New guy from AZ - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

az_eric · 08-03-2015, 03:49 PM

Hi all. So like the title says I'm from the phoenix area in AZ. My daily driver is my work truck a 1992 Chevy c1500 extended cab with a 5.7l tbi and 700r4 auto trans. I'm looking to make this a more efficient vehicle. Currently the truck has 257000 miles on it and does need some work. I use this as my work truck I work for Cox cable as a contractor. I drive anywhere from 100 to 200 miles a day. I carry a 28 foot extension ladder and a 6 foot a frame ladder on top of the truck. A long with those I carry multiple spools of cable and all my tools and equipment. I currently get 13 to 14 mpg.

Daox · 08-03-2015, 05:30 PM

Welcome to the site.

First order of business is always maintenance and driving more efficiently (see driving tips). Then, its time to start with some mods. Sounds like aeromods are going to be your best friend as I'm guessing most of your driving is higher speed. Even if it isn't that truck has to be an aero-brick. I'd definitely air up those tires and get a grill block on that thing.

az_eric · 08-03-2015, 05:54 PM

Yeah I've been wanting to swap to synthetic but I leak a quart of oil a week. Having the ladders up top kills about 2mpg. Before I started I was getting 15-16. I'm not sure how good of an idea the grill block is when its 110 plus every day.

Daox · 08-03-2015, 06:58 PM

There is only one way to find out.

On a more serious note, your truck's cooling system was designed to be able to haul a heavy trailer in 110F weather. You can block some of it off without question. How much you can block will be experimentation.

If that really doesn't strike your fancy, start with an air dam.

Xist · 08-03-2015, 09:30 PM

I live in Tempe and regularly drive up the mountains to Show Low. The small upper grille and the smallish hole in my lower grille are enough to cool my engine, but once it gets a little cooler, I can close it back up.

Welcome to the site!