Cam + tuning vs tuning only

[HeadlessNorseman]

the lsx based motors are already extremely efficient from the factory. the ls1s do make great torque overall, just not compared to like a 350 tpi or LT1. The basis of the lsx architecture was to more or less improve emissions, and they did a wonderful job at fuel economy for a v8 too. They just took very high flowing high swirl heads, and smaller than normal camshafts. Thats why they can gain 50-60 hp JUST from cam swaps. LS1 f-bodies can get from 26-28 mpg average as they are. your best bet would really be to get lighter or more narrow tires and just have it dyno tuned. The dyno tuning usually does a great job for FE and top end as well. They run fairly rich from the factory. You just have a lot of mechanical parts and weight to push around with a giant engine, so your already not doing bad

[Angelus359]

I don't know about cams very much, but I know a good set of not too worn down sparkplugs (preferably iridium), some aeromods, weight reduction, and learning how to drive efficiently goes a long way.

[Schelter]

This is the cam he has
#12561721 198/207 .467/.479 116

This is the LQ4 cam, about the smallest factory cam
#12560967 191/190 .457/.466 114

Seems like the cam you have is quite tame. I wonder if a 1.6 rocker arm is available, seems easier than a cam change.

What trans are you running?

[2speedranchero]

With that small a cam I don't think you will see much with a cam change. You say you don't want to change gear, how about tire? The 30" tires you have are short for 4.11 gears. Put 32" tires on there and adj the odometer to correct for the ~7% change and you should see about 3% better gas mileage. And it's free if you need new tires anyway. Second move would be a belly pan there is a lot of air going under a 4x4 and all kinds of stuff sticking out in the way. Tom