CaptDave2012
All-Star Author
Arkansas
Posts:695
Points:24,735
Joined:Feb 2012
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Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 10:39:17 PM
To improve the performance and gas mileage of my 2007 Tahoe LT (5.3 Liter V8) I have installed Michelin LTZ M/S2 tires ($848), a MagnaFlow catback single system (($525), an AirRaid Intake System ($325), nitrogen fill for tires ($19), Mobil One synthetic oil ($55), and 17X8 American Racing chrome wheels ($780) for a grand total of about $ 2497.
And my gas mileage has increased from 14.8 to (drum roll please)... 15.1.
Holy Crap!
Gonna take me years and years AND YEARS to make this investment pay off.
On a more positve note, my performance (hp and sound) has increased by about 16%, especially in 0-80 mph range. However, since my engine is chip-limited, my top speed remains stuck at about 98 mph.
Stupid is as stupid does.
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Titanic1985
Champion Author
South Carolina
Posts:6,269
Points:358,400
Joined:Dec 2010
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Message Posted: Jan 31, 2012 10:25:08 AM
Good Morning MsNikiAR. I own a 2008 Chevrolet Equinox LS SUV with a 3.4 L 6 cylinder engine. Since new, it has consistently gotten 24.7 MPG mixed driving and up to 28.3 on sustained highway use. Many vehicles, much smaller in physical and engine size don't match that. My one secret is that I found the gearing of the vehicle gets the best gas mileage at 65 MPG on cruise control. If I go just 5 MPH more, the gas mileage drops .5 MPG. The vehicle's sticker listed the MPG at 24. I do maintain it and, yes, I do require an SUV as I live in the country with dirt / mud covered roads.
I would add PopcornPirate's recommendations as an additional way to obtain higher mileage. Note also, not all SUVs can deliver the kind of mileage I obtain. I am, however, well pleased. :-) .
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PopcornPirate
Champion Author
New Jersey
Posts:3,910
Points:1,172,395
Joined:Nov 2006
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Message Posted: Jan 9, 2012 8:36:31 AM
All the normal things
1) Remove any excess weight not required.
2) Keep the vehicle as streamline as possible. Make sure no part acts as a wind dam.
3) no jack rabbit starts.
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rollindirtyGA
Champion Author
Georgia
Posts:2,673
Points:1,397,585
Joined:Dec 2007
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Message Posted: Jan 9, 2012 5:46:22 AM
Behind A tow truck
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PhilnTX
All-Star Author
Dallas
Posts:656
Points:436,830
Joined:Sep 2011
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Message Posted: Nov 22, 2011 12:57:32 PM
Actually depends on the SUV.
If it's a diesel, keep it out of boost as much as possible.
Gas, pick up an "indicator" that shows how you drive. Instant gas mileage gauge, vacuum gauge, etc. Keep it in the highest ranges possible while keeping safe.
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armstrong001
Rookie Author
Denver
Posts:61
Points:62,915
Joined:Aug 2011
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Message Posted: Nov 18, 2011 10:07:07 AM
Put a block of wood under the gas pedal.
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