BajaNomad - Better fuel mileage!!!

Better fuel mileage!!!

Baja&Back - 10-1-2010 at 09:57 PM

Info for those of you who drive up and down Baja a lot:

I recently chipped my Cummins diesel Ram 3500. Bought the Mileage XS from Superchips. They claim up to 20% better fuel mileage, but I didn't know what to expect.

4 MPG better city & hiway, 3.2 MPG better hauling a 14,000 lb trailer. WOW!!! ... AND 40 more horsepower, to boot.
Will pay for itself this winter!!!

Disclaimer: I don't work for Superchips.
Their online registration and software upgrade system sucks, but I'll put up with that for the increased mileage. :tumble:

mcfez - 10-2-2010 at 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Baja&Back
Info for those of you who drive up and down Baja a lot:

I recently chipped my Cummins diesel Ram 3500. Bought the Mileage XS from Superchips. They claim up to 20% better fuel mileage, but I didn't know what to expect.

4 MPG better city & hiway, 3.2 MPG better hauling a 14,000 lb trailer. WOW!!! ... AND 40 more horsepower, to boot.
Will pay for itself this winter!!!

Disclaimer: I don't work for Superchips.
Their online registration and software upgrade system sucks, but I'll put up with that for the increased mileage. :tumble:

How much bucko's was this unit? Oh...if u dont mind...cost of installation? Certain type of gasoline required?

bajaguy - 10-2-2010 at 07:25 AM

What year is your Dodge???

Baja&Back - 10-2-2010 at 08:56 AM

My Ram is 2004.5, the HO Cummins diesel with 325 HP stock. Between this chip & a K&N cold air induction system, it's now about 370 HP and 660 ft/lbs of torque. These mods are SO worthwhile, as I pull the 5th wheel 9000 miles a year.

I paid $275 online. It's a reprogrammer, so you plug it into the data port under your dash, follow onscreen instructions and then unhook it. No permanent installation in the vehicle. Useable for gas or diesel (you specify your rig when ordering).

Marc - 10-2-2010 at 09:16 AM

Available for other models & gas? Can you post a link?

You have a cool website. I am forwarding it to my buddy in WI who doesn't want to take his rig down alone.

durrelllrobert - 10-2-2010 at 09:42 AM

can anyone explain why my 6000 lb Yukon with traction control (posi-traction?) gets 2- 3 mpg improvent on highway when switch is turned off :?:

BillP - 10-2-2010 at 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Baja&Back
My Ram is 2004.5, the HO Cummins diesel with 325 HP stock. Between this chip & a K&N cold air induction system, it's now about 370 HP and 660 ft/lbs of torque. These mods are SO worthwhile, as I pull the 5th wheel 9000 miles a year.

I paid $275 online. It's a reprogrammer, so you plug it into the data port under your dash, follow onscreen instructions and then unhook it. No permanent installation in the vehicle. Useable for gas or diesel (you specify your rig when ordering).

I hope you have an exhaust temp gauge and know what the temp threshold should be. With the increased HP comes an increase in heat, it's very easy to burn a diesel motor down on long grades.

Lee - 10-2-2010 at 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Baja&Back
4 MPG better city & hiway, 3.2 MPG better hauling a 14,000 lb trailer. WOW!!! ... AND 40 more horsepower, to boot.
Will pay for itself this winter!!!

I'm surprised no one has asked this question.

What mpg were you getting before?

Chips/K&N air systems cancel warranties but then you know that.

You need the gauges pulling a 5ver or there'll be trouble.

bajalou - 10-2-2010 at 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by durrelllrobert
can anyone explain why my 6000 lb Yukon with traction control (posi-traction?) gets 2- 3 mpg improvement on highway when switch is turned off :?:

Posi-traction is a system attempts to keep both wheels turning at the same speed so it brakes one wheel while turning. A little more complicated, but that's the idea.

Bob and Susan - 10-3-2010 at 06:11 AM

so... how much did the k&n filter cost (required for the AIR)
and how much is an exhust temp guage going to cost installed

an increase in cylinder temperature does produce extra power
but it leads to engine damage
ie: burned valves and broken pistons

chips do work...but have limits
they can wreck your motor

holes in pistons will be hard to repair on the road in baja

i'll be interested in a report AFTER you travel this winter
AFTER you "test" it out ie: 50k miles (thats 80k kilometers)

bajaandback...remember
you can ALWAYS leave your rig here while you
get a new engine delivered :saint:

im a BIG beliver in NOT touching
an "engineered" truck or car engine...sorry

i'd get another truck before changing the "chip"
my 2 cents

Chipping Away

MrBillM - 10-3-2010 at 09:02 AM

Since I have as much Firsthand experience as Bob & Susan, I may as well mention mine.

Which is simply knowing quite a few people with Diesels who have used the Chip Programming method to enhance their performance. Not a single one of them suffered any negative results and ALL appreciated the enhanced capabilities.

HOWEVER, I have read comments in various magazines, mostly RV, Trailer Life, etc. The common thread among those seems to be the common thread regarding Many items in those publications.

That Common thread has been: OOOOLLLDDD ! Let's face it, the percentage of Diesel Trucks owned by Aged RVers is especially high and many of them would need a detailed map (and perhaps a guide) to find the Bathroom. I can't count the number of them who have shared their experience of pumping Gasoline into their Diesels, among other things. Many things which are not Rocket-Science are nontheless way beyond their capabilities.

