The Ultimate MPG thread.
#1
Meaner than Ymeski
Thread Starter
The Ultimate MPG thread.
Sooo.. I am making a massive thread dedicated to MPG... Tips on getting the best bang for the buck. I ask if you have anytips post them up. Or any links... I will keep this thread update... And will delete the BS.
Post 21 and 22... Otto's post very informative, be sure to check it!!!
TLDR: higher octane doesn't improve mpg nor does it automatically add power. Octane is a measure of resistance to ignition of the fuel. Higher octane allows higher compression. Modding for MPG is kind of pointless.*
https://www.f150forum.com/f4/mpgs-131571/
Post 21 and 22... Otto's post very informative, be sure to check it!!!
TLDR: higher octane doesn't improve mpg nor does it automatically add power. Octane is a measure of resistance to ignition of the fuel. Higher octane allows higher compression. Modding for MPG is kind of pointless.*
- This thread has good info, but degenerates in the later pages: https://www.f150forum.com/f38/gas-millage-31138/
- Some good information starts here: https://www.f150forum.com/f38/gas-millage-31138/index4/
- Another helpful MPG thread: https://www.f150forum.com/f4/mileage...2-lower-41096/
- Modding for better MPGs?: https://www.f150forum.com/f4/worthwh...cations-42379/
- Modding for better MPGs #2: https://www.f150forum.com/f4/newb-ga...estions-41356/
- A nifty way to track fuel cost and usage: https://www.f150forum.com/f2/fuel-co...-my-way-41296/
- What about Octane?: https://www.f150forum.com/f38/octane-use-39299
- Best RPM for best MPG: https://www.f150forum.com/f4/best-rpm-mpg-65639/
https://www.f150forum.com/f4/mpgs-131571/
Last edited by bobkyle2; 01-26-2012 at 05:08 AM.
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Popular Reply
01-23-2012, 10:10 PM
3. Oxygen sensors: Another overlooked aspect especially on higher mileage vehicles. While it may never trip a CEL, anything other than the needed a/f ratio is inefficient.
4. Brakes: While braking doesn’t improve mileage, dragging brakes can take a huge toll before a problem is spotted. There’s a reason it’s part of the inspection included in the maintenance manual of your truck. Check to ensure caliper slides move correctly and the parking brake isn’t dragging.
5. ALL fluids: So you do the oil changes, that’s great, but have you thought about things like your power steering, differential, or transmission fluid? Anything that leads to a loss of power is taking it away from creating forward motion. Keep fluids in good condition and even do UOA (used oil analysis) to ensure its condition.
6. Spark plugs and ignition: Making sure proper voltage is getting to the plugs and that the gap is within range will help make efficient use of the fuel and air in the combustion chamber.
7. Fuel system: Many don’t think about the quality of the fuel they are buying. It may be the same octane, but the detergent packages of the fuels can vary. Buying top tier fuel helps to confirm a healthy level of detergents to prevent deposits. Deposits in and on the injectors can cause an uneven spray pattern and less even distribution of the fuel in the mix. Along with using quality fuels, there are several fuel system cleaners on the market. All of these products are not created the same. PEA (polyether amines) is a class of cleaners that safely and effectively clean fuel system and valve deposits and is the gold standard in the industry. I won’t endorse one product over another, but a search of PEA will give you an idea of which to look for.
8. AC usage: The AC compressor adds drag. It’s been found in lower speeds opening the windows creates less drag than running the compressor, when speeds increase the drag becomes greater from wind resistance and the AC should be used.
9. Weight: It takes more energy to create motion if the mass is greater. We drive heavy trucks, but keeping things that are not needed like “Why do I still have Joe’s barbells in the back of my truck??” out of equation helps.
10. Air filter: Notice I left this until the end of the list. Very rarely in normal conditions do we see air filters that are restricting flow. Most people are pretty good about changing, and usually over change the air filter.
