Classic Winnebagos & Vintage RVs

Topic Boards => Chevy - GMC Chassis => Topic started by: Madathlon on June 24, 2013, 10:51 AM

Title: Cheap ways of Increasing gas mileage and power - Chevy 454 (smog controlled)
Post by: Madathlon on June 24, 2013, 10:51 AM
Okay Friends, I have a California Smog controlled 454 (Yuk) and leaving the state for ever and will NEVER smog it. So what are a few Cheap things I can do to improve the gas mileage and power?

Things that you know 100% that will work. None of this gimmick add-on like a tornado. But real things.

And lucky me, I have the OEM Vac gauge (Fuel economy gauge)

At this moment I can not afford a new 3in exhaust system. BUT I'm tempted to mod a few cats.. (Broom stick mod) if I can get them off.....
Title: Re: Stock 454 in a 84 26ft Winni Chieftain
Post by: M & J on June 24, 2013, 10:57 AM
Search fuel economy 454 or similar. Lengthy discussions and several topics.
Title: Re: Stock 454 in a 84 26ft Winni Chieftain
Post by: Froggy1936 on June 24, 2013, 11:18 AM
Modifying a catalyitic convertor is highly not reccomended as you will not improve anything and if it is a honneycomb type it will prove to be very difficult to destroy the honneycomb and the housing may not survive ! Flow will not be increased ! If it is a bed type( Beads laying in the bottom )you are also wasteing your time Any improvement to be made are on engine controls Or a complete exaust syestem replace (Banks syestem)  Frank
Title: Re: Stock 454 in a 84 26ft Winni Chieftain
Post by: Madathlon on June 24, 2013, 11:55 AM
I did search the threads and 99% of what I found related to changing major parts out, IE Carbs, Exhaust, and intakes, While all are good there out of my current budget. I'm looking for the small stuff that can be done on the cheap.

And thanks Foggy for saving me the time of punching out the cats. I have been looking into exhaust dumps but not to sure if there safe on a RV.
Title: Re: Stock 454 in a 84 26ft Winni Chieftain
Post by: DaveVA78Chieftain on June 24, 2013, 03:26 PM
Hmm, I didn't think they even started installing CATs in medium duty chassis' like these until late 80's or maybe 1990 when GM went to TBI on the P30 chassis. 
Title: Re: Stock 454 in a 84 26ft Winni Chieftain
Post by: bluebird on June 24, 2013, 08:16 PM
Quote from: Madathlon on June 24, 2013, 11:55 AM
I did search the threads and 99% of what I found related to changing major parts out, IE Carbs, Exhaust, and intakes, While all are good there out of my current budget. I'm looking for the small stuff that can be done on the cheap.

Good luck getting good gas mileage from a carbureted  class A with any motor.

I had a 80 Itasca with a 454/ 400 combo a few years ago. Ran like a top, too, but only 4 to 6 mpg is all I could get out of it, unless you want to run around 50 mph. Taking the cats off won't do a thing but make the exhaust stink.

The PO of my coach put duel exhaust on it with pipes all the way out the back. I doubt it did a thing for mpg but it did sound good. I don't know what the horse power was for these coachs, but would be surprised if it was much over 220. Gota remember when these coachs were designed the federal speed limit was 55 mph.

I don't believe there is a cheap way to increase the mpg very much, if at all. Build an engine with more horse power and use taller gears would help some, but not feasible for most. Look at all the new cars today, they have increased the compression ratio, hp, and get better mpg, because they just have to run just a bit over idle now a days.

My Challenger does over double what my Itasca did in mpg, but it cost me $10,000 to move up. A guy can buy a lot of gas for 10 grand.   
Title: Re: Stock 454 in a 84 26ft Winni Chieftain
Post by: pvoth1111 on June 24, 2013, 08:44 PM
Good gas mileage in a motor home....vw westy camper van....

I think it costs a dollar a mile to move the coach.....period
Drive it sane and all is well....when we first started out we pushed too hard and it just stressed me out...
On the highway 55-60 MPH....lock the cruise and just chill when you get tired find a rv park and chill....six hours of driving and I am beat.

And remember torque gets you going and HP keeps you there.
The best thing you can do is reduce drag and make the ol Rat motor breath better....an engine is an air pump and nothing more....make it easier to breath and exhale while reducing drag and it is all is good.

