Increasing Fuel Economy on a '94 Z28

[El Scorcho]

So I found this awesome white '94 Z28 with ~88,000 miles on it, and all I'm waiting for is the finance guys to tell me where to sign. But, I'm a little concerned about fuel economy. I'm going to assume that the MPG on a 12-year-old V8 aren't going to be great, and I can accept that. My question is are there any ways that I can mechanically change the 5.7 (LT1?) that will increase my fuel economy? I've developed a pretty economical driving technique by driving my parents' Tahoe, XC90, and S80 T6 over the years, so I'm looking for something that will help post some worthwhile gains combined with that. Thanks.

[quantum110]

2.73 rear gear

35psi tire pressure

replace o2 sensors

good engine flush + injection flush (gm top engine cleaner using a pressure can)

a set of flow matched injectors and a new fuel pump

LT1 Edit and some dyno time

[loki]

is it an auto or 6speed? wooooooo!

[avant1963]

I would regularly get around 21 mpg around town (25 when I was traveling 60 miles a day - 1/2 highway) with my 1996 Z28 w/over 100,000 miles. That kind of mileage was not too shabby for a 300 hp V-8.

The best tip for gas mileage is to not have fun when driving (no fast starts, no getting into it to hear the engine/exhaust)... but who has a Z28 and doesn't have fun?

[El Scorcho]

It's an auto, and I was also thinking of seeing if I could fit the new 6-speed in there somehow (I like a challenge). Of course I'll have a bit of fun every once in a while, Walt ;-) Quantum, thanks for the suggestions.

[capriceman]

basic stuff new wires and plugs.

Buy that mystical toronado thing from the tv commericals. 20% gain lol.

[76ChevyTrucker]

I actually use the Tornado in my Impala and its helped out some, I wouldn't, and HAVEN'T seen a 20% increase in fuel mileage, but I have seen roughly 12-15%, which ain't too shabby. I would also recommend a new fuel filter, along with the plugs and wires. Another thing to do would of course be the O2 sensors (preferably all four of them, but if you can't afford it, then just the front two up in the manifolds). After that a good air filter, and an oil change and you should be good to go. Another thing would be synthetic oil which is "slicker" and not as "dirty" as conventional oil which could help free up some power, may only be one or two horses or a ft-lb or two of torque, but the more you have, the less you'll have to get into the throttle to find it. The LT1 engine in the Camaro is a pretty good engine as far as power-to-weight ratio is concerned, so its not like you'll really have to tax it hard to get going like some cars can be woefully underpowered.

[NOS2006]

Simple intake/exhaust swaps can help gas mileage a little.. more intake than exhaust. Also, don't forget to replace your old fuel filter!