PSM, DPP Cool Hose, Smarty Jr and Fuel Economy

[BryanHowell]

Lately a lot of you guys have been purchasing the combination of the Cool Hose, PSM Cool Power Intake and Smarty Jr. Some of you have added 4" Turbo and Cat-back exhausts and others just Aeroturbine mufflers. The CFM intake manifold and the smaller FASS systems also seem to be a popular items for guys going after extra mpg. I would like some feedback on whether or not these things are working for you and what gains (or not) that you are seeing. When you respond list the items that you have installed along with what fluids you are running, what kind of driving you do etc. The only calls we are getting these days are from guys wanting fuel economy. I want to make sure we are sending you in the right direction.

 

[Edgemann55]

My 05 has all you were refering to. I also installed a MBRP muffler on the stock exhaust and still have the cat in place. I run Smarty JR on level one/economy. I have a 2. 5 mpg increase across the board. 17-18mpg around town,21-22 hwy hand calculated. Also my egt's have lowered a good 300 degrees. I use to hit 1350 on a good pull up in the mountians but now my peaks are 1100 degrees or so. My truck is stock otherwise with 54000 miles. I run Amsoil in everything on the truck.

 

[moonranch]

I have the PSM, DPP and Jr. as well as CFM+ and 4" turbo-back and I run full amsoil; I have also added a tonneau cover. I get the best increase in mileage when I run the Jr on #3. I have seen a 3. 6mpg increse overall, but I drive like a grandma.

 

[smitty3500]

I will be purchasing the JR and have the mods listed. I will report back once here and flashed.

 

[BILLVO]

My 05 in stock form with a bed cover only, got around 15-18 best. With the addition of all the above things got me to a 19-20. 5 best at 67-68 mph 250 mile road trip. Since adding bug deflectors mud flaps and ranch hand bumper I am back down to 17-18 overall at 67-68 mph. That is with amsoil engine oil only, I am in the process of changing things over to amsoil as needed. I have a muffler delete pipe only. If I add any town driving at all my average tank drops to 15-17.

 

[SBeretz]

I run the PSM Intake, Cool Black Hose, TAG and the Amsoil EAA drop in filter, muffler delete, and Quadzilla X2 on Lvl I. All of the above has gotten me to over 20mpg pretty consistently. I was hovering right around 18mpg before any mods. The muffler delete was the very first "mod". After I returned from deployment I did the PSM towing intake (PSM Intake, CBH, TAG, and Amsoil EAA). That was about the best mileage I ever got, and the huge plus was the drop in EGT's. Allows me to run harder to for longer before backing out at my safe temps. Overall, that would be the same thing I would do again if I had another truck to do it to. Scotty

 

[LRutigliano]

Mods:

PSM Buick air intake with stock type aFe PG-7 filter

CFM+ intake manifold (Erik@TVP did an awesome courtesy with his post on this... )

KAX 80hp injectors

4" turbo back MBRP SS exhaust with MBRP 30" long muffler

DPP red cool hose

Smarty S-06 REVO set on level 1, stock RP, default TM and injection timing.

PML diff and trans covers/pan



Driving:

Almost 100% towing the 5er over mountain passes. Its not my daily driver.



MPG and observations:



I picked up a solid 1. 5 mpg with these mods while towing. Haven't really tested driving solo. Power difference is night and day. Truck will tow up the mountain passes in OD at 1400 rpm if I let it, but I shift into 3rd. Tons of power.



Airbox, filter, DPP cool hose and CFM + manifold helped most with haze from exhaust due to injectors. No more haze and zero black smoke.



Smarty helped lower EGTs approx 150F. Max EGT is 1150F pulling a big grade during summer at high ambients. Also felt way more power even set on level 1.



Exhaust sounds cool and probably helps keep EGTs lower, but can't verify for sure. Stock exhaust downpipe was dark brown/purple from heat, new is golden color.



Fluids:

motor... Valvoline Cummins Premium Blue 15W-40

trans... Valvoline ATF+4

front diff: Royal Purple 75W-90

rear diff: Royal Purple 75W-140



Saving for Source Automotive trans upgrades!!! :-laf I haven't experienced any issues or slipping yet, but I know its just a matter of time...



I had so much fun learning from the folks on TDR and doing most of the work myself. It was very satisfying and a relaxing hobby.



Ken Knudson at Timberline Dodge has also provided a wealth of knowledge and did the injectors. Bill and Robert at Source Automotive have also been very patient and extremely helpful.



The truck is alot more drivable. When I have driven w/o the trailer during our camping trips, my wife looks at me like I'm a total geek (I am) because the truck is pulling so hard...



Next mod I'm going to try is Power Service Diesel Kleen + Cetane Boost... Simple...