Performance muffler

[joeb1943.910]

I am trying to improve the mpg of our new-to-us 2000 RV with the Ford V10 SOHC powerplant, F3 chassis, single exhaust. I cannot afford to go the full Banks Power route (given I blew the budget buying this unit, she-who-must-be-obeyed will never let me hear the end of it if I "invest" another 2 or 3 grand!! . What I HAVE done is to purchase an SX/SF3 tuner from 5 Star tuning, install a Banks Ram Air intake and change my engine/tranny fluids to Amsol. My next issue is to try and reduce engine/tranny temps by reducing backpressure from the muffler. I am looking at the Magnaflow 12279 and 12289 units. Anyone had any experience with them? Any suggestions? Does offset/center or center/center make any difference?

Also, I just finished refurbing a Demco Kar Kaddy 360SB (frame up) that came with the car shield. Will the car shield create much of a wind dam or does the vacuum from the bus back already compensate for that? As another aside, anyone who is considering a tow dolly, I highly advise you consider Demco. Mine is 10 years old and when I called for replacement parts, they sent the decals (4) new grips (4) FREE and gave me a great deal on a new steering damper piston.

As we are about to embark on a 5,600 mile cross-country trip (and back) any impact on MPG is of concern. Thanks in advance for any suggestions, advice or condolances

[wb7auk]

The biggest thing you can do to increase MPG is keep speed between 55 and 57 MPH

[gpscotty]

I put a Borla muffler on my pickup, very happy. Stainless steel, and last for a long time. Do a search on line and see what they reccommend. They are expensive, but do not have to be replaced as often as others. The Ford V-10 are not noted for mpg, keep your foot out of it but I'm happy with my three vavle (07). Good luck gps

[JDooley]

Install a vacuum gauge and keep the needle in the green it will train you to be light on the fuel. Hence better mpg

[lms1943]

Full length headers and free flowing muflers is one of the best ways to increase air flow in an internal combustion engine. You have accomokished 50% with the cook air induction. I am nit sure how that wiukd affect mog, but the engine will run cooler and throttle response will improve

[Fiesta48]

Lower speeds, a Scan Gauge II to monitor MPG and performance, keep the weight down (ie small toad or Motorcycle, & minimal junk), some aerodynamic aids (ie. Air dam), good driving techniques, and a SCT tuner helps me get 9.5 MPG and power to climb hills.
I've thought about a freer flowing muffler but at lower performance levels (95+% of driving), they won't help.

[Deucenut]

As mentioned earlier, a good vacuum gauge is the best and cheapest method to tell you how hard you're working the engine. The easier you are on the engine, the better mpg you'll get. But you'll be slower on the hills so you'll need patience. Most ppl don't like or use vacuum gauges cause they slow them down too much.

[jcgribks]

I just bought the 12289 magnaflow for my 96 Itasca suncruiser w/454. I got it because my original muffler is center/offset and I figured I'd have less fabricating to do if I kept the same muffler configuration. I also got a set of Herman headers as they were only $180. Got both from Summit racing online. If you order the magnaflow, then your whole order is shipped free. They arrived yesterday and look great.

[rdkng88]

I tried everything with a Jeep wrangler. I started getting about 14 MPG. After Installing a performance muffler, cold air box, and a spacer in the fuel injection the literature assured me gains of 12 % to 18 % on each modification. When it was all said and done nothing at all. I would not waste my money unless you just want to make more noise. The suggestions above are your best bet.

[jcgribks]

I must not understand. You're getting 14 mpg and something is wrong? I only get maybe between 6-8 towing my wrangler.

[rdkng88]

Not my Motorhome my Wrangler I was trying to increase my mileage. The lesson I learned was those improvements do nothing but take $$ out of your bank account.

[jcgribks]

I spend a lot of time reading over on jeepforum.com and that's what I've heard too. None of the add on items helps the mpg. I too only get around 14-16 as most of my driving is intown.

[fishseeker]

I'm no expert but have been kind of a motor head since a teen in the 60s. I think anything free flowing will help power, cooling(hot gases). You don't need Banks(mine allready had it) but a good set of headers and a freeflow muffler will help most any rig. Will it be louder? Yup, but I like the throaty sound. Will it eliminate broken studs? Hope so. No it will help power off the line and up hills and getting the hot exhaust out faster keep things cooler, EVERYTHING! If you get something get something QUAITY that will last.

[gpscotty]

I have a vacuum gauge on our SouthWind (08), was really surprised at how little
throttle movement it takes to really drop the needle after installing the Brazel programmed chip, a vast improvement. Have to very easy on the gas peddle. I recommend both. Enjoy your RV gps