Re: Milage

Phyloe wrote:
>  I have a 2000, 1500 extended cab truck with a 
> 318 EFI automatic with
> overdrive.  I would like to use my upcoming tax 
> rebate to do some
> modifications to try to get better gas milage. 
> With $600 in hand what
> would be the best way to accomplish my goal? 
> Headers? Is there an
> electronic modification I can make? I only get 
> about 15 mpg no matter
> how conservative I drive.
> Phyloe

-- 

This is a tough call.  You have to be very 
carefull about what changes you make.  Most 
performance oriented changes will increase power 
in the upper ranges, but decrease at the lower 
ranges.   Other changes you can make will pay of 
at the pump, but may take 50-60K miles to break 
even.  You want to keep your changes simple, and 
inexspensive.   In the end, you must realize that 
you're driving a 4,500# brick.  It's never going 
to get good mileage.

With a $600 budget, I would make these changes:

1.  A good tune up with quality parts.  Be sure to 
clean the throttle body.

2.  Change all fluids over to synthetic.

3.  If you have oil in the bottom of the intake 
manifold, change the belly pan gasket.

4. Retune  with Hypertech's E-Con programmer.

5. Change the stock rocker arms for Viper parts.

--------
..boB
2006 FXDI hot rod
2008 Mustang Coupe
2001 Dodge Dakota QC 5.9/4x4/3.92
1966 Mustang Coupe - Daily Driver
1965 FFR Cobra -  427W EFI, Damn Fast.