Newbie: 2009 Chevy Silverado Hybrid
 

Ahoy folks!

Just got this truck recently. Love it so far. Joined up on this site to see what I could do to improve the mileage as best I can. Unfortunately Chevy decided to put their biggest engine in the darn thing, so when the 6 liter V8 kicks in the mileage takes a dump.

The truck is completely stock so far, looking for ideas on what to do to improve the mileage of that v8. I am not an engine/car guy at all. I am in software engineering so computers don't scare me, but working on engines goes over my head.

Any ideas would be much appreciated! I will also post this in a more visited thread.

Welcome!

What is your baseline MPG??

Full size trucks are tough. They are heavy and aren't very aerodynamic. There are users on this forum that have gotten some pretty amazing mpg, though I would argue that it is mostly their driving, not the mods to their trucks. They are pulse and gliding, engine off coasting, not speeding, etc, etc. Look here for ideas. 100+ Hypermiling / ecodriving tips & tactics for better mpg - EcoModder.com

Tuners are usually not worth it since the payoff is a very long time in miles and there is no real proof that any tuner actually raises mileage. Plus, is there even a tuner available for your truck?

Pump up those tires too.

I am going to ask, but please don't feel like I am attacking you...why the need for a full size truck??

Welcome!

You've already made the first three steps:
1. Noticing mpg
2. Caring about mpg
3. Believing that mpg can be improved

The most important mod you'll read about here is adjusting the nut behind the wheel. That's where most of your gains will come from, and what can keep an other mods from helping. I'm looking forward to seeing what you can do with that thing.

You are correct, thus far it seems that my research yields very few results (none that actually work) for hybrid vehicles. Looks like the ECMs are not cracked yet.

Baseline mpg is sitting right at 20.6, according to the onboard computer. My last highway trip was about 23.87 mpg highway. Not bad for a full size pickup!

I tend to haul alot of gear around to competitions and things. It was driving me nuts having to jam it all into a car. This way I can take three other people comfortably, and split the gas.

Although, I have to admit, trucks are just a ton of fun to drive, and that was part of it. :p

23 mpg from a full size truck isn't that bad.

I don't think there is ever going to be a tuner for your truck since the market for them would be very small.

Something you may want to look into is an aero topper. People have had some success with them.