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Comments
I see that the website says that the Workhorse Module can be uninstalled before servicing and "leaves no fingerprints." Hummmm. . . If you have to make a warranty claim, does the manufacturer ask you whether you have installed any aftermarket chip? If you did have a chip in it, what do you say?
Banks Power home page
kcram - Pickups Host
So the claim is that with this system the engine will develop 500 hp when it is called for, but will deliver excellent fuel economy when the vehicle is lightly loaded and driven to maximize fuel economy. This is still a pretty tall order.
I intend to head to the lower 48 from my home in Alaska in September either pulling a 7000# camping trailer or with a slide in camper.
The ehicle has a 3.73 rear end and I'm turning about 1850 rpm at 65 mph on cruise. I got a decent 17.4 mpg on my first tank full.
Can I do better with chipping, a large exhaust and a different filter system?
Any recommendations for whose system i should buy?
Diesel fuel just went up to over $4.00 a gallon here in Anchorage, Alaska so I want to do anything that makes sense.
Thanks,
Terry
capt@gci.net
you can find read them throughly and pay attention to the Gas vs. diesel articles. In the gas world, yes I can agree. the more power you make, the lower your mileage will get. Diesel doesn't work like a traditional engine. The more efficiently it works and power it makes the diesel engine brings mileage as a bonus. If you drive them with the intent to get decent mileage. All these guys I know complain about poor mileage but set the cruise at 80 mph and burn their tires off around every turn. I was getting around 15 mpg stock and now with a few mods and a few more horses, I get 18-20 average. Just replace your airbox with an S&B filter and replace your muffler with a high flow one alone, you will see a difference. Depending on you and truck around 2 mpg. and should be under 500 bucks. Add some type of chip or programmer and it goes up from there but say adios to your warranty should you ever get caught. some are undectable once removed but if you put on egt sensors and pyrometers the dealer knows so go with a basic one if you do. Banks has a lot of really well developed products. that work great together..... so good luck with your search for mileage
Your mpg is very impressive!
So the best bang for the buck would be for you to drive your stock F350 as if you had just spent $1k to . . . ($4k?) on aftermarket mods and you are implementing the driving practices recommended by the producers of this gear. Don't they claim something like "their mods maximize the fuel economy gains of careful driving"?
Thanks
Everyone wants a VW diesel right now; you are lucky to have one. Don't ruin the vehicle by messing with the engine controls.
A chip can improve torque and power by over-riding the mfgr's turbo boost limits and fuel program, but this will come at the expense of greater fuel consumption, not less, and risks engine damage and provides a basis for denial of warranty if you do have problems.
Be happy with your 46 mpg. Don't be greedy!
thanks, jcb5
I just read a statement over on the F-150 MPG forum that Ford has programmed their black boxes to monitor the engine performance over time, and this would detect the fact that a chip has been installed, even if one pulls the chip before bringing it in for dealer service. If Ford has a way to discover that a chip has been used, they can void the engine and transmission warranty, i.e., refuse to fix them if they break.
I can't speak to the truth of the Ford "Black Box" capabilities, perhaps someone else has more details?
But a chip affects the way the engine and transmission are run, so they could concievably have a case that the chip caused the damage.
But think further on this. To sue them you would have to admit in a public court of law that you modified the engine control chip - did you check with the EPA to ensure you did not illegally modify your engine? It could open up more problems than solutions.
i have 2002 dodge ram 2500 4x4 cumins motor automatic an haz 6 inch all the way pipes ?
i have 2002 dodge ram 2500 4x4 cumins motor automatic an haz 6 inch all the way pipes ?
ps I do not work for them.
OK, I'll ask. Are you saying in your post that you got better MPG, or better power? What is the MPG with your modifications?
I basically want a diesel becasue they hold their value, and i believe that they hold up better than a gas pickup. I also have been looking into chips for more MPG . i hope you guys can help thank you :confuse:
Any one have any suggestions on specific items I could mention to the dealer pertaining to my issues? Or any other advice like things I could check on my own? i.e. fluids,wiring?I am good w/cars(built a few 4x's)I dont have a lot of experience w/diesels.
Thanks!
Secondary issue: I realize low numeric rear ends mean tougher towing with that big load. This would be at 55 mph, so is there an automatic that will downshift to the right gear, or should I be looking at a manual? I'd go with an underdrive or overdrive if that give the most versatility. Again, I am willing to have an imperfect towing rig to get the high mpg unloaded.
As far as the truck itself as a daily driver, a Ram MegaCab is probably not your best option only because the 3.42 axle was only introduced in the last couple of years, and only available on the automatic for 2009. Otherwise, you're looking at the 3.73 with Dodge. I have a Quad Can 4x4 dually with 3.73s, and while I can break 20, I doubt that, even with a 2WD MegaCab over my 4x4 Quad Cab, you would be consistently able to crack 24. You'd be close.
If you truly need all the rear seat space, your best option is a Ford Crew Cab with the 7.3, single rear wheels, the shortbed if you can manage it, and the lowest-numeric axle. And again, you'd be close to your 24 mpg, but no guarantees of keeping it there.
kcram - Pickups/Wagons Host
The tallest Ford ratio is a 3.73, so you will need to look for a very light configuration... Ford does make a shortbox dually crew cab, bit they are VERY hard to find, as not many people ordered them.
kcram - Pickups/Wagons Host
If fuel economy is mostly an rpm thing, why not just add an overdrive or change axle ratios on any 5.9?
In getting the best mileage from a diesel, you want the rpm as close to the torque peak as you can get for the typical road speed... for a Cummins, that sweet spot is right around 1600-1700 rpm. But since you're driving 65-70 mph, you will need the tall 6th gear of the 6-speed automatic along with that 3.42 axle, or you would need a much older truck (12-valve mechanical Cummins from 1998 or earlier).
I had a 1996 Ram 3500 Club Cab 4x4 dually, 4-speed automatic, 3.54 axles and OEM tires (LT215/85R16E). I could get 24 mpg out of it, but to do it, I had to keep my cruise control at 55. At the same speed, my 2005 Ram 3500 Quad Cab 4x4 dually with 3.73s and LT235/80R17E tires will get around 21.
kcram - Pickups/Wagons Host
Good luck to all