Emissions compliant tuning

[User113]

It's probably not too hard to improve on any stock tuning since the OEM's goals are to find a single tune that will satisfy the most people in the most situations. I don't know what steps are involved or how much it costs to get EPA or CARB approval, but if it is reasonable, this may well be the start of a whole new industry.

 

[Diesel Gunner]

The "green" noose has been tightening for the past 15-20 years at a faster and faster rate. Nationally the regulation has been getting stricter, too, so it is not just State regulation. With the sophistication of the communication systems that are being used on new vehicles nowadays there will be a time in the near future when our own vehicles will snitch out any attempt to modify from factory settings anything that effects emission output. Maybe they already do?

Once while in the scale house here in Cordelia about 20 years ago I was chatting with a CHP Officer, and he was monitoring a bank of computer screens that I could not see. I asked him about what he was doing, and he proceeded to tell me that he was able to monitor vehicle speed, weight, registration status, and even emissions data because of communication data links that were imbedded in the roadway on HYW 80. He did say that it was limited to the newer vehicles at that time and to the transponder linked HD trucking. No doubt that the number of vehicles that have communication ability has increased significantly since then.

Keep in mind that nowadays whenever one is involved in a vehicle crash with newer vehicles the insurance company and the police will plug into the vehicle and download the data that was stored relating to the operation of the vehicle prior to and at the moment of the crash. It can supply not only vehicle speed, but also APP, steering wheel position, % brake application and accelerometer data just to name a few. I own a '17 Mustang GT which will log 0-30, 0-60, 0-100 times, braking performance, accelerometer, and has a line lock. All of which I am sure that my insurance company would be really interested in were I to be involved in crash incident. Not to mention the police or CHP. It is also equipped with a Navigation system. And, it has a location device that can be used to shut the car off remotely in the event that it is stolen. So, do I think that it is "communicating"?

Make sure that your tunes are blessed by the smog Nazi's or be willing to dance for their band if you get caught is all that I can offer. I know things were different back in the day, and I know that bombers going to bomb. Just saying.

 

[bcbender]

But why is the question, I can understand trying to "tune" if you are looking to improve FE for your needs, but my 2020 has double the power that my 04 had and has a warranty, is more comfortable and generally capable, while getting almost the same FE. so again I ask why?... I guess inherently I know the answer, just seems silly.

 

[Diesel Gunner]

But why is the question, I can understand trying to "tune" if you are looking to improve FE for your needs, but my 2020 has double the power that my 04 had and has a warranty, is more comfortable and generally capable, while getting almost the same FE. so again I ask why?... I guess inherently I know the answer, just seems silly.

Because the only thing better than 600 HP is 700HP. And, you know what is better than 700HP?

 

[SnoKing]

Because the only thing better than 600 HP is 700HP. And, you know what is better than 700HP?

Semi tractor are low on HP compared to their torque. It seem torque more important to them moving heavy loads vs HP.

 

[Diesel Gunner]

Semi tractor are low on HP compared to their torque. It seem torque more important to them moving heavy loads vs HP.

Done right they go hand in hand. Still like modifying and experimenting. The old 2001.5 pulls everything that I hook to it, and I will admit that I may not be the first to the top, but I like not having to send 1K a month to the bank. For those that do, great, I am happy for them. And I may be able to drive Spooky wherever I want to go without being tracked if I leave that cell phone behind.

 

[AH64ID]

Semi tractor are low on HP compared to their torque. It seem torque more important to them moving heavy loads vs HP.

That's a function of RPMs. Both are equally important, but remember you cannot multiply HP which is the rate at which you can do that work. Torque has no time associated with its measurement, but HP does. i.e. 1hp and 10,000 lb/ft can do lot's, but very slowly.

Jet engines are low on torque for their hp, but do lots of work with it... something about 20K rpms and slowing it down to under 300 really increases the torque.

 

[MichaelD86]

But why is the question, I can understand trying to "tune" if you are looking to improve FE for your needs, but my 2020 has double the power that my 04 had and has a warranty, is more comfortable and generally capable, while getting almost the same FE. so again I ask why?... I guess inherently I know the answer, just seems silly.

I agree. My buddy has a 2021 and it’s night and day difference from my 2010. He also gets better economy towing and “city” driving. As per my initial post which hasn’t seemed to be fully read by anyone who has answered so far, I’m looking for a little more power while towing and better milage while commuting. I had found a few options as mentioned in the post and wanted to know if anyone had experience with any of the mentioned options.

 

[MichaelD86]

Emissions compliant tunes can mean a few different things.

There are certified tunes to meet or exceed OEM emissions, or as you mentioned emissions intact tuning.

Be advised the later is still illegal like a delete, thou not as obvious and easier to reverse.

How much power are you wanting to add?

Not a ton of power. Looking for mileage and I guess some power to tow a little better. By no means looking to win a race, just want to pull better.

 

[AH64ID]

Not a ton of power. Looking for mileage and I guess some power to tow a little better. By no means looking to win a race, just want to pull better.

I would look into a Smarty Touch with EGT Probe.