It sucks that these huge engines make maybe 200 hp....in sock trim....as I said improve air flow...and give the timing a little advance and make sure carb and ignitions system are all in good working order and roller down the road....still at a dollar a mile.
Title: Re: Cheap ways of Increasing gas mileage and power - Chevy 454 (smog controlled)
Post by: Oz on June 24, 2013, 08:47 PM
Bottom line, if you read the other topics on improving gas mileage and power, you already found that there is no such thing as a "cheap" way to significantly improve either, and definitely not both, other than keeping your engine properly maintained and tuned.  I can't say if removing the emissions stuff helps or not as mine only had the little PCV(EGR)(?) valve and "cookie jar" gas breather so, maybe removing the emissions additions will help, maybe it won't. 

What do you think, moto-pros?   Will removing the mass of emissions additions help or not?

There is only one way proven, "cheap" way improve mileage and... it's free... adjust your driving habits to maximize economy.  Slow take-offs and keep speed at or under 55 on the highway.  Optimum economy speed is actually considerably lower.

This is arguably the most asked question.  That's why I got this for everyone.  It's about as comprehensive as it gets, yet written for the backyard mechanic.  It's a totally overlooked resource dedicated to RV performance and mileage:

http://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/index.php?action=store;sa=view;id=184 (http://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/index.php?action=store;sa=view;id=184)

More air in + more air out = more power and economy, basically.  Of course this is based on a correct fuel/air mixture.  You can't just add a lot of air in and out without getting lean in the fuel mix.  K&N filters and the same type of different brand have always been a staple for helping the motor breathe in without messing up the balance.  And, they're not really "cheap" but, they definitely are on the cheap end of what the other modifications cost.

Rhat vacuum gauge you have for economy?  It's your best friend and it does tell the truth.
Title: Re: Cheap ways of Increasing gas mileage and power - Chevy 454 (smog controlled)
Post by: Madathlon on June 24, 2013, 09:12 PM
Ya, I do plan on the double nickle speed limits. and a lot of drafting hehe. and also keeping the tire pressure right. Then there also finding some way to get fresh colder air in from outside some how. and changing the single snorkel air box to a dual intake set up.

And I hope to pick up a dry Nos set for those long steep mountain roads. Sadly tho you cant buy them here in California (What I'm told by local speed shops who have no clue about the other side of NOS)

I gone thru all the bearings and replaced all the old tires.
Title: Re: Cheap ways of Increasing gas mileage and power - Chevy 454 (smog controlled)
Post by: Oz on June 24, 2013, 10:14 PM
My '74 Indians (Dodge 440) had dual snorkels.  Prior to selling, I had a project to document but never did.  I cut the snorkel ends and secured automotive, flex air intake tubing (the rectangular kind) on them and ran them over the top of the motor and used louvred ducts cut into the forward, flexible engine shroud (which goes around the radiator).  This created a CAI (Cold Air Intake) system which can sell for a couple hundred dollars for a single, commerically produced automotive style.  Cost was about $30. 

I used the louvered intake covers (backed with used window screen) to keep rain and bugs from getting in.  Did it help?  I don't really know.  I did take it for a few short romps and it did seem to have more pep.  I had to sell the RV almost right after I did the mod but, I had a CIA on my PT Cruiser and it definitely gave it a noticeably better throttle response and maybe just a tad better mileage, maybe 1 mpg, but that's on a 4 cylinder car, not an 8 cylinder land-yacht.

