Qusetion's For Better Gas Mileage (MPG)

[Hauduin]

I have a 06 TB SS 3SS with AWD and 4.10:1 Gears. I love everything about the truck but the gas mileage. I can afford the gas but I would like to see if I could change it for the better with picking up a few ponies. I am a Corvette Technician with ASE certification and understand that you must keep the car in top shape to achieve the best in mileage. But here are some of the things that I have considered in doing. How do you feel about these?
1. Regular gas I have used for months with checking all of the plugs and they are great. I understand that GM issued a statement that the SS will run fine on regular gas, just not the same peak hp.
2. E-Fan Kit. Using cooler IAT extensions and thermostats will increase pulse width of injectors - Mileage
3. Air intake system (Cold Air) + few HP. not to use one using metal that absorbs heat.
4. Modify the stock right side headlight inlet hole for increased cold air
5. Use heat-dampening material under stock intake box to help reduce heat transfer from washer tank.
6. Switching from 4.10 to a higher gear like 3.73 or 3.55 but having trouble finding 3.55 Gears for the SS. Better Highway Gear
7. Electric Water Pump Reduce load
8. Under Drive Pulleys Reduce rotating of accessories. + Few HP
9. Header/Cat-back Exhaust Systems + HP + Mileage. then would need higher octane
10. Computer Tune
11. And I know to use cruise and not to slam on the pedal all of the time.

Dose any body have any other suggestions on this topic?

[cgriffin_5139]

I have a 06 TB SS 3SS with AWD and 4.10:1 Gears. I love everything about the truck but the gas mileage. I can afford the gas but I would like to see if I could change it for the better with picking up a few ponies. I am a Corvette Technician with ASE certification and understand that you must keep the car in top shape to achieve the best in mileage. But here are some of the things that I have considered in doing. How do you feel about these?
1. Regular gas I have used for months with checking all of the plugs and they are great. I understand that GM issued a statement that the SS will run fine on regular gas, just not the same peak hp.
2. E-Fan Kit. Using cooler IAT extensions and thermostats will increase pulse width of injectors - Mileage
3. Air intake system (Cold Air) + few HP. not to use one using metal that absorbs heat.
4. Modify the stock right side headlight inlet hole for increased cold air
5. Use heat-dampening material under stock intake box to help reduce heat transfer from washer tank.
6. Switching from 4.10 to a higher gear like 3.73 or 3.55 but having trouble finding 3.55 Gears for the SS. Better Highway Gear
7. Electric Water Pump Reduce load
8. Under Drive Pulleys Reduce rotating of accessories. + Few HP
9. Header/Cat-back Exhaust Systems + HP + Mileage. then would need higher octane
10. Computer Tune
11. And I know to use cruise and not to slam on the pedal all of the time.

Dose any body have any other suggestions on this topic?:eek:wow with 5 posts, someones been doing his homework! Welcome tot he site!:yes:

[BUC NASTY]

Doing all that will increase your horsepower and will increase gas usage. My advice to you is trade your SS to me for my Acura and then you will achieve the best gas mileage. :D

[SomeGeoffGuy]

I always wondered what affects changing to a 3.73 or even (gasp) a 3.42 would have on gas mileage. Then you could get some of your low end back with a nice Yank 3000.

Has anyone ever tried this?

-Geoff

[Warwagon]

Here we go again another MPG thread :dielaugh:

You are getting better fuel economy that the standard 6 cyl trailblazer gets.

From # 11 you simply bought the wrong vehicle. Putting regular gas in and wanting more fuel economy is our second clue.

Most of the changes will give you more economy and allow you to burn more gas as well. Problem is most cost more money than what you will save in gas.

#2 is pure BS on pulse width of injectors. Longer pulse = more fuel dumped into engine. (High engine temp is for emissions not economy.)

I guess most Americans watch the news and know that an SUV gets horrible gas mileage. The Gas Guzzler Tax on the GTO and Window Sticker on your TBSS should have helped with this decision.

