So I was really interested in increasing my MPG and PowerBlockTV had a special they did on a mid 90 Dodge Ram 1500 with lifted tires. I have started to do much of what they tested and it does work. I don't know all of them but this is what I have done and intend on doing in the future to increase the MPG of my 03 Avalanche 1500. When I started the quest for better gas milage I was high 10's low 11's on a weekly basis. Without changing my driving I am now at high 15's and that is not highway driving. Highway I have been upwards of 20 MPG.
1. BIGGEST PAYOFF- buy a computer programmer. I have a hypertec and it increased my milage 2-3 mpg. It does cost but if you look at it like this, after you re-coupe the savings of the cost of gas, you will then be saving money. Mine cost around $300 and I bought it a few months ago.
2. CAI- Just with that I was able to get another 0.5 MPG out of it, don't need to buy an expensive AFE, I have had one of those on a 05 GMC and it was great, bought a cheap on on other cars... just a good. The one I have on the AVE is a ebay special. I love it.
3. Make sure your vehicle is tuned up and maintenance is done. i.e. tire pressure, good oil....
TO BE DONE:
1. Change out the mechanical cooling fan for an electric cooling fan. Cost is about $100, only a few wires and then you get around 2 MPG.
2. Make sure that there isn't any extra weight on the vehicle that isn't needed. i.e. loading straps, oversized spare tire, junk, toolboxes that aren't needed, additional hitches... just make sure you don't have a bunch of crap that doesn't need to be riding around costing you MPG.
3. Driving style is a big deal, PowerBlock TV installed a vacuum gauge in order to help control the gas pedal, shutting off your vehicle doesn't help t stop lights, and definitely don't shift to neutral going down hill.
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