What are the best mods to just increase Fuel efficiency for the best price. I don't haul big loads, just drive from Colorado to Alaska with a relatively light load 2x yearly. K&N air filter is all I have done so far. Is a chip or box worth it for me?

'99 2500 4wd ExtCab Long.

 

Most any power mod will increase your mpgs as long as you keep your foot out of the pedal. Main reason is the ability to stay in higher gears longer, lower rpms equal better mpgs.

The Turbo Air Guide (TAG) has increased mpgs for some but not all folks. The vendor is great and will give you a full refund for 30 days if it doesn't perform as you'd like. Not many have been returned.
http://www.dieselpowerproducts.com/tag

Non-aggressive narrow tires run at higher pressure will also do a lot for your mpgs.

Driving by the pedal rather than the cruise also increases mpgs. The cruise on these trucks is just too sensitive, the pedal is constantly moving rather than staying in one place like a diesel likes. You can restrict the vacuum line to the cruise actuator to the size of a pin hole to slow it down. Doing this to mine netted a 2 mpg increase, the same mpgs as driving with a steady foot.

 

A 4" exhaust will help along with a mild chip such as an Edge EZ and possibly a Turbo Air Guide (TAG). Some have seen good mileage gains and lower EGTs using the TAG in the 2nd generation trucks. If you do decide to use a fueling box we definately recommend the gauges first, including a fuel pressure gauge with isolator to keep and eye on the lift pump.

 

Do you really mean LOWERED mpg, as in worse?

 

I have a feeling he meant raised.

 

You want a fuel economy champion? Here's my recipe:

-235/85R16 tires with highway tread
- Mach 1.5 EDM injectors
- Synthetic lubes front to back (especially in trans and diffs)
- Diesel Dynamics True Torque power module (NOT edge EZ)
- Thermal wrap from ATP and do your whole engine with their kit (also makes engine quiet)
- Drive at 55-60 instead of 75-80. BIG difference in mileage especially when towing
- A TAG can help with turbo efficiency
- Install a larger exhaust housing on your stock turbo (a 14cm works well to replace a 12cm)
- A Fitch fuel catalyst works well but is not cheap (>$300) so you probably won't recover the cost in fuel savings. I bought mine for smoke reduction)
- Try air tabs to lower wind resistance
- install the Wildcat Max Flow fuel system. This ensures your pump has enough fuel to operate at prime efficiency

Anything else?

Justin

 

Not only did I use the wrong word once but three times! Brain fart.

 

Some guys also say a little Stanadyne helps mileage as well.

 

What is Stanadyne? This is my first Deisel.

 

Stanadyne is a fuel additive.

 

Off Topic but Sirius satellite radio works great all the way thru Canada/Yukon and in Haines.

 

The truth of the matter is nothing you do, short of selling the fuel guzzler and getting a focus, will help your mileage. No 4" exhaust, injectors no TAG hocus pokus junk, nothing. What you get now is all you are going to get. You may change your driving style and pick up .5-1 mpg, but nothing substantial. Save your money and be happy. You could spend 2000 bucks on nice to have stuff, but it won't help the mileage issue. If you were able to get 10 or 15 % better mileage with your 2000 investment, would you be happy? Do you think gaining 1-2 mpg is worth the investment? I sure don't. If you just wanted to add these items for the fun of it, that would be fine. But if your reason is strictly for mileage, I can't see it.

 

Tell us how you *really* feel

I agree that doing mods JUST for the possbility of mileage gain is not economically feasible.

But it's nice to know that there are enhancements you can make that will increase the fun factor without punishing mileage.

Justin