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only getting 11mpg now that i installed my k&n intake?

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Old 03-13-2012, 02:56 PM
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Default only getting 11mpg now that i installed my k&n intake?

I recently installed the k&n intake for the 5.3l imp ss and my dash is reading that I'm only getting anywhere between 10.9 and 11mpg? yes I get on it every once in a while but I'm generally not that hard on it.... Prior to the intake install my dash was reading 16mpg and this was with a little bit of me getting on it....Is my dash reading wrong because of the k&n intake now or is this a problem elsewhere? Any info would be appreciated. I also put 87 in my tank and yes I've experimented with higher octanes and no help....
Old 03-13-2012, 03:08 PM
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Ignore the dash reading, as it can be inaccurate for a bunch of reasons. What's it getting when you do the calculation at each fillup?

It is possible to have issues after installing an oil-bathed filter like a K&N, as you can get excess oil in the MAF, which can affect mileage.

Then check the obvious...Is the vacuum line connected to the intake from front valve cover? If it's connected, check for leaks. Also, make sure the intake is on snug.

If that stuff checks out, I'd take the MAF off, get some MAF cleaner, and spray the inside down really well to clean out any oil and gunk that may be building up.

Lastly, don't EVER, EVER run 87 octane through these cars. You're losing double-digit HP by cheaping out on this, and it could be hurting your fuel economy due to retarded timing. Also, the near-constant knock your engine is most likely seeing will mean that carbon is building up inside the cylinders, making it even more susceptible to knock, even if you can't hear it.
Old 03-13-2012, 03:27 PM
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^ I agree... sounds spot on since those intakes are oil based. A dirty MAF can cause bad mileage, the comupter could be sending too much/too little fuel if that's the case. Another thing that LS1 Racing said... don't run 87 under any circumstance.
Old 03-13-2012, 03:50 PM
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Thanks for the info. I'll try everything you mentioned and I'll discontinue using the 87. What octane do you run in your ss?
Old 03-13-2012, 03:58 PM
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Run 91/93 whatever the highest octane you can get at the pump
Old 03-13-2012, 04:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Hawkins04
Run 91/93 whatever the highest octane you can get at the pump
What he said!!!

We can only get 91 in Socal, but I'm tuned for it.
Old 03-13-2012, 05:42 PM
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91 in my 98 Z/28... I have yet to see 93 at the pumps in california? Not sure if they even have 93 at any station, I'm probably wrong but all the major cities I've been to don't have it. Run 93 if you can.
Old 03-13-2012, 06:12 PM
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is there a noticeable difference with 91 and 93 both gas and performance wise? all we have here is 93 ( louisiana) but when i went to missouri for a week i was forced to use 91
Old 03-13-2012, 06:35 PM
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Originally Posted by gxp-miller-gxp
is there a noticeable difference with 91 and 93 both gas and performance wise? all we have here is 93 ( louisiana) but when i went to missouri for a week i was forced to use 91
I ***believe 93 will burn slower/more efficiently. You should be lucky that you Have to use 93 hah. It's non-existant here in California.
Old 03-13-2012, 07:41 PM
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What about 89? Any problems there? I've never really been able to get a good answer to that question.

There are a few towns that I have to go with my '08 SS that only have 89 as the top grade fuel. I normally use 91, but I have to run 89 at least once a month.
Old 03-13-2012, 07:53 PM
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The car requires 91 your losing about 25+ hp using 87 as well as ireperable damage to your motor. Start there, a knocking motor is less efficient and therefore will waste gas Then try going back to stock intake. If that doesnt help its probably dirty or bad maf. Three easy steps one at a time for a week at a time. Disregard the dic. Let us know how it goes.
Old 03-13-2012, 07:59 PM
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Default mgp help

If you installed the kit to the instruction, I think you disconnect the negative of the battery. Give the car time to log more mileage data. I had the same problem when i put my K&N Kit on my impy.
Old 03-13-2012, 08:25 PM
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I run 91 in mine. Ive tried 94 octane at Shell and don't seen enough difference for the price
Old 03-13-2012, 08:29 PM
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If its not tuned for 94 u will see no difference as with 93. But if you were tuned for 94 you could get more timing out of the motor. Thus making more power. If I could get 94 I would.
Old 03-13-2012, 08:42 PM
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Actually, these cars run a lot of timing from the factory, so I'm willing to bet that 94 will run just fine.

Running 89 in a pinch is fine, but the car will still see a ton of KR. You just don't want to expose your motor to it every day.
Old 03-13-2012, 08:50 PM
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I didn't say 94 won't run I'm saying it won't make additional gains over 91 octane the car won't compensate for better fuel only KR for worse fuel.
Old 03-13-2012, 09:27 PM
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Remember these car knocked bad with 91 oct and the factory tune guys. I run 94 all day everyday (5.00$ a gallon here)

OP: Def check out whats going on post installation. Maf , PCV , everyones told you. Other things to look at might be the 02 sensor , whats your milage?
Old 03-13-2012, 09:44 PM
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Sadden is correct...On a stock tune, 91 knocks badly in these cars. I would venture to say that even 92 and 93 will show some measure of knock unless it's been tuned, meaning the more octane you can get, the better.
Old 03-13-2012, 11:17 PM
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I have seen knock with 94 oct. Very little , but just goes to show....
Old 03-14-2012, 10:26 AM
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My mileage is 88k. I'm gonna try to clean the maf this weekend. I will also try again with the higher octane.. I'll let.you guys know what happens. thanks again for your feedback



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