Tuning 98.5 for economy

[erobb]

Howdy folks

Don't get on here too often, I do alot of highway miles and have another job coming up that will require even more travel. With fuel prices rising steadily I was wondering if there was an add-on box that actually increases economy. I'd settle for less power if I could get more mpg. I currently have a Van aaken box before that I had an Edge EZ for about 4 years then it crapped out. With both boxes I noticed the expected power increase but mpg stayed virtually the same as stock. I notice Diablo power puck claims 3 mpg increase, as does Granatelli. Do they actually do what they say, has anyone had any real world experience with them or another brand. I currently get 17-19 highway if I could get that up to 20-22 that would be awesome.





98. 5 2500, reg cab, 4x4, 3. 55's, 5 spd, K&N filter in stock air box, straight piped, turbo silencer removed, 265-75-16 tires, fuel pressure gauge, 225k miles



erobb

 

[rotohead]

When I first got my Smarty box i drove around a tank or two on 'fuel saver' setting and it improved mpg by a couple. Then I found setting #9 and fell in love. The other day though I was playing around to see what setting "0" called 'half-power' was like. It is sluggish to drive, gets up to freeway speed somewhat slowly but when you get it there it's not bad. It has enough to keep you out of trouble if power is needed right away. I probably will set it to that 'half-power' setting again this summer and run it for a couple tanks to see what kind of mileage I get. Right now I'm getting ready to tow and #7 is the Smarty setting for awhile. Probably the only sure 'tuning' device for these truck resides in your right foot.
Chuck

 

[FTwardoch]

I track and hand calculate every tank and have since I bought the truck 30 months ago.



Just a comment on the 'fuel saver mode' of Smarty - I've tried it a couple of times, under controlled conditions (long freeway trips up to Seattle and back) and saw NO mpg improvement. And after running around on #9, and comparing the two, well, it was disappointing.



I started with the truck stock, added the Edge EZ, saw a 1mpg improvement, then added Mach 1 injectors and saw another 1mpg. Sold the EZ and went with the Smarty. I usually get around 20 mpg but since winter fuel came it's around 18 or 18. 5 no matter how I drive (Smarty on #9).



Might look at injectors. I'd sure love to hear anyone speak up about the purported '3 mpg' improvement these guys are claiming.

 

[hdtrukn]

Just a thought, swap out your 265/75 for a set of 235/85 run them near the top of their pressure range. should nab you a couple of mpg.

A nice new set of 275RV's wouldnt hurt either.

Keep HER between 2000 and 2100rpm on the highway, best rpm I found.

My 2 cents.

Scott

 

[CumminsAholic]

I second the 275 injectors. They gained me at least 1. 5-2mpg over stock. A buddy's truck I put them in said he gained 3mpg. That was a 99 5 speed. Then I had to go bigger... ah well, power is addicting. Corey