The owner thinks he is using a lot of gasoline

Benny Christensen is the Broom Automotive Expert. in “Ask Benny’ at broom.no It answers everything related to cars.

Here’s one of the questions from the last webinar:

Hello Benny. I have a 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe. Is it possible to cut off the fuel supply to certain cylinders to save fuel?

I’ve heard that, in slightly newer cars, this engine has a switch where you can choose to drive only at low start when performance isn’t much needed.

Benny replies:

Hello and thanks for the interesting question. Before I joined Broom, I drove a Chevrolet Tahoe myself – so I get what you’re talking about. Consumption was rarely less than 1.5 liters per mile.

This was my first car as it cost over 1,000 NOK to fill the tank. This was in 2007/2008.

Large and heavy cars contribute to increased consumption

With today’s gasoline prices, it naturally costs more. much more than that. So, your question makes sense.

On the other hand: you bought yourself an SUV that weighs 2.4 tons and is more than five meters long and more than two meters wide. It is equipped with a 5.3-liter V8 petrol engine with 273 horsepower and four-wheel drive. So, the greed at the petrol pump shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, I hope.

Not worth or not worth it

It is true, as you say, that the Chevrolet Tahoe came with a reduced fuel system. This was in 2014 or 2015. The base engine, ie a 5.3L V8 is the same. On top of that, most things have changed, including the variable valve timing, the new and more advanced fuel injection system and the aforementioned cylinder parts. Output has also been increased to 355 horsepower.

I myself have driven a Tahoe like this as a rental car in the USA and probably wasn’t too impressed with the consumption. Yes – it’s a bit lower, but that’s probably due to the new six-speed gearbox which cuts revs significantly. We’re still talking about more than a liter per mile.

The 2015 Tahoe has the fuel trim system, but it's still thirsty. — The 2015 Tahoe has the fuel trim system, but it’s still thirsty.

To make the answer short – you should put your plans to convert your car into this on the shelf. You can fill up as much gas for what it will cost you.

There is no “quick fix” to reduce consumption. Unfortunately. Of course, the weight of the accelerator controls a lot. If you have tires that are larger and better than the original size, the rolling resistance and, accordingly, depreciation increases.

Also make sure to keep the car in good condition with a new air filter and new spark plugs, this will also help keep fuel consumption in check, but don’t expect miracles.

There are some physical laws that apply here, both when it comes to mechanics, weight, air and rolling resistance. You cannot escape from those laws.

Instead, you should be happy to own a car that has great comfort, great space, good load capacity, a nice V8 sound – and that it’s sharp as a bear and tough as a wolf.

I have to admit that I sometimes miss my Tahoe, even after many years. But gas stations – I certainly don’t miss it!