Steve wrote: "21 {MPG] with Ethanol is about right. We own a 97 and an 02, both Blazers with the 4.3 and automatics both with 4X4 and both with the same option package. They will turn in mileage at 19-20 running locally and
23-24 running highway at 65 mph on good gas. I got to prove that to a local here who told me that "ANY engine would get better mileage with ethanol in the gas" We have a local small station that buys Mobil gas without Ethanol added.
I can take my wifes 02 and fill it there. Average out the mileage over
3-4 tanks of gas and then use the same grade with ethanol in it and consistently get 3mpg better with the non ethanol blend. "
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Thanks, Steve. After that first tankful getting around 21 mpg, I used straight gasoline for the next fill, looking for an increase in fuel economy. I also added some GM injector cleaner to the tank, just looking for any increase I can get. I haven't filled it yet and thus haven't calculated the mpg for this tankful, but judging by the fuel gauge thus far, it isn't looking too good. Plus, not being a 4WD should be worth SOMETHING in the mpg department (that's why I wondered if the ECM is set at the exact same fuel parameters for 2- and 4WD). Since I bought this truck for a pretty decent price, it is feasible for me to just get rid of it if I can find another small pickup that will get better mileage. I like GM stuff but with gasoline prices this high, brand loyalty of any stripe will go right out the window. I noticed when I was going around looking for this truck that I could buy Ford Rangers "all day long." Normally I look right past Fords like they're not even there but if I could procure one of those and get an increase of, say, 5mpg, I would probably do it. I did have a shortbox 2WD Ranger about 9 years ago with a 3.0 and 5 speed which ran very well and IIRC wasn't bad on gas -- even though back then that wasn't anywhere near as big a deal as now.