Fuel Mileage

[lukyboy]

We just got back from a trip to Flagstaff, AZ, just under 400 miles each way. We were sucking fumes as we crossed the Colorado river just past Blythe, Ca., because I wanted to get cheaper gas at the Flying J. At a difference of around 40 cents/gallon, it's worth it to get as much as you can. We experienced better mileage than we do when we're doing road trips in Cali. (19-20 as opposed to 17-18 hwy) even though most of the trip to Flag is uphill. We got 21 mpg according to the DIC on the way back until we filled up again before Blythe! I'm wondering if anyone else who travels mostly in Ca. has experienced this change in mileage when traveling to AZ and using their gas.

I've also noticed an extreme difference in my 98 K3500 (4x4 1-ton non-dually) Chevy truck. I bought it off eBay in Houston, flew out and drove it back to Ca. When I first got it, I consistently got 14 mpg (it's a 5.7) but after getting it here, it dropped mpg after awhile, and now I consistently get around 10.5 mpg...that is, until I put on the Airaid intake and the throttle body spacer...now I get 9.5! Anyone experience this?

[JimGnitecki]

Gasoline is formulated differently in different states and regions.

In some states for example, the lobbyuists for the corn farmers have succeeded in getting the legislators to mandate ethanol content in the gasoline.

Some of these formulations, particularly ones that use ethanol, significantly decrease mileage.

In some cases, ethanol is added specifically to raise octane to an acceptable level, as ethanol belnds have higher octane ratings than pure gasoline. The new E85 ethanol blend (85% ethanol, 15% gas, I think) is VERY high octane (can't remember the exact rating), BUT the fuel ileage is only about 65% of the mileage obtained with pure gasoline! Yes, the range of the vehicle is reduced, as the gas tank still only holds the same number of gallons!

Jim G

[lukyboy]

I would think whatever would cause us to get better mileage would cause us to use less fuel, and therefore emit fewer toxins into the air, but that may be false reasoning. Whatever the case, any chance I get to cross the border into AZ, I definitely fill up there, I mean, 40 cents/gallon is a pretty significant difference. I'm wondering if it would be legal to take a couple 55 gallon drums over when I go and fill those up too, or if that would be considered illegal stockpiling or something?

[SSRJIM]

Originally Posted by lukyboy

I would think whatever would cause us to get better mileage would cause us to use less fuel, and therefore emit fewer toxins into the air, but that may be false reasoning. Whatever the case, any chance I get to cross the border into AZ, I definitely fill up there, I mean, 40 cents/gallon is a pretty significant difference. I'm wondering if it would be legal to take a couple 55 gallon drums over when I go and fill those up too, or if that would be considered illegal stockpiling or something?

I've never heard our gas described as cheap before

[lukyboy]

I'm near El Centro, Ca. and if it were feasible and cost effective, I'd drive to Yuma every week to get fueled up. I'm trying to find a way to get a 200 gallon or bigger tank into my truck so I can make it worth my while to fill up there. But I don't think it would pan out, not to mention it's probably illegal, but when it takes $100 to fill my tank, I just about break down in tears every week at the gas station.

I will say I've been impressed with the EPA estimates on the SSR. We've experienced just what the window stickers say, and sometimes better. Not as good as my 2000 Corvette (RIP), but still pretty impressive for a 4500+ lb. truck.

[ICBlue]

Originally Posted by lukyboy

We just got back from a trip to Flagstaff, AZ, just under 400 miles each way. We were sucking fumes as we crossed the Colorado river just past Blythe, Ca., because I wanted to get cheaper gas at the Flying J. At a difference of around 40 cents/gallon, it's worth it to get as much as you can. We experienced better mileage than we do when we're doing road trips in Cali. (19-20 as opposed to 17-18 hwy) even though most of the trip to Flag is uphill. We got 21 mpg according to the DIC on the way back until we filled up again before Blythe! I'm wondering if anyone else who travels mostly in Ca. has experienced this change in mileage when traveling to AZ and using their gas.

I've also noticed an extreme difference in my 98 K3500 (4x4 1-ton non-dually) Chevy truck. I bought it off eBay in Houston, flew out and drove it back to Ca. When I first got it, I consistently got 14 mpg (it's a 5.7) but after getting it here, it dropped mpg after awhile, and now I consistently get around 10.5 mpg...that is, until I put on the Airaid intake and the throttle body spacer...now I get 9.5! Anyone experience this?

We have a totally different fuel than everybody else. With this special fuel we loose about 10-20% fuel mileage BUT it burns cleaner out exhaust pipes. If you go to AZ or NV your vehicel will increase after two tank fulls. Plus your vehicle
will start slower after warm up on these fuels if you have 20K miles on vehicle.

Big complaint from customer after driving on out-of-state trips good mileage until my second or third tank fuel in California. Thank goodness we got rid of MTBE in California which would have killed water reservoirs, trees and people.

Modifing your fuel intake will cause problems with fuel emissions. Now I will start a debate but facts are facts. Engine runs richer or leaner and computer will try to adjust to low tailpipe emissions. When this happens this equals poor fuel mileage. Just like the '75 - '85 vehicles when somebody said, "turn the air cleaner upside down and it will ran great"! This lasted in most cases for about
150-300 miles then you had carburator problems plus poor fuel mileage. To answer your question about how to fix your gas eating 4x4. Return it to stock.
Do a computer relearn drivability procedure. Disconnect battery for one hour hook back up drive in town for 10 miles, freeway for about 10 miles, drive in town for 5-10 miles bring back home. Let sit for 2-4 hours to cool down. You are recommended to do this procedure (3) times for proper relearn. By second or third tank fuel you will increase mileage. Works every time! (Unless you have an SSR and like the feel of cu. in. then what the heck you only live once
Tell the wife you think somebody is draining your tank of fuel and a locking gas
cap isn't available for your SSR


Robert Salerno