Mods for Maximizing Milage

[GhostZero]

Hey folks-



I am getting an 06 manual long bed crew cab in a couple of days, and I am thinking of putting a stage 2 cold air intake and a throttle body spacer in order to maximize fuel economy.



Does anyone have any opinions on this combination? Is there a prefered throttle body spacer for the 06 6spd? Is it necessary?



I searched this forum for "throttle body" but came up with very little...



All opinions would be appreciated!



Mark.

 

[DPKetchum]

A WHAT! For a DIESEL. Throttle body spacers are for gas engines and ONLY work on ones that have FUEL running through them. Does NOTHING on later model GAS burners with port injection.

 

[GhostZero]

AHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA I just betrayed my ignorance.



I was chatting with a co-worker, and he was talking about his throttle body spacer in his gasser. I asked if they made them for Diesels, and he said "Oh yea... " I couldn't find anything on 'em so I figured I'd ask. Well, now I know...



Thanks for saving me a few hundred bucks!

 

[DPKetchum]

It dosent work on gassers UNLESS the INJECTORS are in the throttle body. Thats not been the case in MANY years. They don't cost much. Less then $75. 00

 

[Cryotek]

Here is a Mod you can do to save some on fuel. I should patent the device if it works, here it is.



cut a 2x4 about 4" long, then place under the fuel peddle. :-laf :-laf



Now if that works I'll need some royalty money :-laf :-laf :-laf



Good luck, these trucks are way to much fun to be gentle,



"Drive it like you stole it"

 

[TowPro]

I have the same truck in 2wd. Keep it below 2000 rpm, don't race anyone, drive civilized and you should get 19-20mpg. I notice 55mph gives me 1 more MPG then 60 so they are not kidding when they say slow down.



After coming from a 2nd gen I see no need to modify anything. Way more power then the 02 had. Besides, change something and Dodge might cancel your warrantee, is it worth it?



The Jake brake is wonderful also. I leave it on all the time. Really saves on brake pad wear. (and saves on speeding tickets because it works with the cruse control on going down hills!)

 

[GhostZero]

Great suggestions! What does a typical set of breaks cost on these things? If they cost $1k, and a Jake Break can avoid one set, the ROI is pretty good.



Mark.

 

[betterthanstock]

Hey folks-



I am getting an 06 manual long bed crew cab in a couple of days, and I am thinking of putting a stage 2 cold air intake and a throttle body spacer in order to maximize fuel economy.



Does anyone have any opinions on this combination? Is there a prefered throttle body spacer for the 06 6spd? Is it necessary?



I searched this forum for "throttle body" but came up with very little...



All opinions would be appreciated!



Mark.

Diesels run without throttle (they are wide open all the time), except maybe some 80's vintage cars, to meet some part of EPA emissions.



There are three reaons why diesels get better mileage:

1. No throttle

2. Higher compression ratio

3. Higher BTU per gallon of diesel vs gas



Also, turbos add efficiency by using waste heat from your tailpipe to shove air into the engine, eliminating some pumping losses.

There are some things you can do to improve mileage, see my truck profile.

 

[Boondocker]

Properly infated tires - free.

A tonneau cover will help with highway mileage and add utility. Don't drop your tailgate, doing so increases drag.

If you still have a choice, get the smaller rearview mirrors instead of the towing mirrors - if you don't tow a lot.

2WD instead of 4WD if you can do without 4WD.

Single rear wheels instead of dual rear wheels, unless you need duallies for capacity or stability.

The return on investment based on mpg gain of a non-stock air filter isn't worth it.

All synthetic lubricants (after the break-in period ~10K mi)



Driving style

Driving style

Driving style



A controlled test for our trucks, on level highway, was done to determine the horsepower requirement at different speeds:

55 MPH --> 26HP

65 MPH --> 46HP

75 MPH --> 78HP



It costs more to be in hurry.



Cheers,

Neil