i've seen exhaust systems work both ways. newer cars it can actually hurt your mpg. your o2 sensor sense your running lean with less backpressure so you end up using more fuel to compensate, but i'd trade that for the sound!!!! i'll do a how to on the vac gauge. its old school tech though, alot of the old k5s had vac gauges. now you see them with the turbos. to tell you the truth im more of a ford man myself (oh no he said the "f" word, yes i just did) but i've had more fun and i like the look of the blazer compared to the explorer. i sure hope sisk was joking. and on the CAI i said try the drop in first its alot cheaper. K&n CAI kit is gonna run you $299. i got it for $100 brand new on craigslist (poor girl didnt even know what she had). the Vac gauge is just like having your mom their telling you "hey stop stomping on that pedal". no but seriously it does monitor your foot better.

 

The 130 is round trip, I have a civic but it's time for it to go the little repairs are starting to add up. I'm definitely not going to drive my 02 suburban that far besides that's for the wife and kids. Thanx for the suggestions I'm going to check out the vac gauge thing online.

 

you could always buy a toyota they are made in america. lol. but on a serious note i have free flowing exhaust and intake but with the lift my gas mileage still sucks. before my lift i had the exhaust and intake and was getting 18 mpgs after the lift getting 16 mpgs. before the intake and exhaust i think it was still at 18.

 

ill get some pics up of mine and a how to. i didnt see too much online when i was doing it. had to ask a lot of other mechanics.

 

Wow, calm down ther Uncle Sam. First of all, I'm not American and never will be. So I'm not "neglecting my own workers". I suggested a civic as a joke because they are extremely cheap to operate and wil outlast ANY American vehicle on the road today.
But, I digress. We are not going to turn this persons thread into a "which is better" thread. I will say I've owned both domestic and import vehicles and the build quality and quality of materials of imports are second to none. Keep in mind I currently own an American vehicle and I do love it, but they are cheaply built (as we all know).
One more thing to add. Technically I would be supporting my "own workers" and several Honda models are built in Canada, as are Toyota's. I do believe several Honda's and Toyota's are built in the states as well, so you can't say buying import is "not supporting your fellow workers".
Again, it was meant as a sarcastic joke. I guess I should have said "Buy a Cavalier" instead...

 

haha alright. it just people wondering why we got in this economic mess. and they say i wonder why our automakers are falling apart. but they tend not to look at whats sitting in their own driveway

 

Okay, let's pull this thread back onto the OP's original topic.

 

I could go on for hours as to why the us auto industry is in the tank.

BUUUUUUUUT back to the topic
Ecomodder.com Check it out, take notes smart guys
If you plan on making this trip daily for a while to come I'd have to strongly recomend replacing your civic with another economy car. A 4x4 SUV is not the best plattform for a fuel miser lol.

 

You could always get that new "vehicle wrap" that makes your vehicle like a golf ball with dimples. Apparently that gets you better gas mileage .
But seriously, if you commute that much everyday you really might want to look at another vehicle. The Blazers are not good in anyway on gas. It's a well known fact. You probably will never see about 20ish mpg (best case scenario).

 

*swap down from what ever you have to 3.08 gearing. that will save you a few MPGs. *stream line the roof (chop the rack)
*get 235/70r15 highway tires, lose the A/T's
*polish out your throttle body (free up HPs so you use less fuel for the same power)
*set cruise control to 55mph and leave a bit earlier
*look into a AC delete pully, and maybe cut the fan and run a dual E-fan set up
*strip as much weight as you can inside (carry nothing, lose the back seat, go for a jog)
*switch to high milage synth oil (if you haven't yet)
*consider a cheap, throw away, eco car (late 80's-earl 90's spectra/imark/metro/fiesta) that way when you have to put a bullet in it's brain after 6 months of ******* it out, you dont feel raped by the $300 price tag



the egr clean, CAI, exhaust (dont go over 3" what what other have said), free/hi flow cat, and all the other stuff mentioned will help too.