I just bought a 2002 GMC Savana Explorer Hightop conversion van. It has the 5.7 vortec engine. Any milage ideas and milage improver ideas? We are going on a 4000 mile trip next month and need all the help we can get. Thanks

Over a 6700 mile road trip to Fl & back the '93 got 14.5 mpg....Over a 2200 mile trip From Cedar Rapids to San Diego the '92 got 14.25 mpg...Both have 7.4 Tonawanda motors & 4L80E trannies...

I have seen some pretty wild claims about MPG online, so in general I do not believe the ones above 19 mpg in a V8 van.

One guy claimed 19 mpg at 85 mph towing a trailer with a 360. Just not believable.

I have taken my Van x country at least 11 times. My average was probably in the low to mid 16's with high 14's the worst and almost 18 the best.

I liked to drive at night as there is less people on the road, and less wind. Headwinds really kill MPG's on our leaden barn doors. I used to monitor weather patterns hoping to avoid headwinds and hopefully find tailwinds.

Ideally I'd find 3 big rigs travelling inline at the speed I would like and fall inline behind them, but not so close as to piss them off. The reduction in wind noise even 100 yards back was significant, especially in headwinds.

I found that there was a steep decline in MPG over 68 mph.
I'd let my speed diminish somewhat going up hill, and regain it slowly after cresting the hill.

On steep grades up through the mountains, I'd take it out of overdrive and just do 55 to 60 even though the engine has enough oomph to use overdrive at 65+.

Pump the tires up to the maximum PSI listed on the sidewall, remove all extraneous weight, and drive as though an egg is between your foot and gas pedal and you might save enough gas $$ to buy another couple dollar menu items each day.

Or you can pack your own lunch and drive 80.

My pro street V8 Astro gets 19-20 mpg. 33x21.5 rear tires, 4.10 gears-with posi, 310 hp all aluminum LS1 5.7 V8 with an overdrive 4l60E. I did a 180 mile round trip and used 9 gallons. I was doing about 57 mph and actually got on it a several times. It isnt a big van, but it is 4000 plus pounds with me in it.

My dodge /6 was getting around i3 on the highway and i dont know about the Ford yet. Havent tested it yet.

Our GMC is a 305 with 4L60E and we get about 15 or so MPG with our camping gear loaded and the A/C running. I thought it was pretty good considering the rear tires are 295/50s and only about 26" tall.

The Ford is a different animal all together. With the C6 and the low rear gears, it's normal is 10.5 to 11.5 MPG. (But it doesn't slow down for the hills.)

My 89 5.7 TBI/700R4 trans gets 16 mpg with just over 100,000 miles.My average speed on my trip to Florida was 85 MPH

my 85 Chevy I bought new,with a 305 carbed /TH375 trans got 18 MPG.That was the best thing about that van because it really lacked in the power department.

my 93 conversion van with a 4.3 got 18 mpg.

my 69, 350 crate engine low end torque cam TH 350 3:08 rear.
16 hi way 11 around town.This vans sweet spot is 85 MPH

I did build a short wheel base 77 Chevy back in the 80's.
basic 350 rebuild,30 over.low end torque cam TH350 trans.2:93 rear gear ratio,headers dual exhaust got 18 to 20 mpg on the hi way.

......Wookee

With a 350 V8, TH350 trans and a 3:47 gear don't know.....don't care......just know it's a blast to drive........

Keep On Vannin....

i gots a 92, 350, 700r4 with 3.73 gear. avrg. is about 10mpg. wish i got more but dosent really bother me too much. i'm sure on the highway its more but i dont travel alot so i can only give you around town. could aslo be the way i drive too but also given the fact your is newer you should be getting much better gas milage but sometimes thats not always the case.

My 90 dodge 5.2 gets @ 15 and I'm running the Mts all the time. Speed limit on my winding road is 55mph, and I run close to it all the time. Van handles turns nice.