Yes, there are certain people who should not attempt these things.

mtgoat666 - 10-3-2010 at 09:12 AM

Quote:

i guess that is an OK experiment, as long as your warranty is expired. would be silly to do in a truck that still had warranty (such changes void the warranty).

Baja&Back - 10-3-2010 at 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Marc
Available for other models & gas? Can you post a link?

You have a cool website. I am forwarding it to my buddy in WI who doesn't want to take his rig down alone.

Bought it here: http://www.autoanything.com/performance-chips/61A4202A0A0A25... Retail is higher other places. There are versions for most vehicles.
Thanks for the compliment. We will look forward to a call from him!

Yes, we have an EGT guage.

Bob: The K&N kit was $275 at Kragen. Gives about 10 HP extra with the extra breathing. I'm not interested in those 150 HP chips, which can kill engines. I want the mileage. The Cummins was designed for 500 HP, but like most manufacturers, they detune the engine to reduce warrantee claims.
Wont need to leave the TH at your place, but will drop by for a Pacifico.

Whistler: The 2004.5 IS different. A little sticker on the rocker cover says 325 HP. Cummins wouldn't lie.

Happy Trails to all. :lol:

Bob and Susan - 10-3-2010 at 09:47 AM

i'm was thinking about a k&n for my ford 250 gas model

i'm going thru air filters every 4000 miles
lots of fine dust down here

the aftermarket air filter is almost $15

so doing the math....
$275/15=18.3times
18.3*4000mi= 73,000miles to break even cost

that means i'd have 100k on the truck
and time for me to sell it

the idea of 10hp would is nice
but i think in newer trucks
the computer would react to the
additional airflow and "detune"
to meet the smog requirments

to get the 10hp extra i would NEED the "chip"
and void my warranty

Avoiding Voiding

MrBillM - 10-3-2010 at 11:32 AM

I have two friends with New (at the time) Chevy Duramax Diesels who went the chip route and, whenever they had related or unrelated warranty issues, they simply restored everything to stock before heading to the dealer. Reprogramming again once they got the vehicle back.

Baja&Back - 10-3-2010 at 12:00 PM

Right, BillM. Takes 3 minutes to return onboard computer readings to stock.

What this unit does is to copy the entire factory engine computer program onto the tuner, and then copy Superchips modified program into the vehicle. This is of course reversible. It's just file copying for $275.
It changes the fuel pressure and timing settings to achieve better economy, lower EGT, and slightly higher horsepower & torque. Dodge could have done this, but have to meet EPA emissions standards in the US.

(Don't start bugging me about polluting - talk to Bethlehem Steel.)
:!:

Bob: just do the filter.

slimshady - 10-3-2010 at 12:10 PM

I put a KN filter airtake, Hypertech chip, and Gibson exhaust on my Sierra 1500. cost about 1000k. It increased horsepower by 30 and gave me approx. 2 mpg. In the long run it makes a difference.

mtgoat666 - 10-3-2010 at 12:12 PM

cross your fingers you don't get in an accident where your insurer examines car/computer. you may find your insurance claim rejected for modifying vehicle. you may have to sell your house to cover rejected liability claim :!:

monoloco - 10-3-2010 at 12:31 PM

The K&N filters have gotten poor reviews for letting particles through. I went with an AFE.

rts551 - 10-3-2010 at 01:46 PM

Glenn

I thought therewas an aftermarket pump that could be used instead uf using the in tank recall pump.

Quote:

Originally posted by whistler
I would be more concern with lift pump failure for the 2004.5 Dodge diesels(mounted in the engine compartment)It was an issue.If it fails you are dead in the water.You can't buy a spare pump since the replacement is mounted in the tank.

Baja&Back - 10-3-2010 at 01:47 PM

Mgoat: I don't think so, Tim.

Whistler: Mine went 2 months ago. On my truck, it's mounted in left wheel well, not tank. Fortunately.
You got the same as me? 1 ton? Bully on the Bullydog! ;-)

Bob and Susan - 10-3-2010 at 03:26 PM

one of mine failed right at the border...at dusk

it wasn't fun
warrantee repair after i towed it across the border to the dealer

Baja&Back - 10-3-2010 at 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
one of mine failed right at the border...at dusk
it wasn't fun
warrantee repair after i towed it across the border to the dealer

Well, aren't you lucky, Bob. Those things are engineered to go just AFTER the warrantee is up.
:lol:

bajamedic - 10-4-2010 at 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by whistler
My lift pump has not failed as of yet.I keep a BD diesel pump as a spare just in case.It by passes the stock pump.
Yup,one ton.

What is your BD pump and is this something you keep in the glove box as a just-in-case part or is it installed inline, my 2001 Dodge with that mighty Cummins is still running on the factory original. JH

Bob and Susan - 10-4-2010 at 02:20 PM

the kit is about $80

seems like a lot to carry
the pump may not go out for along time :light:

bajamedic - 10-4-2010 at 10:59 PM

I will look into installing the lift pump pressure gauge. Is there a preferred supplier and what kind of pressure variation should I expect (highs/lows). JH

Hook - 10-5-2010 at 08:45 AM

Agree about the bad reviews on the K & N. I went with AFE as well on my Powerstroke.