So on the above two points I submit homework was NOT done.

[85vette]

Why hasn't someone suggested a Gearvendors overdrive unit behind the 4L60E? Oh, wait, I just did!!

[treyster]

In all seriousness, I think the electric fan is the first thing to do. Removing all that rotating mass will help, no question. As far as gearing goes, I think it's possible to go too far. The engine makes peak torque around 4300 rpm, it's heavy, and it has the aerodynamics of a brick - unlike the Corvette. I don't know where to point of no return is, but I'd be surprised if anything lower (numerically) than a 3.73 would net anything.

[dom]

know good place to get e-fan kit for 2008 awd ss. just pick it up no mods yet

[junehhan]

As for going with taller gearing, that would be a huge mistake in my opinion. This motor is not one of those torque monster motors that make gobs of peak torque at 1800-2200 rpms. As a result, the engine may be running way too far out of it's powerband if you go to taller gearing for cruising around on the highway. Most of us are complaining about deadspots in WOT acceleration right after each upshift(especially the 2-3 upshift at WOT). These deadspots are probably because of the engine dipping out of the powerband, and would be much worse with taller gearing.

People bought a TBSS to go fast, so i'm confused at what you want out of your TBSS.

[iowapack]

1. Regular gas
2. E-Fan Kit.
3. Air intake system
4. Modify the stock right side headlight inlet hole for increased cold air
5. Use heat-dampening material under stock intake box
6. Switching from 4.10 to a higher gear like 3.73 or 3.55
7. Electric Water Pump Reduce load
8. Under Drive Pulleys Reduce rotating of accessories. + Few HP
9. Header/Cat-back Exhaust Systems + HP + Mileage.
10. Computer Tune
11. And I know to use cruise
Does any body have any other suggestions on this topic?

1. I suspect the computer will adjust for lower octane gas, which is cheaper, but might reduce fuel economy since the ignition will be retarded to prevent ping.

2. Will certainly result in some improvement in HP and economy.

3. I installed a K&N air charger with plastic runner and maf in the box. This definitely improved HP and fuel economy.

4. I looked at doing this, but I couldn't see where enough plastic could be removed to really make a difference, especially the way the air charger is arranged.

5. Mine is sitting on a shelf in the garage.

6. I question whether this would help because of the steep (1.4:1) overdrive 4th gear that you cruise in. I have a 6.0L 2000 Siverado for work with rear wheel drive and 3.73 gears. My personal pickup is the same model except with 4WD and 4.10 gears. My personal pickup has always gotten much better mileage on the highway.

7. Ditto to 2.

8. Will certainly result in some improvement in HP and economy, but, for a daily driver this may bite you running AC in the summer, and result in poor electrical charging in stop and go driving, especially if you do #2 & #7.

9. Only if you do the headers. I doubt that just a catback system will improve flow much over the stock system but they do improve exhaust volume.

10. Certainly will improve HP, maybe economy, I don't have one yet.

11. Cruise helps on generally level roads. I find it to be a real fuel waster on hilly roads. I hold the throttle as steady as reasonable to achieve about 5 mph or so under the limit at the top of a hill and 5 mph or so over the limit at the bottom of a hill. I regularly get 19+ mpg on 91 octane averaging 70 mph on the interstate.

John

[Hauduin]

Well I am trying to figure out away to get 2-3 MPG improvement with out sacrificing to much horsepower. I use this truck for everyday use and drive on the highway 60-70% of the time. I also believe the 3.73:1 ratio is the best all around gear for everyday drivers. For my truck I intend on removing the trailer hitch. I have 5 other vehicles in the family that tow. Plus I think to fill in the bumper with a exhaust system would be pretty good looking. I understand everybody saying to trade the car in or get a Honda but that is out of the question. There is ways to improve MPG over stock. I don’t have a problem with spending money on parts to improve that either. But 400hp for an everyday driver is pretty good. I just would rather buy a corvette for the racecar.
# 11 has been miss read the – is a minus sign not the + that means plus.

