NEWBIE!! CAI and EXHAUST?? MPG'S???

I have seen a ton of threads that have mentioned good and bad about CAI's and Exhaust mods. And many concerning MPG's especially with all the gas prices. PLEASE share with me the best mods for better MPG's other than lifting the foot! AFE intake vs. K&N Intake? Drop In vs. CAI? Stock vs. Cat Back? Thanks in advance for all the help!JG

 

The only proven way to improve your MPG is to drive with a lighter foot or lose weight.

The gains from a CAI are minimal (as in maybe 1MPG), and if you take into account the $300 or more your going to spend on one, your not saving any money.

 

Thanks for the response! At this point every MPG is one more than I have! What octane do you run? Is there really a difference between MPG's using 87, 89 or Prem?

 

slow down buddy...u seem really hyper..must be the ! marks...hhaha welcome to the site

 

I am an excited person everytime I get a new project vehicle. I have been wanting to do a Tacoma for a while. So this should be fun... You will be seeing much more from me on this site!

 

Welcome

 

cool welcome

 

Thanks. Plans for the first couple of months will include:Intake and/or FilterExhaust?Suspension 2-3inches285/75'sTintBluetoothTRD Sport Hood?gears?(Ones with ??'s are still up in the air. Doing research to figure out...like what the factory gear ratio is in the pre-runner 6cyl with the locker.??)

 

I saw no change in MPG's after adding the Borla catback, that was about 8 months ago. I just put in a K&N today so we will see how it goes. Honestly I would not have changed the filter for performance or MPG's, it was just time.

 

I am running, CAI, Headers, Y-Pipe, CAT Back, and my truck can run 18-20 MPG if I am in 5th or 6th gear @ 55-65 MPH. Scangauge proven. Just depends on how heavy my foot is. If I show off that crazy exhuast note, than yeah, 12.5 MPG is the norm, LOL...

 

There is some good info on this site regarding K&N. It was enough to dissuade me from buying one.

 

I think most of the info is regarding the reoiled filters. Reoiled, is that even a word? 35 bucks for a better flowing filter seems good to me, K&N are pioneers in my book. I think most people have issues after THEY recharge the filter, can't blame that on K&N. I guess we will see how it goes.

 

Yeah I used to run a K&N in my truck before I bought the cold air intake system I saw gains of +3mpg highway and about +1 in town, not bad considering it was about 50 bucks. The best gas saver is still being lighter on the throttle, you upgrade the airflow and your fuel injection can squirt more gas in.

 

+1
But I get 20-23 and I'm only running the TRD Cat no other mods. 15 if I decide to growl to many times in traffic.

 

Where is the best place to buy the TRD Cat? Anyone you would refer to?

 

Here's my take on all that stuff....

On my 04 Dodge Ram, I put a Flowmaster catback dual exhaust on it. Improved gas mileage by 2mpg (13mpg stock, to 15mpg).
About 6 months later, I added a Mopar CAI - I lost 2mpg (from 15mpg to 13mpg). About 6 months after that....I removed the CAI and sold it. It wasn't what I expected and the engine was LOUD AS shit. You couldn't carry on a normal converasation in the cab at highway speeds it was so damn loud (5.7L Hemi).

On my previously owned 96 tacoma, I had a K&N drop-in filter with the deckplate mod, and I inproved about 2mpg. stock exhaust

With this 07 truck - I'm awaiting an AFE drop-in filter to arrive. I'm hoping I get the same kind of improvements in gas mileage with that. Others have mentioned it helps...