The Chevrolet Silverado is one of the best-selling trucks in the country and one of the best-selling vehicles overall. The Vortec 4.3 liter V-6 engine was commonly used in Silverados around the turn of the century. The Silverado is a full-size pickup truck. Like any vehicle, you can get the best fuel mileage from a 4.3 Silverado by installing upgraded parts and following correct driving techniques.
Install a cover on top of the bed of your Chevrolet Silverado. The cover will drastically reduce wind resistance and improve gas mileage. Covers usually range from $400 to $500, but they will save you money in the long run. You can also improve the wind resistance of your Silverado by closing the windows while driving on the highway.
Tune up your 4.3 Silverado on a regular basis, or the time recommended in the owner's manual. Once a year is about right, although this can vary depending on the number of miles you put on your truck.Tell your mechanic to check the Silverado's engine compression, fuel pressure and fuel pressure regulator. All of these can cause poor fuel mileage.
Install a new exhaust system on your 4.3 Silverado. The exhaust systems for cars and trucks are constantly improving. New exhaust systems have pipes that improve exhaust flow because they have pipes that are wider and straighter. Better exhaust flow improves gas mileage.
Upgrade the air filter in your 4.3 Silverado. Although the new line of air filters cost approximately twice as much as the old ones, they also last longer. Just as beneficial is the fact they don't become clogged as quickly and therefore help oxygen get to the engine. A lack of oxygen will make the engine run less efficiently and decrease fuel mileage. Similarly, replace your stock air intake with a new and improved one. As is the case with an air filter, an upgraded air intake increases gas mileage by drawing more air into the engine.
Make your Silverado as light as possible. Only leave items in the bed of the truck that are necessary.
Improve the way you drive and operate your vehicle. Obey the speed limit, avoid revving up the engine, and don't accelerate while going up a hill. Use a GPS system to avoid driving unnecessary miles. Use your Silverado's overdrive gearing. Overdrive gearing allows the engine's speed to decrease, which improves mileage. Only run your air conditioning when absolutely necessary. Don't warm up the engine for longer than needed. Combine short trips into one.
Make sure the tires on your Silverado have the correct inflation. A tire that is under-inflated or overinflated adds to fuel consumption. Buy new tires if the old ones are wearing thin. Check to make sure your tires are properly aligned and balanced.
