New to us 00 Expy

[00expy4us]

Well, let me start my first post by introducing myself. My name is Jason and I live in western VA. I was born and raised Ford, with my grandfather and father both working for a local dealership. After straying for a few years, my wife and I recently made our move back to blue...

We are now the proud owners of a 2000 XLT 5.4L Expy. We purchased it for $2800...great deal, you think?

Too bad it's been totalled from an accident with a semi...of course, the damage is strictly cosmetic. Passenger side quarterpanel, both door skins, the fender and two wheels and tires wraps up the list of parts. In total...around $2000 dealership cost. So after a fresh paint job, we expect to have around $5000 in it...not too bad for 120k miles and PRISTINE leather interior with the 3rd seat, rear air and A4WD.

So...in closing...I'm looking for some ideas to better our MPG. We're swapping out our wheels for a set of all aluminum FX4 wheels(which look badass). Thinking a drop in filter from K&N or an equivalent. What other things are you guys finding that ACTUALLY work? I have read tons of threads and people say this works or that works...I just want to know what REALLY works. Thanks guys...

Jason

 

[lakmflx]

The MPG wont improve much as these are heavy trucks. A good cold air intake will help along with all your basic maintenance such as complete tune up (spark plugs, oil change, oil filter change, fuel filter,clean throttle body, clean MAF sensor etc...etc..). Some people will insist that an exhaust and headers will also improve MPG but since i do not have them i cant comment on it for sure but im sure other members will chime in.

I bought my 99 5.4L EB brand new and i average 13.6 in town and around 16-18 MPG highway. All i have thats aftermarket is a K&N cold air intake system.

 

[AvroAero]

Nice buy. Don't bother with that tornado thing. Doesn't work. I assumed it wouldn't but tried it bc I was desperate for a increase in economy. I have a 99 4.6 and I plan on putting an exhaust and cold air intake soon. A complete exhaust would be good for economy and power but headers are pretty pricey. I'll prob get a catback kit and maybe in the future get headers.
FYI if you don't have a computer (neither do I) but I'm told the most economic cruising speed on the highway is about 70mph. I'd imagine 50mph would be somewhat better since I can cruise there with the rpms in the 1500 range but thats kinda slow for highway.

 

[ELVATO]

Hmm..I always thought going in the 55-60 mph range was better. Or is that for smaller cars?