MODIFING for mileage: This is a slippery slope. If you do it solely for mileage, you may end up disappointed. Don’t expect the mileage claims from most manufactures. Do your calculations based off of what real world you may see and the time for return. Doing a mod that takes 100,000 miles to recoup the cost doesn’t make sense to me. Do it for your enjoyment and let the mileage be a bonus is how I go about mods.
1. Cold air intakes (CAI): One of the most asked about modifications. In theory it seems like a good idea, less restriction will mean more power to create motion. While this is true, we have to look at what you already have in the stock system. Most stock intakes on F-150’s draw air from the fender well. It’s really a good location as intake temperatures are near ambient. No shiny CAI filter can lower intake temperatures beyond ambient, only an intercooler can cool the intake charge. Now on to restriction of filters. The stock system, even horribly dirty, can flow enough air to supply the motor. Some slight gains can come from a less restrictive filter, but usually at the cost of filtration. It depends what value you put on the rest of the internal components to allow more silica particles through the filter verses a slight restriction. There are also modifications that can be done to the stock system to maintain a high filtration level while easing restriction. Most famous of these modifications to the stock system is the “Gotts mod”.
2. Programmers: Programmers with the proper tuning can give the greatest chance at improving mileage, but also come with a cost. Even on a stock vehicle, tunes will give a better driving experience and custom tunes allow modded trucks to take full advantage of those mods. Many turn to “mileage” tunes to try to improve mileage. These tunes often times limit power however. This limited power can actually lead to worse mileage in some situations. A custom tuned device gives the best chance to see a gain. There are several trusted tuners that write F150 calibrations. A tuner will adjust a/f trims and maps to maximize efficiency. They do so by taking out the “compromises” that factory tuning has to do to please everyone, and adjust to your driving style and your specific truck. Be wary of devices that claim +4mpg and 70hp, these are scam items that aren’t actually programmers. Expect a quality, custom tuned programmer to be in the $400 range. Mileage gains can be good, but may take a long time to pay back.
3. Exhaust: Exhaust modifications are seldom to see gains as most do so for sound. Romping on the throttle has a negative effect on mileage. Systems with headers can gain performance, but little on the mileage side. See my exhaust education thread for more details on exhaust in general: https://www.f150forum.com/f11/exhaus...re-myth-78102/
4. Electric fans (Efans): Efans are a popular mod for 2008 and earlier trucks. The 2009+ trucks came with this modification from the factory for the reason of improved mileage. Replacing the stock fan is a double edged sword. While it can yield decent mileage gains; quality connections, fans, and controllers should be used to avoid issues. Mechanical fans are almost worry free, efans done incorrectly can be a thorn in the side.
There are several other modifications that can be done, but have varied results impacting mileage. These include things such as tonneau covers, under drive pulleys, and throttle bodies. One modification that has no proven gains in fuel injected operation is the throttle body spacer. On the dyno and in the real world it has no proven gains. Here is a list of other “mods” tested that show no gains according to the FTC and EPA: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/cons...tos/aut10.shtm
5. Gearing: Many choose to go to larger tires and wonder why mileage has dropped. Beyond the obvious of adding additional resistance, the speedometer is also changed along with effective gear ratio. Changing the speedometer to read correctly, and thus make correct mileage calculations is a good first step. This can be done via a reflash at the dealer, or by any quality programmer. The issue still remains that the effective ratio has changed. Changing gears is costly and usually doesn’t make up for the mileage gain if any is seen, but your transmission will thank you by lasting longer. In general, gears shouldn’t be done for mileage if the tires, rims, and ride height is stock.
I’m sure I’ve forgotten several points and made several spelling and grammatical flaws, but I’ve spent a few hours looking at a computer screen so frankly I really don’t care. Feel free to PM me if you feel I made an error or want me to add more to this mileage excerpt. I’d like to thank bobkyle2 for alerting me to the thread and inviting me to share my automotive knowledge.
