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Old 06-30-2011, 10:31 AM   #1
Art
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8.1 Liter Perfroamce Chip?

Has anyone tried a performance chip in their 8.1L gasser? I was wondering if it would help mpg without harming it when towing. Thanks!
 
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Old 06-30-2011, 03:05 PM   #2
bear
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Art,
I have an 05 8.1 4x4 4 door short bed,I have talked to GM techs, high performance techs,countless auto experts, ALL say same thing nothing,nothing,nothing will change mpg. what they do say is ,keep air pressure in tires at max,change oil every 2500 miles ,keep truck washed and waxed.

I get 9 mpg,with or without Monty

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David in beautiful Coeur d Alene, Idaho
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Old 06-30-2011, 05:56 PM   #3
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by bear

Art,
I have an 05 8.1 4x4 4 door short bed,I have talked to GM techs, high performance techs,countless auto experts, ALL say same thing nothing,nothing,nothing will change mpg. what they do say is ,keep air pressure in tires at max,change oil every 2500 miles ,keep truck washed and waxed.

I get 9 mpg,with or without Monty

God Bless

David in beautiful Coeur d Alene, Idaho
David, I'm a little confused...you say "nothing,nothing,nothing will change mpg". But then make suggestions for doing just that? If you mean there are no "chips" that will help that particular engine, that may be true (diesels are another story however). Not sure how effective changing oil every 2,500 miles is at enhancing mileage...seems like you would spend far more in oil changes (unnecessary ones) than any savings in fuel bills. Using a good synthetic oil (I like Mobil 1) and changing oil more like every 5000 to 7500 miles depending on vehicle use is more likely to help mileage (although only slightly).
So actually, there are a number of things that can "change mpg"...the biggest factor is usually going to be driving habits.
Hard to imagine that you get the same mileage whether towing or not?!!
Love my Cummins! (19-20 mpg hwy unloaded, 13 towing Monty).
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Old 07-02-2011, 12:07 PM   #4
Allen in MT
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Kingdaddy, are you running a smarty jr ?? if so how do you like it and what are your settings
Allen
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Old 07-02-2011, 03:26 PM   #5
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I love my 8.1/Allison combo. I have a 3.73 rear end. With this combo, I get 14mpg solo and 8-10 mpg towing. My TT runs about 12K loaded. I've towed in just about every terain-mountians, deserts, plains, hills, cold(-20), hot(110). It just goes!
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Old 07-03-2011, 05:37 AM   #6
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The 8.1 are probably like the 5.3 in that just installing a chip will not help much. You will need to install a mass air flow sensor. It will allow the computer to allow more air into the engine. Then you will need a new air box and pipe to the intake manifold. The one that is on your truck now is probably designed it cut down on noise. All of this will help your power a lot, and should increase your mileage. Any engine is a air pump. You need to get air in and out as efficiently as possible. The easier you get air in and out the more efficient the engine is.
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Old 07-05-2011, 04:24 AM   #7
Art
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Thanks for your input! My 7.1-7.8 mpg pulling my 14000+ (my wife's clothes) fifth wheel is probably normal for that engine. It DOES pull! I should be satisfied and stop trying to squeeze more out of it. The gas prices just make me think about better mpg's! I can get 12.5 mpg solo with a 4.10 axle. Again, thanks guys!
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