2RZ-FE MPG improvement? last tank 26 mpg

The truck is a 2003 with the extended cab and a 5 speed manual transmission.

I have a high profile Snug Top shell.

My tires are 205/75 15 on the stock 5 lug wheels. I roll with 35 psi tire pressure and Chevron 91 premo.

At 65 mph in 5th, the scan gauge reads 2500 rpm.

The speedometer reads high; 65 mph indicated is 63 on the scan gauge, and the scan gauge matches all of the radar speed warning signs we have around here so I think it is accurate.

The odometer is very close though, it reads 30.7 miles for my commute which Google maps puts at 31 miles.

The commute is mostly highway.

The last tank of gas was 374.1 miles with 14.376 gallons or 26.02 mpg.

To get that mileage, I keep the speed below 65, use the cruise control as much as I can, coast to stop lights and through exit ramps when possible, and slowly accelerate. The commute time is such that I can avoid most traffic snarls - stop and go kills MPG!!

Everybody passes me like I pass them when I drive the Z06.

In another thread on this forum, the 3RZ FE 2.7l gets much better mileage with 70-80 mph cruising speeds. In my case though, speeds above 62 mph and hilly terrain greatly reduce fuel economy.

Is the 2.7l really all that?

Need new tires soon, should I go up to 215/75 15 or stay with the 205's?

Anything else I can do to boost fuel economy; maybe remove mud flaps or get one of those magic 2.7l engines??

EJPHI