4. Brakes: While braking doesn’t improve mileage, dragging brakes can take a huge toll before a problem is spotted. There’s a reason it’s part of the inspection included in the maintenance manual of your truck. Check to ensure caliper slides move correctly and the parking brake isn’t dragging.
5. ALL fluids: So you do the oil changes, that’s great, but have you thought about things like your power steering, differential, or transmission fluid? Anything that leads to a loss of power is taking it away from creating forward motion. Keep fluids in good condition and even do UOA (used oil analysis) to ensure its condition.
6. Spark plugs and ignition: Making sure proper voltage is getting to the plugs and that the gap is within range will help make efficient use of the fuel and air in the combustion chamber.
7. Fuel system: Many don’t think about the quality of the fuel they are buying. It may be the same octane, but the detergent packages of the fuels can vary. Buying top tier fuel helps to confirm a healthy level of detergents to prevent deposits. Deposits in and on the injectors can cause an uneven spray pattern and less even distribution of the fuel in the mix. Along with using quality fuels, there are several fuel system cleaners on the market. All of these products are not created the same. PEA (polyether amines) is a class of cleaners that safely and effectively clean fuel system and valve deposits and is the gold standard in the industry. I won’t endorse one product over another, but a search of PEA will give you an idea of which to look for.
8. AC usage: The AC compressor adds drag. It’s been found in lower speeds opening the windows creates less drag than running the compressor, when speeds increase the drag becomes greater from wind resistance and the AC should be used.
9. Weight: It takes more energy to create motion if the mass is greater. We drive heavy trucks, but keeping things that are not needed like “Why do I still have Joe’s barbells in the back of my truck??” out of equation helps.
10. Air filter: Notice I left this until the end of the list. Very rarely in normal conditions do we see air filters that are restricting flow. Most people are pretty good about changing, and usually over change the air filter.
MODIFING for mileage: This is a slippery slope. If you do it solely for mileage, you may end up disappointed. Don’t expect the mileage claims from most manufactures. Do your calculations based off of what real world you may see and the time for return. Doing a mod that takes 100,000 miles to recoup the cost doesn’t make sense to me. Do it for your enjoyment and let the mileage be a bonus is how I go about mods.
1. Cold air intakes (CAI): One of the most asked about modifications. In theory it seems like a good idea, less restriction will mean more power to create motion. While this is true, we have to look at what you already have in the stock system. Most stock intakes on F-150’s draw air from the fender well. It’s really a good location as intake temperatures are near ambient. No shiny CAI filter can lower intake temperatures beyond ambient, only an intercooler can cool the intake charge. Now on to restriction of filters. The stock system, even horribly dirty, can flow enough air to supply the motor. Some slight gains can come from a less restrictive filter, but usually at the cost of filtration. It depends what value you put on the rest of the internal components to allow more silica particles through the filter verses a slight restriction. There are also modifications that can be done to the stock system to maintain a high filtration level while easing restriction. Most famous of these modifications to the stock system is the “Gotts mod”.
2. Programmers: Programmers with the proper tuning can give the greatest chance at improving mileage, but also come with a cost. Even on a stock vehicle, tunes will give a better driving experience and custom tunes allow modded trucks to take full advantage of those mods. Many turn to “mileage” tunes to try to improve mileage. These tunes often times limit power however. This limited power can actually lead to worse mileage in some situations. A custom tuned device gives the best chance to see a gain. There are several trusted tuners that write F150 calibrations. A tuner will adjust a/f trims and maps to maximize efficiency. They do so by taking out the “compromises” that factory tuning has to do to please everyone, and adjust to your driving style and your specific truck. Be wary of devices that claim +4mpg and 70hp, these are scam items that aren’t actually programmers. Expect a quality, custom tuned programmer to be in the $400 range. Mileage gains can be good, but may take a long time to pay back.