Anyway, these snorkels were OEM and even had a picture and partnumber of the original, skirted thermostat on them.  They came off 750cfm Thermaquads and went on 750cfm Edelbrocks.  So, if the top of your carb (quadrajet?) is the same diameter - one of these air cleaners would work.  Whether or not you have the space and ability to run the tubes to the front of your RV, I don't know.  They are pretty shallow and I had to custom match a K&N filter to them.  I don't know if the Chevy air cleaner is taller but, if it is, all the better.  And if you can find one with dual snorkels, even with round ones, it's completely doable, if you have the room over the motor and directly to the front.  (Don't go down under a bumper or something like that - bad idea.  Another member did that and proved the point.)
Title: Re: Cheap ways of Increasing gas mileage and power - Chevy 454 (smog controlled)
Post by: Madathlon on June 24, 2013, 10:20 PM
I had thought about the dryer ducts but feared they melt. Once the rains stops I will look into going thru the rubber flap above the radiator
Title: Re: Cheap ways of Increasing gas mileage and power - Chevy 454 (smog controlled)
Post by: Oz on June 24, 2013, 10:23 PM
Metal dryer ducts, the kind which are angled down would work too.  I used the plastic kind and I heat melted the louvres open and angled slightly downward.
Title: Re: Cheap ways of Increasing gas mileage and power - Chevy 454 (smog controlled)
Post by: Madathlon on June 24, 2013, 10:30 PM
Humm, food for thought. I know from working on my old trucks and boats that colder air means more power. Its all down to if there is room enough. I have used dryer ducts before and made my own double snorkel air cleaner.

Now if only the weather would break
Title: Re: Cheap ways of Increasing gas mileage and power - Chevy 454 (smog controlled)
Post by: ibdilbert01 on June 24, 2013, 11:06 PM
QuoteModifying a catalyitic convertor is highly not reccomended as you will not improve anything and if it is a honneycomb type it will prove to be very difficult to destroy the honneycomb and the housing may not survive ! Flow will not be increased !


Unless its clogged, in that place it needs replaced anyhow.  That being said, I had a cat clog up on a crown vic.  I didn't have a lot of money so I just worked the inside over with a crow bar tapping it with a hammer until I got it all out.   Ended up putting another 100k miles on it like that.
Title: Re: Cheap ways of Increasing gas mileage and power - Chevy 454 (smog controlled)
Post by: Oz on June 24, 2013, 11:12 PM
Quote from: Mark Sobyak on June 24, 2013, 08:47 PM
... I can't say if removing the emissions stuff helps or not as mine only had the little PCV(EGR)(?) valve and "cookie jar" gas breather so, maybe removing the emissions additions will help, maybe it won't. 

What do you think, moto-pros?   Will removing the mass of emissions additions help or not? 
Title: Re: Cheap ways of Increasing gas mileage and power - Chevy 454 (smog controlled)
Post by: Stripe on June 25, 2013, 03:56 AM
Look at this and go from there...   :)
http://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/index.php?action=mgallery;sa=item;id=1120

Fredric
Title: Re: Cheap ways of Increasing gas mileage and power - Chevy 454 (smog controlled)
Post by: ClydesdaleKevin on June 25, 2013, 08:51 AM
You can get double snorkel setups for the 454 from Summit Racing.  Prices ranged from 150 bucks to 400 bucks last time I checked.

Big old waste of money if you ask me when it comes to the 454 and a big heavy motorhome.

Bottom line is that unless you do a complete engine rebuild and mod, you just aren't going to get a whole lot of power out of these things...you'll never be able to accelerate up a 7% grade and reach the top at 90mph... :)rotflmao

Seriously, the book Mark mentioned is invaluable, and worth the whole 7 bucks in the club store.

As far as gas mileage goes, driving habits will make the biggest impact.  Keep it at or below 55, stay in the slow lane, take back roads when you can and go 40-45.  We get a pretty solid 8mpg at 55...and darn close to 10mpg at 40 if its an open back road without lights and traffic.  That is with a 35 foot rig, compartments full, and towing a Jeep.  By the way, if I push it at 65, my gas mileage drops to less than 6mpg!

Kev
Title: Re: Cheap ways of Increasing gas mileage and power - Chevy 454 (smog controlled)
Post by: Madathlon on June 25, 2013, 12:08 PM
ClydesdaleKevin

You can get double snorkel setups for the 454 from Summit Racing.  Prices ranged from 150 bucks to 400 bucks last time I checked.
>I can make one much cheaper<

Big old waste of money if you ask me when it comes to the 454 and a big heavy motorhome.
>Saving money is never a waste of time<

Bottom line is that unless you do a complete engine rebuild and mod, you just aren't going to get a whole lot of power out of these things...you'll never be able to accelerate up a 7% grade and reach the top at 90mph... :)rotflmao
>90mph! No this is not want I am looking for<

