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Old 12-03-2009, 02:30 PM   #14 (permalink)
darcane
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Location: Buckley, WA
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fubeca View Post
Darcane - your truck is 2wd right? Have you noticed any mileage improvements from your grill block/underpan?

I'm debating what steps to take on my Silverado. Just for fun I taped a big piece of cardboard over the grill and drove a route that I drive fairly often. I wasn't expecting much but got surprisingly better mileage.

I've driven this route 3 times in the last 2 days in similar conditions (11mph wind, ~32 degrees). The two trips without the grill block I got 17 mpg on the trip out and 19 on the trip back. After taping the cardboard on, I got 18 on the trip out and 20 on the way back!!

I'm going to have to do some true testing now to see if it is really having that much effect. Engine temp was unchanged - but the transmission temp jumped from around 130 to 175.
Yeah, it's a 2wd but it's still too early to tell. I don't use a scangauge, so I only know by refilling my tank and making the calculations.

What are you doing to get the mileage you are getting? I drive with a light foot and keep my speed down and that gets me about 17.5mpg in my normal commuting (roughly 50/50 city/hwy but I run into a fair bit of stop and go). You seem to be getting better mileage than me in spite of a larger engine and 4wd.

I'd keep a close eye on your tranny temps. I believe the tranny cooler is the rusty thing on the driver's side in this pic:

You may want to leave a slot in your grill block on that side to allow the tranny to cool off.

Mike
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