3. Exhaust: Exhaust modifications are seldom to see gains as most do so for sound. Romping on the throttle has a negative effect on mileage. Systems with headers can gain performance, but little on the mileage side. See my exhaust education thread for more details on exhaust in general: https://www.f150forum.com/f11/exhaus...re-myth-78102/
4. Electric fans (Efans): Efans are a popular mod for 2008 and earlier trucks. The 2009+ trucks came with this modification from the factory for the reason of improved mileage. Replacing the stock fan is a double edged sword. While it can yield decent mileage gains; quality connections, fans, and controllers should be used to avoid issues. Mechanical fans are almost worry free, efans done incorrectly can be a thorn in the side.
There are several other modifications that can be done, but have varied results impacting mileage. These include things such as tonneau covers, under drive pulleys, and throttle bodies. One modification that has no proven gains in fuel injected operation is the throttle body spacer. On the dyno and in the real world it has no proven gains. Here is a list of other “mods” tested that show no gains according to the FTC and EPA: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/cons...tos/aut10.shtm
5. Gearing: Many choose to go to larger tires and wonder why mileage has dropped. Beyond the obvious of adding additional resistance, the speedometer is also changed along with effective gear ratio. Changing the speedometer to read correctly, and thus make correct mileage calculations is a good first step. This can be done via a reflash at the dealer, or by any quality programmer. The issue still remains that the effective ratio has changed. Changing gears is costly and usually doesn’t make up for the mileage gain if any is seen, but your transmission will thank you by lasting longer. In general, gears shouldn’t be done for mileage if the tires, rims, and ride height is stock.
I’m sure I’ve forgotten several points and made several spelling and grammatical flaws, but I’ve spent a few hours looking at a computer screen so frankly I really don’t care. Feel free to PM me if you feel I made an error or want me to add more to this mileage excerpt. I’d like to thank bobkyle2 for alerting me to the thread and inviting me to share my automotive knowledge.
#2
Meaner than Ymeski
Thread Starter
There is also TONS of info for the 04-08 to be found here!
https://www.f150forum.com/f4/stop-be...l-links-42829/
https://www.f150forum.com/f4/stop-be...l-links-42829/
https://www.f150forum.com/f7/tuner-programmers-9161/
^^^^^^^^this thread has alot about tuners. Also search tuner or programmer and you will come up with alot. If you dont mind spending the money on one they are worth it
^^^^^^^^this thread has alot about tuners. Also search tuner or programmer and you will come up with alot. If you dont mind spending the money on one they are worth it
Last edited by bobkyle2; 01-20-2012 at 09:55 PM.
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Someguy80 (06-30-2020)
#3
Senior Member
Keep RPMs below 2000 as much as possible and MPGs start to drop very fast above 70mph. I also try to let my truck overdrive or fourth gear as much as possible (for mine it shifts around 41 mph)
#4
Senior Member
Since where I live all things are measured in metric, I found this handy little website to convert litres/100km>MPG
Fast and easy.
http://www.calculateme.com/cGasMilea...G-imperial.htm
There is also one to convert to US gallons as well.
Bill.
Fast and easy.
http://www.calculateme.com/cGasMilea...G-imperial.htm
There is also one to convert to US gallons as well.
Bill.
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#5
Jordan
Coast a lot, dont gas it all the way until you use your brakes, begin coasting way ahead when you see the light change yellow, or a stop sign.
take it easy on braking, don't brake in the last 5 feet only. Easy on the pedals is easy on the wallet.
take it easy on braking, don't brake in the last 5 feet only. Easy on the pedals is easy on the wallet.
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#6
I definitely like the "under 2,000 RPM's" comment. I do that most of the time, and it does help out. However, the greatest MPG booster, for me, is the EDGE Evolution programmer. Though any programmer would probably do close to the same statistically speaking, EDGE is my tuner.
