Winter Grill Inserts/MPG affect

[JThiessen]

Last week I finally removed my winter grill inserts due to temps finally getting above 40 degrees at night. Now, almost a week later (approx 150-200 miles), my computer shows a . 1 increase in fuel mileage. Its been sitting on 16. 4 since XMAS when I installed my Banks exhaust (had been 15. 9 previous to the exhaust). SO I'm thinking that the reduced air flow from the covers actually had an effect on the air the motor could suck in. My filter minder does show that I need to change the filter (16K on the existing filter) so that may have some influence on it. Now I'm curious if I would have noticed this without having the improved exhaust flow?



After reading all the posts about how efficient the existing air intake is, I had been of the mindset that an aftermarket air intake would not be of much if any benefit. Now, I'm thinking that an AFE is looming in my immediate future!



Just wanted to see if anyone else noticed this... ...

 

[DLeno]

could be, although . 1 mph is arguably within the repeatabilty range. Also don't forget that the absense of winter blend fuels will also raise fuel economy.



But I agree with you on the capabilities of the stock air box. even my local dealer parts mgr thinks they're junk, and has the chrysler district mgr convinced that the AFEs and K&Ns are better for the engine, notwithstanding the first pass filter efficiency. I'm about ready to take my Lund front off myself.



Interesting comment from my dealer about after market intakes. If there is a question about the influence of the intake system (either stock or after market) upon engine failure, the rep will stick is hand down the intake pipe towards the turbo and if he feels no oil or no grit, then the airbox is off the hook. Applies to stock as well -- if you haven't changed your filter and you have a totally stock truck, you're in trouble if that intake pipe has dirt in it. food for thought that what matters most is maintenance, not blind faith in "factory" parts.

 

[JThiessen]

DLeno:

I agree on most of what you said. Its too early to tell for sure if removing the inserts had any effect. We dont have winter blend fuel here (Seattle/Puget Sound area), so the sudden "bump" of . 1 wasnt due to that. But remember, that . 1 was only over 200 miles (or less), so its averaging against whatever mileage was there before. Over the last two months, no matter how I drove (55 or 75), I couldnt get than damn thing to budge one way or another off of 16. 4.