[Hauduin]

On the suggestion of a Gearvendors overdrive unit behind the 4L60E I believe that will work but you need a RWD not AWD SS. If not Please tell me if anybody has done that before!

[edjunior]

Hmm, well let's see. You're planning on spending an additional 2, 3, 4 thousand dollars on a performance vehicle that you already spent 30 - 35 thousand on. To gain a couple of miles per gallon. I think if you do a little more homework (math), you'll find that by the time you do all the stuff you listed, or even some of the more viable ones, you will have spent a lot more money than you would have on the gas in the first place. (Actually, if I remember right, someone already did some of this math). I think I also have to wonder why you bought the thing in the first place. I can't understand why anyone buys a performance vehicle and then worries about gas mileage. Same with the heavy duty trucks...(I just bought a big V-10 truck to pull my 35 foot 15,000 pound trailer and want to increase my gas mileage...for example)! Well, it seems you have the money to both do the mods, and pay for the gas as well, so if it makes you feel better, go for it. You'll have a top-tuned SS TrailBlazer that you drive like a granny!

[383-S-10]

I have read that people have been getting around 2-3 MPG from the Vector Motorsport ECM/TCM combo. And at ~$400 for the combo, it should pay for itself after around ~9000 miles.

I am seriously thinking of getting the ECM/TCM for my wife, not only does it save fuel, but also makes more power and improves shifts!

[SomeGeoffGuy]

As for going with taller gearing, that would be a huge mistake in my opinion. This motor is not one of those torque monster motors that make gobs of peak torque at 1800-2200 rpms. As a result, the engine may be running way too far out of it's powerband if you go to taller gearing for cruising around on the highway. Most of us are complaining about deadspots in WOT acceleration right after each upshift(especially the 2-3 upshift at WOT). These deadspots are probably because of the engine dipping out of the powerband, and would be much worse with taller gearing.

People bought a TBSS to go fast, so i'm confused at what you want out of your TBSS.

Most of the stock torque curves I have seen are very flat. They have a lot of torque down low like you said, but it is within 10 or 20 ft-lbs all the way up the chart. A good converter gives you "Torque Multiplication". Basically, it can increase the low end torque. So even though you will lose some with the gearing, you will get it back with the converter. On top of that, you will get better mileage with cruising. How is that a bad thing?

It is amazing all the negative comments in this thread. What is wrong with wanting better mileage? This is America! I want my cake, and I want to eat it too!

-Geoff

[Hauduin]

Thank you for defending my QUESTION. I do agree that I think there is few short minded responses in this thread. I do appresiate all of the people that are viewing this QUESTION and for all of the advise any one will offer. My Father told me when I was a Kid (If you dont have anything nice to say, then don't say anything). Happy Holidays

[junehhan]

Most of the stock torque curves I have seen are very flat. They have a lot of torque down low like you said, but it is within 10 or 20 ft-lbs all the way up the chart. A good converter gives you "Torque Multiplication". Basically, it can increase the low end torque. So even though you will lose some with the gearing, you will get it back with the converter. On top of that, you will get better mileage with cruising. How is that a bad thing?

It is amazing all the negative comments in this thread. What is wrong with wanting better mileage? This is America! I want my cake, and I want to eat it too!

-Geoff

I personally have no problem with anyone wanting better fuel economy as I think that is a great thing. The less fuel someone else consumes, the more there is for me. I was just confused at the purpose of buying a TBSS if fuel economy is so important. If fuel economy is important, a standard TB or TB 5.3 might be a better choice. As for me, I keep a Focus for daily driving simply because I know that i'm not going to get 25mpg out of this thing.