Seriously, the book Mark mentioned is invaluable, and worth the whole 7 bucks in the club store. 
>Great I do plan on getting it.<

As far as gas mileage goes, driving habits will make the biggest impact.  Keep it at or below 55, stay in the slow lane, take back roads when you can and go 40-45.  We get a pretty solid 8mpg at 55...and darn close to 10mpg at 40 if its an open back road without lights and traffic.  That is with a 35 foot rig, compartments full, and towing a Jeep.  By the way, if I push it at 65, my gas mileage drops to less than 6mpg!
>Yes I do plan on sticking to 55 to 60mph, besides being a good safe speed I can also draft Semi rigs<
Title: Re: Cheap ways of Increasing gas mileage and power - Chevy 454 (smog controlled)
Post by: RockwoodMike on June 25, 2013, 02:32 PM
My John Deere chassis motorhome has the Ford 460..I did do all the expensive stuff..Banks exhaust..MSD ignition..I installed a midrange RV cam designed for 1500 to 3500 rpm

I rebuilt the heads because it had so many broken off stud bolts, that I couldn't install the headers..rebuilt the carb..Installed scorpion roller rockers..The thing has gobs of power..merging onto the freeway is a breeze and it weighs at 14000 lbs with nothing on board!!..Before I did all that..just a touch over 6 mpg.. now..just a touch over 7..You just really can't increase millage and cruise the freeway at a decent speed (60 for me)..

The next thing I want to do is get the cruise control working again..maybe that will help some

Mike
Title: Re: Cheap ways of Increasing gas mileage and power - Chevy 454 (smog controlled)
Post by: bluebird on June 25, 2013, 10:04 PM
Mike, I can better the cruise control by 1 or 2 mpg with my foot. I used to try using the cruise but noticed on most uphill climbs the cruise just almost floors the throttle. On my currant coach, it unlocks the converter and down shifts to 3rd gear, significant decrease in mpg. I just keep a steady throttle, and let the coach slow some.
Title: Re: Cheap ways of Increasing gas mileage and power - Chevy 454 (smog controlled)
Post by: Lefty on June 26, 2013, 12:29 AM
The best thing you can do, and it's fairly cheap... is make sure the engine is in a top state of tune.

New plugs, gapped properly, and excellent quality. I prefer NGK personally, but nothing wrong with AC Delco's either (but be sure to check them at the store for loose porcelain at the base... that's a known problem with AC Delco's)
Platinum or multi gap plugs are only beneficial if the regular plugs are having trouble burning all the fuel in the cyl. In my experience they didn't give any difference in power or economy vs the original style plugs.

A premium quality Cap/Rotor combo. Echlin Gold is an excellent brand... as is MSD  Both have solid brass contacts, as well as a being made from a better grade of plastic than the standard el cheapo brands. Which will help them carry more current with less arc'ing.
A better HEI Coil will improve performance at the upper rpm range, improve overall mileage by burning the fuel better, and will usually result in faster starts and a smoother idle. Both Accell and MSD make excellent HEI coils that put out around 50k volts vs the original 35k
A good set of 8mm wires, equipped with High heat boots and heat shields (The fabric type are available from NAPA in pairs), to carry your new higher output voltage from your HEI to the plugs.
Buy an assortment of different diameter vacuum tubing... about 25-30' of each size to start.. and replace every single vacuum line on your engine one by one... This one thing will likely result in the best improvement in mileage and drivability.. as well as how smoothly the engine runs, over any other single change. You'd be amazed at how much a difference it can make. Rubber hoses are only good for about 5yrs. Most RV's here are approaching the 30yr mark.. and often are still running the original vacuum hoses. All the tiny leaks from all those hoses add up big time.
Check the timing, as well as make sure the dist. advance is working properly. Often the advance weights will get stuck, or the springs get weak. Either can result in a big loss in power due to a non-functioning advance.
Check the pre-heat damper assembly on the passenger side exhaust. If it sticks in the closed position it can restrict the exhaust flow.
Check your tire pressures... Under inflating can result in increased tire wear or excess heat.. causing tire failure. Also, under inflation increases rolling resistance, reducing fuel economy.
Grease your front wheel bearings, prop shaft U-joints, and check the rear end gear oil level. All can affect rolling resistance.
Check your fan clutch. If a fan clutch is not dis-engaging properly at highway speeds it can greatly reduce power and fuel mileage. Typically fan clutches should be replaced at around 50k miles... as the viscus fluid does lose viscocity over a period of time.. this is absolutely normal.
If your RV has O2 Sensors.. They should be replaced every 50k-60k miles. They are subject to high heat and carbon buildup... and do lose the ability to quickly sense changes in the air/fuel mix over time.

