Ford’s F-Series line of pickup trucks has been the most popular and leading by volume sales for the past 30 years. The most available lineup and easily the most custom model, the F-150 is the benchmark among competitors. It’s just the truck that competitors use as a yardstick. With summer just around the corner, gas prices are bound to make that move higher. Whether or not we’ll see the 2008 $4 price levels is anybody’s guess, but why wait for the inevitable and start making that switch to a more fuel-efficient truck? It’s a difficult concept to grasp when you consider that most of these popular models have V-6 or V-8 engines. But have no fear, these are some of the best products you can buy to improve not only your performance, but also get up to a 25% increase in fuel economy.

The least expensive and widely available add-on is the high flow air filter. These filters are specifically designed to not only allow the truck engine to breathe more efficiently, but they can also be cleaned and reused. So, cross the “air filter replacement” step off your maintenance list. High flow cleanable filters will also give an additional 1-3 mpg increase even on a 5.4 V8 model in a new body 2009! K&N, Airaid and BBK have a wide range of filters and intake systems for new or older F-150 bodies and are affordable at just $35-55 depending on your application. The more complicated fuel injected performance kits are a bit more expensive, but you get a bigger performance advantage, plus they look great! A must have addition, and it will take about 15 minutes to replace your old factory filter.

A good throaty exhaust is a must on that F-150. A popular custom installation will give your truck an attractive sports car sound, while also making it easier for your new or used truck to breathe. A quality exhaust system will dissipate all the burned gases more efficiently than a standard exhaust. Companies like Borla, Magnaflow, Roush, Flowmaster and others offer easy install kits that require no soldering and can be easily installed in an afternoon with just a few basic hand tools. Most kits come complete out of the box with all hardware, clamps, bolts, mandrel bent tubing, chrome tips and more added in more comprehensive instructions to simplify the process. Its stainless steel exhaust will give you better gas mileage and will look and sound good on the street.

And the last core performance plugin is the performance chip. Priced between $80 and $120, a performance chip will retrain the computer and adjust shift points and fuel output to help you save money on gas. Also, with this modification, the truck will make better use of power when the transmission shifts in a performance algorithm. Most chips install in about 15 minutes with little effort or specialized tools to get the job done. Like the air filter, it’s easy to do yourself and instructions are almost always included. Don’t discount a more complete power scheduler, there are more adjustable and customizable settings, but at a higher price of course. If money is a goal, stick with just the performance chip and you can’t go wrong. Search for chips from Hypertech and Superchips for the application you are looking for.

As a result, there is a small grouping of performance items that will give you better fuel economy and more horsepower in that new or old Ford F-150. In 2008, people were so enthralled by the hybrid craze that dealers were selling their popular hybrid cars for many thousands more than the sticker price. There are several ways to convert cars, trucks, and even vans to a hybrid that don’t require as much time or the hassle of spending thousands of dollars. For more information on how to convert your truck to a hybrid-type vehicle and get thousands of dollars in IRS tax credits, see the link to my website below. The overall results of customizing your truck will amaze viewers and have a huge impact on their wallets.