hints, tips & tricks for chevy van 4.8 v8

jrcarroll

Expert Expediter
any van owner have any tips for increasing mpg's, performance in a chevy van?
4.8 v8
auto trans

thanks
 

nightcreacher

Veteran Expediter
to get the best performance from any engine you need to get it to breathe better.a cold air system,for the air to get into your engine is the 1st thing to look at.next would be exhaust.these two things will both increase mileage and performance
 

miker

Seasoned Expediter
any van owner have any tips for increasing mpg's, performance in a chevy van?
4.8 v8
auto trans

thanks


I have the exact same set up, I found that by cutting my speed to 62-65 regardless if the limit is 70 or not, I gained about 1.5 mpg and didnt loose any time
 

Moot

Veteran Expediter
Owner/Operator
I found that by cutting my speed to 62-65 regardless if the limit is 70 or not, I gained about 1.5 mpg and didnt loose any time

I agree! I have a 6.0 and have been setting the cruise for 63 m.p.h.
 

Jack_Berry

Moderator Emeritus
my ford 4.6 will squeeze almost 19 if i leave the cruise stuck at 60. course it is really 58 according to the gps. slowing down is the biggest fuel saver. synthetic oil, tranny fluid and rear end lube is also a help.

i think there is just too much truck or these little motors to move efficiently. the 6.o is a minimum for a cargo van in my opinion.
 

jrcarroll

Expert Expediter
17.6 last round trip to Fl.
Set cruise @ 65, gives the best mileage. Sure dont like being slowest out there!
Have been looking, so far cant find cold air set-up so going with K&N air filter :(
Also looked into overdrive unit for van, none made for this application.
 

chefdennis

Veteran Expediter
2005 1 ton extended, 4.8 auto..63-65 with cruise on will get
18.1, 67 will drop it to 17.5, 70........i don't even bother to check it anymore when i get that fast...it drops like a rock in a deep deep pond...i set the cruise at 67 for the most part.

I will need a new exhaust shortly, been think if going with a larger diameter system including larger opening and exit on the cat. The are a few "universal" cold air systems that are used with "turbo" motors that could be adapted to most any configuration, then a "chip" in the management system computer and having everything re-calibrated would help...not sure how much as far as mileage, but power would improve and i am sure mileage would too, just have no idea what the trade of as far as expense verses improvement in mileage would be, or if it would be worth it.......

Kind of like goin back to the "hot rod" days, its all "hit and miss" until you get the improvement you want.
 
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