As for removing the smog pump, smog tubes, EGR valve, etc... You can remove the pump, get a shorter belt to bypass it (use string tied around everything routed like you want.. and subtract 1/2" to allow for the automatic tensioner) , then make a plate to go over the hole on the intake after removing the EGR. And install flare tube male plugs in the exhaust manifold where the original A.I.R. tubes were.
Whether it will help or not, or if it may result in drivability problems (usually knocking, pinging, and detonation problems) I can't tell. The problem is, Stock smog heads don't do very well when you remove/bypass all the emission stuff. They usually result in excessive combustion chamber temps, as well as very poor fuel burn characteristics. They actually need the additional fresh air from the smog pump and EGR to help keep the temperatures in check and prevent detonation. Most people who remove the smog stuff, also switch out the heads for an older non-smog , non-EGR style head. And also switch the camshaft for one with more lift/duration. Especially a dual profile cam that has more lift and duration on the exaust than the intake is especially effective on the 454 for maximum torque.
Title: Re: Cheap ways of Increasing gas mileage and power - Chevy 454 (smog controlled)
Post by: ClydesdaleKevin on June 26, 2013, 09:06 AM
LOL!  If you plan on driving 55-60, good luck drafting the semis...those guys drive FAST nowadays!  At 55mph on the highway they pass me like I'm standing still...with a big old wind push that scares the heck outta the wifey.


Kev
Title: Re: Cheap ways of Increasing gas mileage and power - Chevy 454 (smog controlled)
Post by: Oz on June 26, 2013, 09:15 AM
RE:  buying a dual snorkel air cleaner housing from Summit ->I can make one much cheaper<

I have to agree with that one.  You can get complete CIA set-ups too with dual snorkels but... they don't come anywhere close to the pre-requisite of "cheap" (unless you happen to be Donal Trump).

If you can make one - that's about the cheapest there is.  For someone who might not be able or wanting to do that, I think you'd be able to find one in a junkard pretty cheap.

Title: Re: Cheap ways of Increasing gas mileage and power - Chevy 454 (smog controlled)
Post by: Madathlon on June 26, 2013, 01:34 PM
Quote from: ClydesdaleKevin on June 26, 2013, 09:06 AM
LOL!  If you plan on driving 55-60, good luck drafting the semis...those guys drive FAST nowadays!  At 55mph on the highway they pass me like I'm standing still...with a big old wind push that scares the heck outta the wifey.


Kev

I dont know about out of California, but around here the highways are think with CHP and they loving nailing speeders in big rigs, So most around here tend to keep it around 60.
Title: Re: Cheap ways of Increasing gas mileage and power - Chevy 454 (smog controlled)
Post by: Madathlon on June 26, 2013, 01:36 PM
And thanks for the tips Im_Still-Lefty, Thats a will do and makes a lot of good sense
Title: Re: Cheap ways of Increasing gas mileage and power - Chevy 454 (smog controlled)
Post by: cncsparky on June 26, 2013, 06:32 PM
Quote from: Im_Still-Lefty on June 26, 2013, 12:29 AM

As for removing the smog pump, smog tubes, EGR valve, etc... You can remove the pump, get a shorter belt to bypass it (use string tied around everything routed like you want.. and subtract 1/2" to allow for the automatic tensioner) , then make a plate to go over the hole on the intake after removing the EGR. And install flare tube male plugs in the exhaust manifold where the original A.I.R. tubes were.
Whether it will help or not, or if it may result in drivability problems (usually knocking, pinging, and detonation problems) I can't tell. The problem is, Stock smog heads don't do very well when you remove/bypass all the emission stuff. They usually result in excessive combustion chamber temps, as well as very poor fuel burn characteristics. They actually need the additional fresh air from the smog pump and EGR to help keep the temperatures in check and prevent detonation. Most people who remove the smog stuff, also switch out the heads for an older non-smog , non-EGR style head. And also switch the camshaft for one with more lift/duration. Especially a dual profile cam that has more lift and duration on the exaust than the intake is especially effective on the 454 for maximum torque.


