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LKicklight · 07-25-2012, 07:25 PM

Currently own a 2001 1500HD Gas Silverado, we pull a Crusader 270RET, weighs in around 7740#. Recently we added a K&N Air Filter in an effort to improve gas mileage and perfromance. Have been told that we need to add a Magnaflow Muffler to help move air through the engine. Not running duals, just replacing the stock dual inlet muffler and replacing it with a similar Magnaflow Unit..Does anyone have some ideas on this combination...We are heading out this Friday for Gulf State Park...367 miles from out home here in Dallas, Georgia..
LKicklight

RustyJC · 07-26-2012, 08:14 AM

Personally, having towed with a gasser, any MPG gains playing with intakes and mufflers will probably show up 1 to 2 places to the right of the decimal point. It all boils down to the fundamental thermal efficiency of the Otto-cycle (spark gasoline) engine; you're making a minor improvement in pumping losses, but that's about all.

Any performance gains (and they will be minor) are going to show up at the top of the RPM band where airflow is at its maximum. Unfortunately, for a tow vehicle, one really wants a fat torque curve in the lower and middle RPM ranges. That (i.e., the amount of torque and where in the RPM band it's generated), along with fuel economy (related to the fundamentally higher thermal efficiency of the much higher compression/expansion ratio, unthrottled Diesel-cycle engine), are two reasons why the diesel is so popular for towing.

Rusty

Triker56 · 07-26-2012, 08:29 AM

Your MPG gain may take 200K miles before payback.

SmokeyWren · 07-26-2012, 08:50 AM

Magnaflow makes an excellent performance muffler for your Bowtie.

The big gain in dragging your overloaded half-ton pickup over a mountain pass without overheating something is in the intake. If your K&N is simply a replacement filter element for the stock filter element, then you didn't gain much, if any. But if it is the AirCharger intake, then you're good to go.
63-3070 - K&N 63 Series Aircharger Kits, Performance Intake Kit direct from K&N

Quote:

...we pull a Crusader 270RET, weighs in around 7740#.

Shiping weight is 7775. GVWR is 9205. I'll bet you're overloaded over the GVWR of your half-ton pickup when on a camping trip. Thus you need all the help you can get to increase airflow through your engine. I'd want both the K&N AirCharger intake as well as the Magnaflow muffler.

JIMNLIN · 07-26-2012, 07:24 PM

The OP says he has a '01 1500 HD.

If the OP has the 1500 HD its a real find......
If its a 1500 HD it has a 8600 GVWR 6.0 engine 4L80 tranny with the GMs 14 bolt axle 6084 RAWR and E tires and wheels with over 3100 lb payload. Its on the old C6P chassis. Basically a 3/4 ton truck with a 1500 badge.

The 6.0 was thirsty. I see on other forums (RVs and non RVs) that many 6.0 owners have upgraded the intake to a cold air type or just the OEM filter. Then add a free flowing performance muffler. Most report small if any mpg gains but better seat of the pants towing performance/cooler under hood and engine temps.

Air in/air out products can benefit a hard working engine.

caissiel · 08-12-2012, 04:50 AM

The muffler will prevent your 2 exhaust manifold from craking as it did for my 2.9 Ford Ranger. Both manifolds leaked on the first trip and after an open muffler installed it reved like a stock car and was able to pass semis in the hills of Ma and PA. and the engine thanked me. I would never tow unless the exhaust was opened on theses wimpy gas trucks.

TXiceman · 08-12-2012, 08:40 AM

Basically you are expecting too much from your truck. The 6.0L is a thirsty engine. Due to the combustion efficieny, the money thrown at a gasoline engine will result in a very small gain in power or fuel economy.

Best bet is to slow down a bit and not make the engine work so hard.

I'd be looking for a 3/4 ton diesel to replace the truck in the future. So save you pennies and don;t wast them on the "upgrades" on the gasser.

Ken

Bobsbeatter · 08-12-2012, 10:22 AM

It's kinda late to respond since the OP has likely left for his trip a long time ago, but.....

The only answer and the best bang for the buck in this situation is....

Gears, gears, gears.

Gears multiply torque and torque is a direct measurement of how much work an engine can do. Do you want to multiply 350 ft/ lbs by 3.55, 4.11 or 4.56? It really adds up.

HP on the other hand is a direct measurement of how fast an engine can do the work.

Shorter tires, if the load capacity is not compromised, can yield a small improvement because it lowers overall gearing.