Better Mileage with transmission Upgrades

[bigflatdaddy]

Is anybody out there seeing any mileage improvements with transmission upgrades? Several products claim mileage improvements, but wondered what TDR members are actually seeing first hand. I am pondering some upgrades, when my transmission is cold and I give it a little pedal to get moving, it doesn't want to move until the RPM's are up a bit. After the first motion of the day, it doesn't repeat itself until it sits overnight. I was thinking that it might be the torque converter. If so - lost MPG??



Thanks - Paul

 

[GColeman]

What you are experiencing is normal for most 48 RE trucks. The torque converter drains overnight. Next time, try sitting in neutral for about 15 seconds before going into gear. That will allow your pump to fill the torque converter.

 

[Graphic man]

i have seen about 1/2 mpg better, sitting around 18. 5mpg @ 65mph all Hwy driving



if you get it done you will go :--) :--) :--)

 

[Boonieman]

My 2001 CTD with the 47re did the same thing and at first I thought the transmission was going out too. After I read on here somewhere that there was a check valve that often leaks thru and lets the torque converter drain after it sits for a period of time... ... I put it out of my mind and never had a problem with it. As far as a transmission upgrade improving mpg, I'd have to hear a logical explanation of how that's possible with todays lock-up torque converters most vehicles have. I guess *maybe* less slippage until the converter locks up may gain you a little, but in my mind it would be so miniscule you'd never notice. I drive a stick just because that's my preference, but I doubt there's little, if any, difference any more between a stick and and auto mpg-wise.

These are only my opinions though, and worth next to nothing.

 

[TCDiesel]

The Stock TC is about 78 to 82% efficient ,most aftermarket TC"s are 91 to 93% efficient. the reason stock manufacturers do not use higher efficient TC"s is they generate more heat in fluid coupling and at more stress to the Drive section,This is offset by higher line pressures. Some people would not like the way upgraded transmissions shifts or handles. So it"s a numbers game to the Auto manufacturers.

 

[rrausch]

Absolutely better mileage! Although by itself, the mileage improvement isn't enough to justify the expense of the upgrade. I got my trans upgraded at 107,000 miles, after many TC-slipping experiences told me I was gonna have problems before another 10,000 miles was up. I got the ATS Stage IV package, with which I can lock up the T. C. at any speed from about 20 mph on up. At first I didn't really think I'd use the Controller, but I use it all the time and I know I get better mileage because of it. Sometimes if traffic is coasting along, slow & go, on the freeways I'll set lock-up low and just keep it locked up while travelling along 25-40-25 etc. mph. In a stock situation the TC would constantly be locking and unlocking, so I figure I'm gaining on MPG.

 

[CMBOld]

Hey Rrausch, got the stage 4 too and been messin' with the controller to get used to it. When I tell the guys at work about the TC nearly stalling the motor they look at me like my hair is on fire. Makes sense though being locked up sooner and longer helping mileage. Seems to me I've lost a few RPM'S on the highway at 70 or so. My transmission guy says shift 'em yourself for less problems,but ya' gotta know your truck! Mike

 

[RMalone]

Mine gets better milage in stop and go driving (. 5-1mpg) but not when the tc is locked up (ie highway and freeway). There are many reasons to upgrade an auto transmission, but you'll never make up the cost with better milage, however your wife probably doesn't know that. :-laf

 

[rrausch]

RMalone, So True! (But honey, think of the money we'll save!)



CMB, I've got the older dial type Controller, but the principle is the same--the lower settings are for locking it up in the lower gears. I never set lockup for the lowest it will go and then let it stall the motor--something will break in a situation like that, cause that TripleLok just won't slip!



I used to have to drive to a friend's house and when I was coming back, I'd set lock-up for about 18 mph and then descend a mile-long mountainous twisty road in 2nd gear with the exhaust brake slowing me--that's an ideal situation for the lower settings on the Controller.

 

[Matt400]

What you are experiencing is normal for most 48 RE trucks. The torque converter drains overnight.

They must have changed something, my 03 was that way but now with the 05 I can let it set for a week and no delay at all.