Hey everyone, I am trying to overcome the fact that I was an idiot and bought a 2005 HD Chevy with the wrong rear end and get 8-9 miles/gallon.

One thing I have seen on TV shows is the cold air intake systems from K&N and others.

It seems to be saying that for 300 bucks and 45 minutes I can pick up 5 HP or more.

1) anybody know it it works?
2) Will this translate to more mileage?
thanks

The factory intake is from the fender well. The air from that location is cooler than the air from beside the engine. Cool air is denser and contains more oxygen. More oxygen allows for more power and complete burning of the fuel. I don’t know much about the various aftermarket intakes, but have some faith the GM engineers are familiar with air intakes. Short of an aftermarket turbo, you’d be hard pressed to improve on the factory intake. Remember your intake must separate water, dirt and bugs along with getting a cool ram air effect. Water and dirt can destroy your engine pretty quick. $300 bucks can buy a lot of fuel or make a small payment on a new engine.

Thanks for the advice. The problem is my rear end. I have the 4.11 and need the 3.83 or the other way around. i can never get that straight.

Anyway, it looks like I am stuck unless i buy a new truck.

You likely have the 4.11 rear axle ratio. Means that the transmission output shaft will turn 4.11 turns to each wheel shaft rotation. The 3.83 is a taller gear, less engine rpm to get the same distance.

The 4.11 is good for towing heavy trailers. Saves the transmission and gets you and the load to the destination. Econo box fuel consumption just won't do for heavy loads.

Trying to get both good heavy hauling and commuting out of a single vehicle usually means getting neither.

Can you get a econo box for commuting?

Oh yes, we only use the truck for pulling a horse trailer. We have a 3 horse trailer with LQ but we rarely pull more than 1 hourse. I just did not know what I was doing when I bought it. Most of my fellow haulers get 15 MPG where I get 8 or 9.

On top of that this truck has a 25 gal fuel tank. How dumb is that?

So I have the dilemma of trying to make this truck work by making some modifications or trying to sell a nice truck that gets terrible gas mileage at a time when nobody wants that kind of truck. And to top it off it is a work truck so it has the basic seat and things like that.