How to detune for increased gas mileage?

[Jerryl]

This, I belief, is a timely question in the time of “Sticker Shock Gas Prices”.

How can you “detune” a 40K miles, 5.4L - 2000 - F150 daily driver to get better than 12MPG in town? I realize “my heavy foot” does not help but D**N, even feathering the throttle is only getting me around 13MPG.

Any simple things I can do besides tires, bearings, oil, etc?

 

[Sydwyndr]

K & N air filter.

 

[Reaper]

block of wood under the gas pedel


you could lean it out if you have an Afpr. that is prolly not the best way to go.

I say to the basics, K&N, plugs, and watch the tire PSI

 

[bruce]

How can you “detune” a 40K miles, 5.4L - 2000 - F150 ?

Since 96, things have been OBDII, meaning as tamper proof as possible. The EPA just doesn't want anyone working on their own cars. You need to get into the ECM/PCM, to actually make any meaningful changes. One other item, is that even some of the folks that can reprogram an OBDII compute might not be aware of all the double checks in the code, so while someone might think they're programming something, nothing is changing.

Might try going up a grade in gasoline. I get almost 2 MPG better on 89 then 87, in my 3/4t GMC.

 

[JOHNDEEREGN]

My dad

always said, if you have to worry about gas mileage you cant afford it

Just kidding,,,,like the guys said, air pressure, KN, fresh tune if needed.

 

[BuickMike]

I have a 2000 F150 so I can help out here. The K&N FIPK is decent, but not worth the money. I would just get a K&N drop in filter for the stock box. A cat back exhaust should help. I have a single 3" exhaust that starts at the end of the Y pipe and exits in the same place as a Lightning. I gained 2mpg on the freeway with that alone. Painless wiring sells a grounding kit that is supposed to help. F150 and Lightning owners who have installed it have seen 1-2 mpg. Some of the tuners like Hypertech claim better fuel economy, but I don't personally know anyone to support that claim. Replacing your radiator fan with an electric unit is getting very popular lately. If you're in a hot climate you can gain up to 18 hp. Don't tell me that's not good for a couple mpg. There are plenty of writeups on DIY systems using everything from Mustang 4.6 fans to GM electric fans similar to the stock GN fan using the factory shroud. I'm planning to do the fan sometime, but don't have the time.

 

[Jerryl]

always said, if you have to worry about gas mileage you cant afford it
Just kidding,,,,like the guys said, air pressure, KN, fresh tune if needed.

Always said that!
Guess I could afford it when gas was $1.25/gal. :biggrin:
Actually, it all started after the purchase of the money pit GN!

 

[Jerryl]

........ Painless wiring sells a grounding kit that is supposed to help. F150 and Lightning owners who have installed it have seen 1-2 mpg. Replacing your radiator fan with an electric unit is getting very popular lately. If you're in a hot climate you can gain up to 18 hp.

BuickMike and others,
Thanks for the feedback

Called Painless wires and they are not aware of a mileage increase.
Not calling BS but wondering if the "test conditions" were completed under controlled condition? Interesting.
Also thought I had an electric fan. Better check.

Spending all my time under the hood of the GN and leaving "old faithful F150 alone. Afterall, I need to show up at work to support the Garage Queen GN right?

 

[BuickMike]

BuickMike and others,
Thanks for the feedback

Called Painless wires and they are not aware of a mileage increase.
Not calling BS but wondering if the "test conditions" were completed under controlled condition? Interesting.
Also thought I had an electric fan. Better check.

Spending all my time under the hood of the GN and leaving "old faithful F150 alone. Afterall, I need to show up at work to support the Garage Queen GN right?

The claims of mpg gains on the grounding kit were from people after they installed the kit, not from painless. I was pretty skeptical about it until my buddy put it in his Lightning and saw the same increase. His miles are all an the highway, so I'm not sure if city mileage would be affected.

You also don't have an electric fan unless it's aftermarket. I don't know how hot it gets where you are, but in Phoenix it gets hot enough to lock up the fan clutch and really bog these trucks down.

 

[Jerryl]

BuickMike,

Appreciate the replies.
Was the ground strap a universal grounding kit? That is the only one I was told made for the F150.

 

[BuickMike]

I'll ask my friend for a part # and get back to you. I was told it was specifically for the F series trucks. I could have sworn it was Painless.

 

[d0n_3d]

Ummm...how can you increase gas mileage on a 5.4L F-150? YOU DON'T! They are gas hogs and the only cure is to sell it or don't drive it as much! I have a 99' 4x4 5.4L myself and it gets between 12-14 mpg. I mean the truck weighs like 6500 lbs so what do you expect? They are not intended for gas mileage one bit. I'm going to be looking at getting a 4-cyl Ranger here shortly for a daily driver...there's no way I can drive my big truck everyday, I'd be spending like $100 a week on gas!