Tuning for max MPG

[Hans]

Any guys out there looking to get the best mileage?

My trailer is light (7k lbs) and I have plenty of torque. I am wondering if better software with a more free breathing engine would lead to better mpg while towing.

FWIW my truck is stock and I am yet to tow with it. Just looking for options. I've got two long trips coming in April which should give me some base values for mpg while towing. Just trying to get a head start.....the mod bug has bitten me.

Thanks

 

[rgdillon]

Hans,

Your truck is no where near ready to get it's best fuel mileage. She is brand new and not even close to be broken in. That will come in another 30 -40K miles.
But you can do several things. Don't overlook the basic's - tire pressure, lose any extra weight, use cruise control, use a lighter weight oil when you can, etc etc.

As for mods - let's start with the intake. Since your new to all of this - the stock filter that comes with your truck is an excellent filter. Unless your racing I see no reason to change it. Should last you between 20 and 40K. Exhaust - changing over to a four inch exhaust will do wonders to lower your EGT's. You do have a cat on your truck - do what you want - just know it's a federal fine to remove it. But she will flow very free without it.

Tuners, boxes, etc. You run a very high risk of voiding your warranty by installing any of these - it's in your manual and on the motor itself. That said - the old expression of "you ain't see nothing yet" comes to mind It's your choice of do you want to program or simply flip a switch? Either or any of them will create gobs of power and torque that will plant a permanet smile on your face. In addition - most all will increase your mileage by 2 to 6 mpg's easy. This is of course once you get past the right foot deal.

Don't overlook your trailer either - same deal - check tires for pressure, greased axles, brake controller properly set (no drag - I see a lot of guys set the gains to high) lighten the load - etc etc.

And - you will have to find your trucks "sweet" spot. Somewhere around 2K rpms you will find that she gets her best mileage.

Anyway - this all is a start for you. Check out the site vendors - support them when ever possible as they support this site.

Good luck with it all.

Ron

 

[Hans]

Thanks Ron,

I have to keep the cat because my truck gets inspected every year. Otherwise, I'll look into the exhaust. As far as software is concerned, reliability is my top concern. The only tidbit that suprises me is that I might wait 40k miles before my truck is getting its best milage. Why is that?

 

[ranger boy]

Programmer's brought my mileage up 2 mpg when I keep it light (but I also got a lift at the same time as the programmer so it could be up to 4 mpg better)

 

[rgdillon]

Thanks Ron,

I have to keep the cat because my truck gets inspected every year. Otherwise, I'll look into the exhaust. As far as software is concerned, reliability is my top concern. The only tidbit that suprises me is that I might wait 40k miles before my truck is getting its best milage. Why is that?

Takes about that many miles for her to get broken in. On my 01-7.3 - mileage went up at around the 35K mark. On the 6.0 here - it really hasn't changed much since about the mid 20's - maybe 1 or 2 at the most. Have just a little over 40K on her right now.

Ron

 

[DiscountPowerParts]

A heavy spring on the back of your fuel pedal will help alot. Once you get your mods you will need some way to keep tires on the thing.. 11K miles and Im on my second set. lol

 

[lugnut]

i just put the hypertech power module on mine. power increase is awesome. fuel mileage went up almost five mpg!

 

[firesoutmatt]

i just put the hypertech power module on mine. power increase is awesome. fuel mileage went up almost five mpg!

Hypertech should use you for their commercials.

 

[JohnBoyToo]

FIVE MPG ?!?!

 

[kiarasue]

fuel mileage

I thought I was tuning for mileage, ever since 2001. I have huge power increases but still only 15.8 in town and 17.00 on the road. My Nephew has 6.2 GM that pulls down 23mpg with no problem.