[GZLE GAS]

I have a 06 TB SS 3SS with AWD and 4.10:1 Gears. I love everything about the truck but the gas mileage. I can afford the gas but I would like to see if I could change it for the better with picking up a few ponies. I am a Corvette Technician with ASE certification and understand that you must keep the car in top shape to achieve the best in mileage. But here are some of the things that I have considered in doing. How do you feel about these?
1. Regular gas I have used for months with checking all of the plugs and they are great. I understand that GM issued a statement that the SS will run fine on regular gas, just not the same peak hp.
2. E-Fan Kit. Using cooler IAT extensions and thermostats will increase pulse width of injectors - Mileage
3. Air intake system (Cold Air) + few HP. not to use one using metal that absorbs heat.
4. Modify the stock right side headlight inlet hole for increased cold air
5. Use heat-dampening material under stock intake box to help reduce heat transfer from washer tank.
6. Switching from 4.10 to a higher gear like 3.73 or 3.55 but having trouble finding 3.55 Gears for the SS. Better Highway Gear
7. Electric Water Pump Reduce load
8. Under Drive Pulleys Reduce rotating of accessories. + Few HP
9. Header/Cat-back Exhaust Systems + HP + Mileage. then would need higher octane
10. Computer Tune
11. And I know to use cruise and not to slam on the pedal all of the time.

Dose any body have any other suggestions on this topic?

LOL, you, like I have on of the worst gas mileage vehicle on earth. Get use to it or trade it in for a Honda.

[blueblazer5_3]

Why hasn't ANYONE suggested tuning it????? I have a 07 Trailblazer 5.3 and got it tuned. Get better gas mileage with the tune (more advance=more power on same fuel) and get more power. Horsepower is GREATLY increased and fuel consumption has gone down.

I know it is not an SS although it has the same block and heads. The SS has a free flow exhaust so count that out.

The SS has a hotter cam which uses more fuel than the 5.3 but it doesn't affect fuel as much as you think.

Look at the tuning aspect of the PCM. You can change the fuel tables to lean it out a but (these run PIG RICH!!!), add more timing, change the SPARK VS IAT table to increase spark under heat sink conditions and modify the fuel tables to add more fuel where the computer detects spark knock.

You can use lower octane fuel which will DECREASE hp and not save much on fuel.

As said before, the 08 SS fuel ratings are MUCH LOWER than 07 due to the new regulations on how to rate fuel economy. So, either hold on the SS and enjoy it (you DID BUY a hot rod SUV) or sell it and get a nore efficient vehicle that does not use as much fuel.


Good luck!!!!


Don

[Warwagon]

Thank you for defending my QUESTION. I do agree that I think there is few short minded responses in this thread. I do appresiate all of the people that are viewing this QUESTION and for all of the advise any one will offer. My Father told me when I was a Kid (If you dont have anything nice to say, then don't say anything). Happy Holidays

We need to get you in the right frame of mind. You want to go faster and get fast quicker. So instead of taking the fun out of a TBSS and making it a dime a dozen sh$tty slow econo box we strongly suggest you think about fun mods.

You are wasting your money on mods for MPG that will not pay for themselves. Driven hard the suggested mods will decrease your MPG over stock. For $500.00, the cost of 1 mod, you can buy 166 Gal of gas. This will take you 2490 Miles.

Miles/MPG=Gals of gas burned
100000/15=6666
100000/17=5882

2MPG increase over 100000 miles saves you 784 Gal of gas and $2352.00. IF you don't get it stolen, traded, or totaled and actually see 100K.

Lets take it the other way
$5000.00 supercharger kit + lead foot. :D
Tires $1200/set and less than 10K out of them...
Fun burnouts into 3rd gear...

Most of who bought a TBSS understand we just escaped the Gas Guzzler tax.

:nono: So stop badmouthing a TBSS by saying bad about the MPG and threatening to turn it into a slow econo-can. Then we will return your 'say something nice' favor. :x

[turbo fun]

LOL well said :duh:

[philntx]

There's not much you can do to really increase the mileage much. Vehicle weight and aerodynamics are fixed. You might be able to improve the engine efficiency with some of the suggestions already mentioned, but with many of those mods, brings more power. More power means you'll want to use it more, same or worse overall gas mileage.

