Topic: Cost effective economy and power improvements
in Forum: Off Topic
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That's why I'm trying to save some money on the daily driver - so I can afford to drive "The Toys" once in awhile...!!! 
Norsky 2007-12-05 12:09:21
Thanks for the F-150 site link Glen. Browsing over there a lot of comments about CAI kits focus on making sure the engine isn't running too lean after installing one. Converting to an electric radiator fan was also mentioned as a way to get a bump in performance.
Guess for now I'll just make sure my maintenance is current (thanks for the reminder Stephen) and save my pennies to have it all done at once (CAI, headers/pipes, & tune) when the current exhaust system needs replacing.
Thanks guys! 
Jim Olson 
"The Toys"...!!! Save the Wave! 
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Lifetime MemberSHELBYVILLE, TN - USA
Joined: 7/5/2002
Posts: 3942
Vette(s): 1976 L48 auto
1978 L82 4speed
1994 LT1 6speed
1978 L82 4speed
1994 LT1 6speed
how about a moped?... they are pretty good on gas... :) (yeah, just had to say it didn't i)... bet we could find a screaming chicken decal to put on it too..... 
StingrayJim 
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Stingray's '76���������������������������� StingrayJr's '78���������������������������Lil Red '94 
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That would be WAY COOL - especially this time of year...!!!
Jim Olson "The Toys"...!!! Save the Wave!
Lifetime MemberJoined: 9/8/2005
Posts: 241
Vette(s): 1980 with a Banks Twin Turbo
1969 Convert Big Block
1996 Grand Sport Convert
You can always figure that the manufacures that build these Cars and Trucks are more concerned about HP and Fuel economy than We are because if it dose better they sell more of them. So all the Millions they spend in development would You think that they miss something as easy as a little diffrent Exhaust or Air Cleaner? My buddy had a Ford and did the the Exhaust and Air Cleaner and it sure sounded Fast! Only problem was my 02 k2500 would run away from it ever time. Just Like a Chevy is suposed to do. He has since bought a new Silverado. My Engine Tuner Claims He has seen many Times where a Custormer Bolts all this stuff on only to see little or no gain in HP and have there Gas Millage go in the Toilet. Have You read a Test on a New Exhaust for a New Vette. Most of the Time it Costs at least $ 1200 plus Installation and nets 7 HP on the Dyno. So rather than 500 HP it has 507. Late model Cars are very Finely Tuned from the Factory. Want better Gas Millage? Check Your Tires and Keep Your Aircleaner Clean, change Your Driveing habits. Oh by the way Cycle World had a Test on Economy Bikes and a Ninga 250 gets better milage than a Moped. Richard...
Thanks for the input everyone.
Norsky 2007-12-06 10:10:11
I don't want to start a debate here but I know enough about the automotive manufacturing process to know that every unit coming off the line will test out a bit differently than the one before it or after it. Its pretty much 'a one size fits all' methodology in mass production but no matter how much each unit is like the next in design they will be different in execution. To dial each unit in perfectly would slow the whole process down and add $$$. That's one reason why the exotic cars cost what they do.
To some folks getting a few more HP for whatever amount of money is worth it. I'm not one of those folks. I'm just looking for ways to make my dollars stretch a little farther as the cost of living is rapidly out distancing my buying power.
Jim Olson "The Toys"...!!! Save the Wave!
A good way to increase milage is to reduce the weight you are carrying.
Take all unnecessary stuff out.
Keep the gas tank between 1/4 and 1/2 full.
1 gallon of gas equals about 8 pounds. 10 gallons equals 80 pounds.
Another way is to drive like a little old lady. Let the road warriors pass you.
Keep it at 55 mph.
Accel and decel slowly and smoothly.
Monitor your milage for a month and see the improvement.
Then when you calculate your savings, you will be able to go back to your old habits and say to yourself, "It only cost me $10 a month to drive like a normal guy. Cheap entertainment."
Eat mac and cheese 4 times a week and enjoy the drive.
Save the Wave!
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Yelm, WA - USA
Joined: 7/12/2007
Posts: 356
Vette(s): 1979 L82 4 speed Scat 383 crank 190 cc Procomp Aluminum Heads 202 160 stainless valves GM Powder metal rods Speedpro H860CP Hypereutectic pistons 280 cam hydralic HEI Pro comp 1.6 roller rockers Mighty Demon 750 Sanderson CC1AP Hedders.
I had an 02 F-350 4x4 5.7 Triton, reg cab. I spent the money on the K&N cold air intake and it did get a little better gas mileage but really no noticeable HP gains and I was not that impressed for the money, especially since I could have got headers for about the same price. Contemplated adding a throttle body spacer but ended up lifting the front so it was level and threw some nice rims and tires on it. The PO had put a giant 3.5" exhaust and muffler on it which sounded nice not too loud. Being a long time tuck guy I can tell you your tires can make all the difference in the world between gas stations stops.
Those programers are worth it, but only if you got a diesel. You can do a lot of tweaking for shift points and what not, otherwise it's not worth it for a reg gas guzzler. At that time I was working on trading up to a F-350 disel, would have been nice, better gas mileage and resale value but then I got married so I ended up getting the wife an SUV she could drive instead. I Miss my truck
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Fayetteville, NC - USA
Joined: 2/13/2005
Posts: 244
Vette(s): 1968 Corvette Convertable, 4 spd, 350 SB, Daily Driver
as dwright said "Another way is to drive like a little old lady. Let the road warriors pass you.
Keep it at 55 mph.
Accel and decel slowly and smoothly."
I have an 05 F350 Superduty Diesel. I was averaging 12-13 MPG. One day I just decided not to be in a hurry. Afterall, it is an 8500 pound beast. My fueleconomy went to 15 MPG hwy/cty average on the next tank. On the free way I started religously sticking to the speed limit, 19-20 MPG for pure hwy. I know this is not a great improvement, but for every 4-5 gallons I get a gallons worth of mileage for free.
JR
Thanks for the input. I've been trying to adjust my driving habits but it is tough when there are so many knotheads in such a hurry around the metro area.
Dropping my shifting points from 3,000 RPM to 2,500 RPM only adds a few seconds to the total commute time. Also trying to cruise along in 5th as much as possible. Will see what impact that has on the MPG.
Looking at an electric fan setup to free up some drag on horse power. That may also help the engine get up to operating temp a little faster.
Jim Olson "The Toys"...!!! Save the Wave!
in Forum: Off Topic
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