V8 Lover looking for better MPG's

[Nonhog]

We'll its true I am a V8 lover, gotta love that big block torque !
My DD is a pick up. Its an 08 Silverado 4.3 WT. Pretty happy with it but its a shame the little engine gets worse MPG's than the V8's I understand lots of factors involved. Couldn't afford the LS V8's so moot point.
I have yet (but I will !) get 20 MPG in the silly thing.
I am sure your web site will help ! Not interested in driving in any way that may upset or endanger anyone else.

So my first step is;
* Synthetic oil and I hope it helps but wont be upset if it does'nt.

*Looking at my mirrors and thinking

*Thinking about a bed cover/canopy mod (went through 27 pages of that canopy thread *awesome*)

My truck sits azz high and have heard that lowering it to level has helped
others?

Wouldn't mind turbocharging someday, have heard the fuel economy is there
if you can keep your foot out of it.

Have lots of questions but I'll save them till I've searched more.

[tasdrouille]

Hi and welcome to EM!

You know, depending on your particular vehicle usage, there are times when owning a fuel sipper as a DD as well as a full size truck for towing or specific tasks makes financial sense.

In any way, got luck with your goals!

[MadisonMPG]

You love V8's, and you bought a V6? C'mon now.

First suggestion, buy a smaller car if you can. Second suggestion, depending on how long your commute it, but a bike. Third suggestion, ecomod your car.

[ryonyanko]

shoulda got the LS one... I did anyway welcome! I'm new too

[Nonhog]

Originally Posted by tasdrouille

Hi and welcome to EM!

You know, depending on your particular vehicle usage, there are times when owning a fuel sipper as a DD as well as a full size truck for towing or specific tasks makes financial sense.

In any way, got luck with your goals!

I understand in fact I bought a 2004 Kia Rio a number of years ago because
the fuel, insurance AND car payment were less than the fuel in my 11 MPG
Ford Bronco.

[Nonhog]

Originally Posted by MadisonMPG

You love V8's, and you bought a V6? C'mon now.

First suggestion, buy a smaller car if you can. Second suggestion, depending on how long your commute it, but a bike. Third suggestion, ecomod your car.

Originally Posted by ryonyanko

shoulda got the LS one... I did anyway welcome! I'm new too

V6 vs. V8 ...........about 9 thousand dollars more IIRC . I tow a utility trailer now and then and maybe a small travel trailer in the future.
Oh and for my V8 fix my 425 powered 65 cutlass is getting a 500 ft lb. 455
soon.
Smaller car ? actually have them already one is a 05 Scion XB best yet 37 mpg., avg. about 32 with me driving about 30 with my wife.Its going away because we are bored with it. In its place will be a 1980 Volvo Bertone cp.
powered by a 2000 ford Explorer 5.0 and atm 4 sp. should get better than the old V6 Volvo. My goal is 28 freeway and who gives a crap around town

Also have a 66 Volvo Amazon wagon which may see some time as a driver when its deemed reliable enough.

The parts car for the 66 is a 68 Amazon wagon and I could see modding that for 40 MPG or ?

Back to why I am here (the truck right now) it gets about 18 mpg with my rush hour drive. Just shy of 20 @ 70 mph.


Love my truck, going to have it for my DD for a couple years and WILL improve it MPG'S

Looking forward to learning from you all !

[mcrews]

THe volvo has some serious road potential. Overdrive tranny, 2.78 rear ratio, slightly taller tires...... That Ford v8 will be at 1600RPM at 60. Do a blocked grill and full underbelly......bet you could be at 32+ on the road!!!!

I have an 02 Q45 that I'm shooting for 33 on the road. Pretty much there with grille block and full under body pan.

[Domman56]

umm Good idea with those silverados SLOW DOWN that'll increase it just in itself stay at 60-65 instead of 70-80 on the highway. Lowering it will definately help A turbo would make that truck very fun and also it would save quite a bit of gas. make sure your tires are filled porperly and definately get some kinda cover for the bed

[MadisonMPG]

Originally Posted by Domman56

A turbo would make that truck very fun and also it would save quite a bit of gas.

no

[RH77]

Originally Posted by MadisonMPG

no

Agreed. A carefully tuned supercharger or turbo might help, but forced induction + larger displacement (with "fun" added to the equation) only spells more fuel.

The WT has the most potential of the Chevy lineup with stripped-down options (less weight), V-6, and I'm guessing a manual trans.

Modding and driving efficiently for highway speeds and using momentum to your advantage could yield results.

Stick with it and see what happens

RH77