Good advice in your post.  I don't agree with needing different heads, however.  The reason exhaust temps go up is that after removing all the smog junk, the ignition needs changed to take advantage of the modifications.  Setting up the correct distributor curve is what ties all those other modifications together to work best. After reading countless enthusiast forums, seems one of the better curves is to setup a distributor to give about 22 deg advance, all in before 3000 RPM, a vacuum advance can set to 10 degrees and put the distributor in at 10 degrees initial.   If you do an internet search for a guy named 'jim83itasca' , you will find numerous posts on this and other modifications.  Apparently Jim isn't with us anymore and I'm not sure if he ever posted here(he used some different screen names), but he left us a trail of information regarding his research and trials and errors trying to get the most from his class A.  I am currently trying to put his relevant posts into a document for future reference.
Title: Re: Cheap ways of Increasing gas mileage and power - Chevy 454 (smog controlled)
Post by: tiinytina on June 26, 2013, 09:12 PM
After all this... mileage is 6.4-8

Banks Torque
magna flow mufflers
edelbrock carb
AIR removed
K&N naked filter assembly installed and removed (cold air driving went to 3.2mpg)
K&N air filter inside OEM filter assembly
new plugs
silicone racing grade wires
all points greased yearly
Air pressure correct in tires
Air bags replaced in front springs
Bilsteins all around
Vacuum hoses checked and replaced as needed
new temp sensor
new radiator fan clutch

EGR is bad and needs replacing

Considered adding Air-tabs as Frank did but Pat thinks they'll look silly on Gone.

I drive 50-55 slow lane unless its really really flat and or down hill and don't push her up hills.
I log each and every tank of gas she has drank.

Tina
Title: Re: Cheap ways of Increasing gas mileage and power - Chevy 454 (smog controlled)
Post by: Oz on June 26, 2013, 09:39 PM
Maybe the Air Tabs would look better if they were pointing in the right direction?

W%
Title: Re: Cheap ways of Increasing gas mileage and power - Chevy 454 (smog controlled)
Post by: Madathlon on June 26, 2013, 09:59 PM
tiinytina
After all this... mileage is 6.4-8


K&N naked filter assembly installed and removed (cold air driving went to 3.2mpg)

>>When you say naked, are you talking a snorkless air cleaner assy? If so you WERE NOT GETTING COLD AIR IN. You where sucking even hotter air in from above the hot engine.<<

K&N air filter inside OEM filter assembly

Considered adding Air-tabs as Frank did but Pat thinks they'll look silly on Gone.

>>Never heard of Air tabs<<

I drive 50-55 slow lane unless its really really flat and or down hill and don't push her up hills.
I log each and every tank of gas she has drank.

Tina

Title: Re: Cheap ways of Increasing gas mileage and power - Chevy 454 (smog controlled)
Post by: ClydesdaleKevin on June 27, 2013, 08:29 AM
Do a search here on air tabs.  Supposedly they work by breaking up the turbulance at the rear of the coach, increasing your gas mileage fractionally over long distances.  We are also considering buying them.

And as Mark said, they probably look better installed in the right direction... :)rotflmao :)rotflmao :)rotflmao :)rotflmao :)rotflmao

Kev
Title: Re: Cheap ways of Increasing gas mileage and power - Chevy 454 (smog controlled)
Post by: Froggy1936 on June 27, 2013, 11:12 AM
Hey i resemble that remark !! I bought mine from a outlaw outfit in canada  They came without any directions supplied  i??  After installation i noticed the name embossed on them and contacted the manufacturer . Who told me i had them on backwards (He stated they still were about 75% efficent in wind tests) Since i glued and bolted them in place i cannot reverse them . Apperance is not effected either way in any different degree . N:( One thing is for shure you do not get any rain on the rear window wile traveling in the rain And there is not a rageing storm following you in the rain  They did improve MPG slightly (see post on Air Tabs) They are for long trips AKA 1000 mi avg Frank 

(Admin edit)  AirTabs along rear, verticle edge of body.  Note that they should be turned with the "scooped" end facing toward the front of the RV.