Borrow some taller tires for the rear. This will lower (numerically) the gear ratio somewhat and reduce engine rpms at the same speed (you'll need to program the speedo for the taller tires.

Headers, intake, Electric Fans, and a good tune will maximize the efficiency without getting inside the motor.

[LT1GMC]

I think one of the things that works against the SS is the 9.5" rear, and the 4.10 gear. The 9.5" rear as a BEAST, and I believe it has more friction with its bigger bearings and larger surface area ring and pinion. Of course the 4.10 doesn't help, however, my 5.3 Rainier with 3.73 averaged 16 in town and got 21-22 at 70ish on the Interstate.(much better than the I6 TB I had.), so I think the 4.10 is only part of the mileage story.
The electric fans probably help more than on a none SS, since the factory fan turns quite a bit faster at cruise(even though it is clutched, kinda), so I think most see an improvement there.
The tires may be part of it too, as I had a set of new tires cost me 1-1.5 mpg on my Tahoe, due to the difference in rolling resistance. The old ones were load range E rock hard 10 ply, and the new one soft ride Michelins. The new Tahoe Hybrid has specific tires for that reason.
Don't give up your quest to make it get better mileage, not really any different than spending a couple of grand to go a couple of tenths faster in the quarter, if its what makes you happy, do it.

PS: 505 HP 427 new Z06's get 25 highway, old 427's get 8, so better mileage CAN be done.

[barrelhorses]

Borrow some taller tires for the rear. This will lower (numerically) the gear ratio somewhat and reduce engine rpms at the same speed (you'll need to program the speedo for the taller tires.




Correct me if I'm wrong, but if the SS is AWD, then I think you need to keep all four tires the same size.

[85vette]

PS: 505 HP 427 new Z06's get 25 highway, old 427's get 8, so better mileage CAN be done.

I agree! The old 427 Vettes were brute power, low geared muscle cars with no regard for gas mileage. The latest, greatest Vettes are high tech performers with low weight and high gears (even my 85 has 2:50 gears). I still say a Gearvendors overdrive unit could convert the SS to a 3:42 final drive to help with the mileage issues when you need to cruise at 55 to 70 mph. You don't need 4:10 gears for that plus it's easier on your engine. And with the flip of a switch you have your 4:10's back when you want them. An option on my old Vette was the 4+3 transmission. It has an overdrive built in that you can switch on/off with the push of a button when you want to jump on a Mustang at the red light!

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if the SS is AWD, then I think you need to keep all four tires the same size.

Not all SS's have the AWD option, many are 2wd.

[barrelhorses]

Not all SS's have the AWD option, many are 2wd.

I think the OP has AWD.

[RTM]

I personally have no problem with anyone wanting better fuel economy as I think that is a great thing. The less fuel someone else consumes, the more there is for me. I was just confused at the purpose of buying a TBSS if fuel economy is so important. If fuel economy is important, a standard TB or TB 5.3 might be a better choice. As for me, I keep a Focus for daily driving simply because I know that i'm not going to get 25mpg out of this thing.

My suspicion is the people who don't mind paying twice as much for Gasoline as when I bought my SS bought these SUV's for toys and not for "transportation". I didn't want an underpowered land yacht and I needed the sheltered cargo room for music gear. (I'm a musician....)

The price of Gasoline is completely outrageous. (It was bordering on "outrageous" back in 12/06 when I bought my '07 SS) I can't understand anybody not trying to maximize the efficiency of their ride. The money you save when you're not running time slips, can help finance what you spend on the track. If fuel is an insignificant expense for you, then we don't live on the same planet, economically speaking!



I'm thinking about removing the towing package because it's highly unlikely that I'll use it. How tough is this to do?

TIA.....:thx