What's the secret to retaining good gas mileage in a performance application?

[Vector]

Well, I don't have a stang, I've got a truck with the 302. And down the line I'm looking at having heads/cam/intake/exhaust but I was wondering if it's too much to hope for that a good combination can retain decent mileage with 'light driving'. I get about 15-17mpg city 20 highway. Is it too much to hope that I can keep it like that? With more power available and torque won't the engine have an easier time of it anyway?

Also the o2 sensor, will it hurt mileage to use long-tube headers? Thanks!

Originally Posted by Vector

Well, I don't have a stang, I've got a truck with the 302. And down the line I'm looking at having heads/cam/intake/exhaust but I was wondering if it's too much to hope for that a good combination can retain decent mileage with 'light driving'. I get about 15-17mpg city 20 highway. Is it too much to hope that I can keep it like that? With more power available and torque won't the engine have an easier time of it anyway?

Also the o2 sensor, will it hurt mileage to use long-tube headers? Thanks!

I doubt you'll be able to retain your current 15-17mpg with aftermarket heads, cam & intake. I bet you'll be able to stay close to those #s though. Maybe somewhere between 13-16mpg with a well tuned motor & a light foot. When you're into modifying cars or trucks to go faster, and produce more power...getting good gas mileage just isn't part of the deal really. Unfortunately you can't have your cake & eat it too.
As for the oxygen sensor...the header company might be able to help you on where to tap into the header, or the exhaust tubing and thread in the O2 sensor. I'm pretty sure as long as it's within 18" from the exit of one of the headers...you're truck's (or car) computer can still adjust accordingly. I'd do some research with header companies first. Look into the reputable ones and talk to their techline...if they have one.