or 4wd? My best so far is a little over 19mpg. Mine is a 2wd and stock except the canopy and I've upped it to 45psi in the tires.

-Mike

[Backtobasics]

Originally Posted by pgfpro

premium fuel

The next thing I'm going to try is a non-ethanol fuel.

I question the need for premium?
Higher octane rating actually burns slower then lower octane. HP applications need the octane higher to resist pre-ignition. I doubt your truck actually needs it.

Electric fan?