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CAMO_ (06-06-2017)
#7
Senior Member
Let me tell ya'll a little story. From mid November to mid December of last year I made about 14 or 15 trips from my home in Oceana, WV to Covington, VA (around 230 miles round trip). My truck is an 09 SCAB with 5.4 and 3.55 gears and the trip was about 40% two lane roads and 60% interstate. I started out on my first trip with the cruise set on 72 mph I averaged around 16 mpg (on the computer). After a couple of trips I dropped down to about 67 mph and got around 17.4 mpg. 60 mph broke the 18 mpg barrier. On one of my last trips I sucked it up and set the cruise on 55 mph and got 19.6 mpg! Now keep in mind that I am driving in WV and VA and there are no flat roads. The terrain here is continuous up and down. On the first 40 miles or so from my home is 2-lane road. The elevation goes from about 1300 asl to 4000 asl and then back down to 2500'. Then on I-64 up to 3500' then down again to 1800' then back up to 2500' and so on. You flat landers could do a lot better than me.
Moral of the story is just SLOW DOWN. I know it's hard, I was around back when the government changed the speed limit to 55 and I did get a few speeding tickets.
It wasn't that bad driving 55 now though. It felt a little weird having a big trucks pass me but I eventually ended up catching and passing them on the next long grade.
I don't think I would like to see the mandatory 55 MPH speed limit again but I do believe it would have a big impact on fuel prices and our dependency on imported oil.
Moral of the story is just SLOW DOWN. I know it's hard, I was around back when the government changed the speed limit to 55 and I did get a few speeding tickets.
It wasn't that bad driving 55 now though. It felt a little weird having a big trucks pass me but I eventually ended up catching and passing them on the next long grade.
I don't think I would like to see the mandatory 55 MPH speed limit again but I do believe it would have a big impact on fuel prices and our dependency on imported oil.
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#8
Senior Member
Let me tell ya'll a little story. From mid November to mid December of last year I made about 14 or 15 trips from my home in Oceana, WV to Covington, VA (around 230 miles round trip). My truck is an 09 SCAB with 5.4 and 3.55 gears and the trip was about 40% two lane roads and 60% interstate. I started out on my first trip with the cruise set on 72 mph I averaged around 16 mpg (on the computer). After a couple of trips I dropped down to about 67 mph and got around 17.4 mpg. 60 mph broke the 18 mpg barrier. On one of my last trips I sucked it up and set the cruise on 55 mph and got 19.6 mpg! Now keep in mind that I am driving in WV and VA and there are no flat roads. The terrain here is continuous up and down. On the first 40 miles or so from my home is 2-lane road. The elevation goes from about 1300 asl to 4000 asl and then back down to 2500'. Then on I-64 up to 3500' then down again to 1800' then back up to 2500' and so on. You flat landers could do a lot better than me.
Moral of the story is just SLOW DOWN. I know it's hard, I was around back when the government changed the speed limit to 55 and I did get a few speeding tickets.
It wasn't that bad driving 55 now though. It felt a little weird having a big trucks pass me but I eventually ended up catching and passing them on the next long grade.
I don't think I would like to see the mandatory 55 MPH speed limit again but I do believe it would have a big impact on fuel prices and our dependency on imported oil.
Moral of the story is just SLOW DOWN. I know it's hard, I was around back when the government changed the speed limit to 55 and I did get a few speeding tickets.
It wasn't that bad driving 55 now though. It felt a little weird having a big trucks pass me but I eventually ended up catching and passing them on the next long grade.
I don't think I would like to see the mandatory 55 MPH speed limit again but I do believe it would have a big impact on fuel prices and our dependency on imported oil.
On the way home I went solo and kept it at around 65-70, going easy on the throttle. Made it home with over a 1/4 tank to spare (burned about 16 gal). I averaged 13.6 mpg. That's a 7 gallon difference, or a savings of almost $25 here.
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#9
Senior Member
https://www.f150forum.com/f7/tuner-programmers-9161/
^^^^^^^^this thread has alot about tuners. Also search tuner or programmer and you will come up with alot. If you dont mind spending the money on one they are worth it
^^^^^^^^this thread has alot about tuners. Also search tuner or programmer and you will come up with alot. If you dont mind spending the money on one they are worth it
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