[smg id=1041]
Title: Re: Cheap ways of Increasing gas mileage and power - Chevy 454 (smog controlled)
Post by: pvoth1111 on June 27, 2013, 12:02 PM
I checked on airtabs at their website.....then checked ebay.....an alternate search is for....vortex generators....several different types available....

skeptical at best
Title: Re: Cheap ways of Increasing gas mileage and power - Chevy 454 (smog controlled)
Post by: Stripe on June 27, 2013, 12:35 PM
I see a lot of them for cars and honestly, the Vortex Generators are more better used on bigger vehicles such as ours and semi trucks.  They are also gaining popularity among aviation enthusiasts as it has been proven they create a greater safety margin for pilots.  The VGs actually improve stall speeds on small to large aircraft thus allowing for improved recovery time because an aircraft normally stalling at say around 60 knots w/o VGs and that same aircraft WITH VGs now has a stall speed of about 45 knots, thus taking longer for it to stall and giving the pilot a little more time to recover from a stall and also slower landing speeds.
Title: Re: Cheap ways of Increasing gas mileage and power - Chevy 454 (smog controlled)
Post by: Madathlon on June 27, 2013, 12:40 PM
I looked up the Air Tabs, and even the tread where Froggy1936 put his on backwards and still seen improvement. But the Air tab website buy page seems to be gone or down :(


It does seem to be a good idea doe reducing drag.
Title: Re: Cheap ways of Increasing gas mileage and power - Chevy 454 (smog controlled)
Post by: Elandan2 on June 27, 2013, 12:49 PM
Just checked www.airtab.com (http://www.airtab.com) and the site seems to be working.  Rick
Title: Re: Cheap ways of Increasing gas mileage and power - Chevy 454 (smog controlled)
Post by: Elandan2 on June 27, 2013, 03:32 PM
Try this link: 

http://www.buyairtab.com/shop/airtab-kits (http://www.buyairtab.com/shop/airtab-kits) 

Rick
Title: Re: Cheap ways of Increasing gas mileage and power - Chevy 454 (smog controlled)
Post by: Oz on June 27, 2013, 09:44 PM
A note on the AirTabs - To be properly outfitted with the correct number of them, I don't think they fall into the category of "cheap" modifications or changes, which is the focus of this topic to identify.
Title: Re: Cheap ways of Increasing gas mileage and power - Chevy 454 (smog controlled)
Post by: engineer bill on August 06, 2014, 12:33 PM
As far as a "cheap and easy" mpg modification. I found that carefully adjusting my parking brake (lever operated/cable actuated/rear brake) yielded an additional 1.2 mpg. Yeah, I was surprised.
Title: Re: Cheap ways of Increasing gas mileage and power - Chevy 454 (smog controlled)
Post by: legomybago on August 06, 2014, 01:28 PM
This is all you need.....

http://www.tornadoair.com/tornadoair.php (http://www.tornadoair.com/tornadoair.php)

:)rotflmao
Title: Re: Cheap ways of Increasing gas mileage and power - Chevy 454 (smog controlled)
Post by: Rickf1985 on August 06, 2014, 09:30 PM
Along with the magnets on the fuel line to align the gas molecules. those two together should get you another 5 MPG. W% W%
Sorry, 45 years of installing that kind of stuff that people bought for them to try out. 99.9% failure rate.
Title: Re: Cheap ways of Increasing gas mileage and power - Chevy 454 (smog controlled)
Post by: MotorPro on August 07, 2014, 06:37 AM
More like 100%
Title: Re: Cheap ways of Increasing gas mileage and power - Chevy 454 (smog controlled)
Post by: Rickf1985 on August 07, 2014, 07:18 AM
There were a couple of things that did gain a tiny bit of mileage. I don't even remember what they were now and I don't think they are still around. This was 30 years ago. The gains were in the quarter MPG range so it was not exactly worth the effort. And that was on a car. If you want more MPG you are going to have to pay for it, no way around it. It is a contradiction of terms but you need more power to get better mileage. The power has to be made more efficiently and your right foot has to be trained how to use that power efficiently. The first part of that equation is the expensive part, the second part is free.