It comes with standard tunes and will accept custom tunes down the road if you ever decide to go that route.

 

[NIsaacs]

But why is the question, I can understand trying to "tune" if you are looking to improve FE for your needs, but my 2020 has double the power that my 04 had and has a warranty, is more comfortable and generally capable, while getting almost the same FE. so again I ask why?... I guess inherently I know the answer, just seems silly.

The OP has a '10, so not much more power than your '04. If I had a '10 I would be looking too

2010....350/600

early 2004......305/555

late 2004........325/600

 

[bcbender]

yeah, our 12' is the "HO" 800lbft.. but it gets terrible mileage.

 

[Turbo Terry]

WOW high tech bombing You don’t even get your fingers dirty. Now ain’t that special. I like it

 

[Turbo Terry]

Bombing is a dark and dirty and expensive road to go down but it was fun sometimes. And it really did improve the truck back in the day

 

[SnoKing]

We called it a slippery slope back in the day. My 2001.5 ended up with a custom DTT transmission, Banks EB / Magnaflow 4" exhaust, stage one injectors, Comp without tapping the pump(so EZ mode), HY replaced with a PDR-35/12cm, Airtex fuel pump, steering box support, 2 low kit and lots of gauges. And the beat goes on!!!

 

[Diesel Gunner]

Bombing is a dark and dirty and expensive road to go down but it was fun sometimes. And it really did improve the truck back in the day

The biggest problem today is the Smog Nazis. There are now National and State regs regarding modification, elimination, or reprogramming of any engine or emission related equipment. Living here in Kommiefornia my truck has to be sniffed by the Smog Nazi's every two years. Took it in to a shop once and the "Tech" would not pass it because he said that I had an aftermarket turbo on it. Unfortunately, it is the same turbocharger that was installed on the engine when the truck was built down in old Mexico and is still bolted to the exhaust manifold today 207K later. Have taken all of my business to another smog station and a man that I trust.

If you decide to BOMB your truck, make sure that whatever you buy has an EO Number. Here we have roadside smog inspection stations, just like sobriety check points. They concentrate on diesel pickups. You are not required to allow them to test your vehicle, last I heard, but you will get an additional fee on your registration if you don't. So that leads me to believe that it is more about collecting additional money to feed the addictions of the genii that occupy our Capitol than it is about cleaning up the air. (You know, like China and India are doing, right?)

If I had a new truck, I would probably not do anything to it that would put me into any possible situation emissions wise. The fines are ginormous (in the realm of $10K) and you are right, they already have plenty of power. Buuutttt...maybe just a little more power would be just the right amount of power? And then...

 

[tommyturbo]

I have a 2010 6.7 with 68rfe trans. Bone stock as far as engine goes. With the way things are going EPA wise I don’t think I want to delete it. I’ve been google searching various options and have found a lot. I’ve looked at the Stealth Module, Banks/super chips hand held tuner, and the more expensive options from Calibrated power. Some require or suggest peripheral mods like FPR shims, or high pressure kits for the trans.

My main goal is a little better mileage for daily driving as I commute with my truck and some more power and responsiveness while towing my 12k toy hauler camping. I live in Colorado and most trips require pulling grade of some sort. I have no desire to race people or romp on it. I want reliability and some better performance.

Does anyone have experience with a emissions in tact tuning and if so, how do you like it and what products do you suggest?

MichaelD86. I am surprised that your TDR research did not come up with a ton of tuner info for deleted or emissions intact 2007.5-2012.
Even I have posted way back on the Banks Automind C.A.R.B. blessed programmer. You can PM me or call for any performance and
milage gain info and the all-around benefits. I'm still happy with the performance with the Banks for the last 10 years. Always
passes smog. 400/800 max rear wheel power. I keep it on the tow setting for daily driver. Handles like a 1/2 ton. For you,
check out the Banks Automind 66412.
Regards,
TommyTurbo

 

[MichaelD86]

MichaelD86. I am surprised that your TDR research did not come up with a ton of tuner info for deleted or emissions intact 2007.5-2012.
Even I have posted way back on the Banks Automind C.A.R.B. blessed programmer. You can PM me or call for any performance and
milage gain info and the all-around benefits. I'm still happy with the performance with the Banks for the last 10 years. Always
passes smog. 400/800 max rear wheel power. I keep it on the tow setting for daily driver. Handles like a 1/2 ton. For you,
check out the Banks Automind 66412.
Regards,
TommyTurbo

Thanks. I have looked at that tuner and wondered about it compared to others. I’ll keep it in mind.

 

[SnoKing]

We called it a slippery slope back in the day. My 2001.5 ended up with a custom DTT transmission, Banks EB / Magnaflow 4" exhaust, stage one injectors, Comp without tapping the pump(so EZ mode), HY replaced with a PDR-35/12cm, Airtex fuel pump, steering box support, 2 low kit and lots of gauges. And the beat goes on!!!

View attachment 132205

Oh, and I built my own front receiver from a junk yard rear receiver. Loved that truck for 14 years.

 

[Turbo Terry]

I really like your front hitch build I loved my 99 for 23 years now love my new one gone but not forgotten