What are the best Mileage increasing mods

[Blownaway]

I am wondering what the best mods are for increasing mileage without costing a fortune, My first thoughts are, TAG,Better air filter, Maybe exhaust but I don't want to rip off the exhaust already.

 

[StephenThomas]

TTPM

After installing Diesel Dynamics True Torque Power Module in my 2001 Ram (recently sold), my gas mileage increased by about 2 miles/gal. Paid for itself in my opinion.



As for my 2004, the TTPM will be installed very soon..... i'm not sure if will have the same impact as before, but time will tell.

 

[ddutil]

Stephen, keep us posted on this! Thanks, Dan

 

[Dean Upson]

I can increase my mileage a little just by watching my boost gauge. I try to keep it around or under 10 psi or so if I am not in a real rush and not towing.



Dean

 

[CATCRACKER]

boost is almost directly proportinal to fuel being dumped. dean is exactly right.



a box with timing is going to give you the most mpg increase. that is is you can keep your foot out of the throttle after adding the extra hp

 

[StephenThomas]

Tonneau cover???

Lets not forget the tonneau cover for better gas mileage fellas. I've never had one, but I can't remember talking to someone that did that didn't mention that it improved their mileage.



Any tonneau owners out there that can back this up? or dispute it??

 

[RDietze]

1. keep your right foot out of it (drive g'pa style - gradual accelerations and decelerations) COST = FREE!

2. don't add things that will increase drag -- bug deflectors, visors, extensive lifts, bigger tires COST = FREE!

3. increase the effieciency of airflow through your engine -- intake, scotty3/afe/bhaf exhaust 4" w/straight through muffler COST = NOT FREE!

4. fuel box (i would wait for the latest ones to come out for the 3g -- edge/tst?... ) COST = NOT FREE!

5. break your engine in ~ 15k miles COST = NOT FREE (fuel)



hope this helps

 

[Dean Upson]

Re: Tonneau cover???

Originally posted by StephenThomas

Lets not forget the tonneau cover for better gas mileage fellas. I've never had one, but I can't remember talking to someone that did that didn't mention that it improved their mileage.



Any tonneau owners out there that can back this up? or dispute it??

I can't honestly say that I've noticed any difference in mileage with the tonneau cover. If there is any difference it is slight on my truck, at least.



Dean

 

[Casey Balvert]

Re: Tonneau cover???

Originally posted by StephenThomas

Lets not forget the tonneau cover for better gas mileage fellas. I've never had one, but I can't remember talking to someone that did that didn't mention that it improved their mileage.



Any tonneau owners out there that can back this up? or dispute it??

This should answer your questions about tonneau covers and their effect on aerodynamic drag.



Casey



http://mars.wnec.edu/~ehaffner/did.htm

 

[Blownaway]

As for airflow, what are the most cost efficient mods, I would like to replace the air filter,should I wait for the money to do the whole cold air intake or just the filter. Is the stock muffler 4" replacement worth some mileage.

 

[RDietze]

Originally posted by Blownaway

As for airflow, what are the most cost efficient mods, I would like to replace the air filter,should I wait for the money to do the whole cold air intake or just the filter. Is the stock muffler 4" replacement worth some mileage.

you could spend $220 and get the scotty 3 (best COLD air unit on market for ctd) OR, you could do what Gypsyman has planned in the following thread:



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=86439

 

[draymorris]

Synthetics

My truck is all stock except for the Amsoil and the TAG. The Amsoil gave me at least 2 MPG empty and normally closer to 3 MPG. The TAG I have not had long enough yet to tell. I plan on posting when I get some good data.



As for air flow, I do agree that it helps. My plans:



First - exhaust. Eliminating this restriction will keep your EGT down for future mods if you get to that point. Also, IMO, if you can't get the air out fast enough why do you need more air in - with a high flow filter. I had a friend with a 92 that only put a straight pipe in and saw a 2 MPG increase.



Second - The air filter. My filterminder seems to work - I pulled it out, sucked on it, and it showed a vacuum real easy. After I replace the exhaust I will keep and eye on it, just to see! In the past I have had a 97 with a K&N, and an 02 with an Amsoil filter. Niether filters caused a sure MPG increase by themselves. Maybe . 5 MPG but that is not enough to tell. Both trucks had no exhuast mods. Also in the past, on those trucks and my current 03, when using the stock filters, I never saw an MPG problem based on a plugged filter - even though the filter looked really dirty. I did see a MPG decrease with the Amsoil after driving in a dust storm.



