Hey all,
as the title states, I've been lurking on here for a while reading and gaining information.
I drive a 2006 Silverado 2500HD, crew cab, 2WD pickup. 6.0L gas engine with 4.10 gears out back.
When I first bought the truck last January (used with ~110k), it was averaging around 10mpg city/highway.
After changing the spark plugs, switching to full synthetic oil and gear lube in the rear diff, new air filter, custom CAI, and new tires, I've been able to get a max of 17.8mpg on the highway.
Right now my average is about 12 city and 15 highway (my office is 2 miles from the house plus I drive 500 mile round trip at least once a month for work, interstate the whole way)
One of the biggest issues for me is keeping my foot out of it. in the city, its not too hard, but on the interstate... well, when you can make a 4 hour drive turn into a 3 hour drive by averaging 5-10 over the limit...
Not to mention, I have been doing comparison fuel economy testing ever since I got this truck (now at 145k). From the baseline 10mpg, to changing one thing each time I make the 500 mile trip for work such as:
1. baseline numbers
2. new plugs
3. oil change(s)
4. air filter
5. diff fluid
6. tailgate up/down (down sucks btw)
7. going no more than 5 over the speed limit (roughly the same as going 10 over)
8. going the speed limit (roughly the same as going 10 over, slightly better, but an hour of my time > an extra $10.00 in gas)
I know I don't drive the most economical vehicle out there (I have a small towing business spring to fall so getting rid of my truck is out of the question), but I am working on improving my fuel economy. (so far, I've nearly doubled my max mpg capability...lol)
Figured I'd finally step in and introduce myself. For some personal stuff...
I'm an FAA licensed A&P mechanic as well as a marine diesel service engineer for Caterpillar and a licensed pyrotechnician for Zambelli Internationale
And I'm also a moderator on another website Camaro5.com (same screen name)