Headers and Tune = MPG?

**RCND** · 05-04-2011

Howdy All:

I would have asked this in the other post but it turned into a "My Daddy is better than your Daddy" contest.

That said, I am new to this site and a new 2001 Grand Prix GT owner. Well actually my wife's new car. It is a 3.8 NA.

Wife took it on recent 500+ mile trip and got 31MPG ave. To me very impressive milage. Is it possible to improve on that?

Questions are>
1-Will headers give a viable increase in MPG? That is, one that is worth effort and cost?

2-Same question about Tuner. And are we talking a chip or programer or something that requires operator inputed variables?

3-Looked at a couple of U-Tube delete options, complete down pipe replacement and just the bend replacement. Would and which one would be best option for improvement?

4-Do Not wish to remove resonator (Don't even go there!)

Thanks all for your responses.

Later Robert

**matt5112** · 05-04-2011

Originally Posted by RCND

Questions are>
1-Will headers give a viable increase in MPG? That is, one that is worth effort and cost?

Yes, but only if they seal.

Originally Posted by RCND

2-Same question about Tuner. And are we talking a chip or programer or something that requires operator inputed variables?

latter

Originally Posted by RCND

3-Looked at a couple of U-Tube delete options, complete down pipe replacement and just the bend replacement. Would and which one would be best option for improvement?

Headers > plog + 3" DP > plog + 2.5" DP > 3" dp > 2.5" DP > U bend delete

Originally Posted by RCND

4-Do Not wish to remove resonator (Don't even go there!)

You're awesome. It wouldnt do anything cept make it sound raspier.

**cerick08GP** · 05-04-2011

Matt, as usual, makes some good points.

Now for my spin, since economy is your main thrust let me lay down some thoughts for you in response to your questions.

Q1 – headers would yield better mpg, better flow and a little weight savings. However, I seriously doubt they would ever pay for them selves in fuel savings.

Q2 – a PCM tune might help a 2001, just be aware that boxed tunes often don’t even touch idle and partial throttle settings. Also, any “chip” you might find will NOT work on our cars. Period.

Q3 – the biggest thing on U-Tube I’d like to delete is the comments section.

The U-bend on the exhaust is probably worth doing if you can get a local exhaust guy to splice you something without going crazy.

Honestly, and I say this only because I have explored more than a few ideas, making a significant mpg increase on a GP (that will actually pay for itself) is difficult to say the least. The obvious stuff aside your better off just maintaining the efficiency your car had new. A good O2 sensor and set of spark plugs go a long way.

**matt5112** · 05-04-2011

Don't make me do that again...

**SilvaMan61** · 05-04-2011

thank you matt

headers will net you better MPGs, however they may not pay them selves off. you can get a set og headers for 200 bucks on ebay. whether or not you can install them will make or break the equation. seeing as a typical mechanic could charge you up to $700 for an install. that does however depend on the shop/ installer. if you are uncomfortable with doing them yourself youll probably want to consider a down pipe, or just the u-bend delete.

also a cheap intake ( make your own) should help MPGs. and seeing as you can get a dry flow filter for $20, nows the time.
http://www.grandprixforums.net/simpl...res-33351.html
http://www.grandprixforums.net/aem-d...ded-45002.html

**matt5112** · 05-04-2011

Those ebay headers WILL require a new flex pipe.... the stock one leaks terribly.

You might be better off investing in a set of higher quality headers or better yet a 3" bolt in DP and a PLOG.

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