A buddy has a 03' QCLB 2wd with a 5 speed and gets bad mileage, like 17-18 easy highway driving. He uses is strictly for work and doesnt care about power, just mpg.

That being said, I know some of the higher HP settings on tuners provide better mpg if you keep your foot out of it, which he does. So what tuner and other mods will get him the best mileage? So far plans are strait pipe, some sort of aftermarket intake, and some sort of tuner. I'll be working on him to swap in some e-fans while i'm at it.....

So let me know whats needed, i think he has 4.10's too. It runs around 2500rpms at 70mph. Gear swap not an option for now either.

 

dont straight pipe it they changed the law they have to have some type of muffler now. if he has 4:10's then he is getting good mileage mine has 3:73's and gets that but its a 4x4. i would say get a mild tuner but be sure to keep good fuel filters in it or you will be replaceing injectors. a tuner helped mine by adding about 1-2mpg.

 

The gears are killing the mileage.

 

Basics first.Filters,valve adjust,tire psi,maybe synthetic fliuds front to back.Quad mileage tuner,slow down some.

 

He could install larger diameter tires like 285/70 or 285/75 to reduce the ratio.

MikeyB

 

So do you guys think its even possible to get it up to 20mpg?

 

At 50/55 mph.Maybe.

 

Mine gets close to 20 if I slow down to 60. I was averaging 21 before ULSD. Craig

 

Yep. I use to get around 21mpg with LSD @ 70mph, but now I struggle to get 20mpg at the same speed with ULSD.

MikeyB

 

They havent passed the law of straight pipe yet. Turbo is still considered a muffler. Also i would change all fluids out to syn. Put a mild tuner on it and change to a little bigger tire and it will drop the RPM's a little bit. With the mods i have i get 19-21mpg doing 72mph sometimes when there is no wind i get 22-23mpg at 75mph. EVen on ULSD.

 

My 03 SO got up to 24mpg on the highway but you definitely have to keep your foot out of it to get that. My slightly modded 03 SO was getting 17 mpg city and that was hand calculated. Taking off easier from a stop is a big help....

 

He can improve mileage some by getting a better air filter like a K&N and change his pipe to a 4 or 5 inch all the way from turbo to tip and install a chip. I have done this to my 03 dually for power and mileage. This will cost him around $2300 at a shop. Get him about 2 miles to the gallon. However, I agree with prior reply, his 4:10 gear ratio is his killer.

 

Whatever you do DO NOT get a K&N.. they are HORRIBLE on turbos....

Get an Amsoil EAA189 air filter, best DIF on the market.. .and its dry.

$2300 is silly for that little... Get a FBD 4" exhaust, I prefer a muffler... A MMM or Smarty Jr (on 40hp), synthetic fluids... and keep the rpms around 2200-2300 at most....

Taller tires will really help the rpms, as would a gear swap or a GV OD.

Even a fuel additive like Amsoil Diesel Concentrate can help, it will lube the fuel, and keep the system clean.