Third - chip. A lot of people on this site see increases with certain chips. Which one is best - ???? I will keep my eyes open. Keep this thread going if you make mods.

 

[Elite1]

I noticed a gain in mileage (about 1/2 mile to gal. ) and throttle response when adding the AFE7 filter system. Then noticed about a 2 mile per gal. gain when I added the "Volumizer" box, and a huge performance increase.

 

[mhenon]

Tonneau cover +++

My mileage jumped instantly from 22+ mpg to 24+ mpg after installing the tonneau cover. This was checked on consecutive inter-state runs from Boise Id to Seattle WA and back. Each trip was about 1100 miles, round trip.

I think I figured this cover would pay for itself in 100,000 miles or so. If you purchase a less expensive cover then mine that figure would of course drop.

This has got to be the best mileage increase without playing with the engine (chips, injectors etc. . ).

I'm really interested in the TAG as the "claimed" mileage increase while towing looked pretty good. Can anyone confirm the claims using the TAG. For $150. 00 bucks this could be the cheapest up-grade yet.



Mike

 

[JohndeereG]

I removed the factory air box and replaced it with the aFe filter assembly and I saw a dramatic increase in mileage both city/highway. I recently added the TAG and I have seen a small increase when driving empty and a noticeable difference when towing.



I agree with Dean that Boost levels need to be maintained. I don't stare at my boost gauge but I am mentally aware as I drive what causes that red needle to go up.

 

[draymorris]

Hey JohndeereG

Does the AFE filter assembly come with a replacement tube - and if so, did the TAG fit OK? Do you have an exhaust mod on your truck? If so, any milage increase there? Don't many people put air filters and exhaust on at the same time? It would be hard to see which caused the increase in MPG.

 

[Russknh]

Nothing you do to the engine will give you as large of increase as the proper designed camper shell (or topper) as it is called in some parts of the country

 

[DPKetchum]

Old principle. AIR IN AIR OUT. You mentioned did NOT want to do exhaust. That and a AIR BOX ought to be the FIRST thing done to increase mileage. Factory exhaust only flows about 325cfm. The banks system flows 925cfm. Same with air coming in. That and tire psi etc. The rest of the stuff air psi etc/covers etc is minor minor grabs a mileage increases. Just my 02 worth. I'm not so sure yet about this tag thing. Kinda like the Tornado thing. Kinda flaky if you ask me. Same with pour in FRICTION modifiers.

 

[JohndeereG]

Re: Hey JohndeereG

Originally posted by draymorris

Does the AFE filter assembly come with a replacement tube - and if so, did the TAG fit OK? Do you have an exhaust mod on your truck? If so, any mileage increase there? Don't many people put air filters and exhaust on at the same time? It would be hard to see which caused the increase in MPG.

You last comment is the easiest to answer because I had the aFe for probably 5 weeks before I installed the TAG. So I can compare the results of before and after.



Here comes the gray area. I noticed a drop in my mileage around 14,000 miles which I contributed to an original air/fuel filter. I changed the fuel filter and added the aFe at the same time. I immediately noticed about a 7 mpg increase but I can honestly say it was the combination of the two. But when I compare my mileage at say 10,000 miles and to where I am currently at. I feel that aFe added 1-3 mpg depending on city/highway.



The TAG added . 5-1 empty but much higher when towing. I still averaged 19 mpg this past Sunday while towing 5,000# of trailer and steel. I feel that the TAG helped the towing mileage.



I have not done anything to my exhaust at this time. I am really anxious to go to a 4" brand X but X-mas is taking a higher priority. I am still using the factory intake pipes including the plastic vaned tube. The fabricator who does my stainless exhaust for my pulling tractors is working on a replacement for the OEM intake tube. The TAG actually fits in the intake throat of the turbo up against the silencer ring and cradled by the rubber hose.

 

[DocDetonancour]

What brand tonneau?

mhenon, what type are you using. Also what is TAG? Thanks, Doc