FUEL MILEAGE IMPROVEMENTS

[KR69IDI]

I run a 2007 (early) F-450 service truck with the 6.0L. I really like the truck and I've been through the 6.0 headaches with other work trucks. So far, this one is running great. 25000 miles so far and it has not seen the shop yet. Anyways, bossman is frustrated at the fuel mileage. This truck tips the scales at 13500lbs with no trailer and I was seeing a consistent 9 MPG. My workplace reciently became a dealer for Lucas oil products. Since then I've been adding Lucas fuel treatment and have seen an increase only to 10 MPG. So now I'm thinking it's time to free up the exhaust and install a fuel mileage improver download to the ECM. Does anyone have any sucess stories on ECM programmers that improved your mileage significantly? BTW--We are a brand new company just starting up, and we are always looking at ways to lower our expenses.

Thanks!!!

 

[tgatch]

Figure a chip is going to run you $300 you might pick up 1 to 2 mpg. It's going to take a LONG time to earn the initial investment back.

Quick math

10 MPG by 10,000 miles = 1,000 gallons at $3.20 per gallon = $3200

12 MPG by 10,000 miles = 834 galllons at $3.20 = ~ $2670

That is assuming you actually see a 20% increase in mileage.

 

[KR69IDI]

Tom, If 20% is really doable, then this sounds to me to be significant savings. Your math figures a savings of $530 for every 10K miles. That would amount to nearly $2300 a year for the amount of miles that get put on the truck per year. Call me crazy, but to me that is significant!!!! Do you know of any programmer that can really do this in reality? Thanks for your input.

 

[tgatch]

I know I didn't see 20% with mine... Maybe if I quite using the power so much. A 10% increase would be about a $300 per 10,000 miles savings. Still might help.

I wonder if the International tune for this engine would be more fuel effecient. They had a 230HP @ 2600RPMs with 620lbs-ft@ 1400 RPMs. and is governed at 2800 RPMs. Maybe a custom tune to match those specs would get you better mileage?

 

[KR69IDI]

I really don't think that I could handle being governed to 2800. This truck has 4.88 rear. I'm running over 2800 alll the time. I know, I know, THERE'S YOUR PROBLEM!!!!

 

[tgatch]

Umm yeah... anything over 2,000 RPMs is going to kill mileage..

wait how fast are you driving?

4.88 with a .71 OD at 70 MPH should be somewhere near 2500RPMs

 

[KR69IDI]

Well, I'm looking for a miracle programmer that will give 20% increase at 2800-3200 cruising RPM's. What's wrong with dreaming???? It never hurts to ask does it? I guess I can give up on this unrealistic expectation. Thanks anyways.

 

[KR69IDI]

55MPH is around 2100RPM! 65MPH is over 2500RPM!! I work by the job and cover the entire state of Illinois, so I don't exactly run the speed limit. I would really love to get rid of the pesky 81mph speed limiter. If fuel mileage improvements are not possible over 2000RPM, then I certainly don't have a prayer of seeing any improvements.

 

[tgatch]

Oh you would see some fuel mileage improvement, but I doubt it would be very much.

 

[tbirdfiend281]

tgatch you also have to take into consideration hes looking for better mileage, not necessarily more power

im sure someone could write you up a tune specific to getting better gas mileage, and i think you would be able to see better mileage even at your high rev's cruising.

exhaust work may help a little also, anything that helps is worth it, and even more so because the truck is used often