TIP #158 Performance Chip Emissions Control Release Mean Possibly Fuel Economy?

Submitted: Saturday, Apr 21, 2007 at 00:04
ThreadID: 123528 Views:5210 Replies:5 FollowUps:9
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Yea, there is a mouthful… The answer is yes there is good evidence some of the “Chip Up” units can improve fuel economy on some vehicles and for some Drivers that can keep their foot out of it.. On my F-350 I have the “Platinum” EDGE JUICE and ATTITUDE Module. 5 selections, Economy, Tow/Haul, and three Power Settings. Also reads out EGT (Exhaust Gas Temp) Engine Temp, Transmission Temp, and Boost, all on one LCD Screen in four quadrants digital. The beauty of this module is two fold, one it reads DTCs, (engine codes) and explains them in simple english instead of just codes, but also it has EGT, Eng Temp, Tranny Temp, and Boost, safety parameters built in, as well as a programmable Turbo Timer… So you can add performance and if you exceed any safety parameters it returns you to stock automatically.

Look, I do Research all the time for a Lifestyle, and there is something here for you to consider, and that is an apparent potential for fuel economy increase… I do not think I will use the power settings, unless I have to stomp a Duramax or Cummins.. Ha! Just kidding… But I will use Economy and Tow/Haul modes and have automatic safety settings in place. And it is nice to see engine and tranny temperatures in digital form right there on the readout. The beauty of this system is that it is approved by my Dealer, Warranty, and Extended aftermarket Warranty and was installed by the Dealer, due to the safety parameters built into the system which mean you cannot abuse any of the gear.. I will also enjoy having the DTC reader. Often a fix on one of these engines, is just a clean of a plug terminal on one of the electronic sensors... This will affect such a minor repair in the Bush.. On the 7.3 Litre PSD commonly in Australia for instance, you need to carry a spare CPS, (Cam Position Sensor) $100 item, as it was designed as a renewable part, like hoses and fan belts… Anyway, the Edge will tell you the Codes… And tell you what the fix is, and sometimes on a sensor on these newer style of engines it is just a clean of the plug connection point on the sensor or the sensor itself… Almost all of these performance enhancing modules have this capability now to trouble shoot your engine.

Now the point of all of this, is not the “Edge”, there are many such performance enhancing units out there in the same category… There is another one that I have studied now call “Quadzilla” that is probably better and has higher horsepower. The “Edge” is just the one that my Dealer had and installed so it may be that its lower horsepower and protective features returning to a stock tune outside of preset parameters means that he thought it was safer to use for Warranty and Extended Warranty reasons… Anyway the point is: It appears that I get better fuel economy on level 3, than on stock…??????? How could this be??? The engineering concept of performance enhancement increasing horsepower and also increasing fuel economy??? I am sure you are going to hear someone out there say NO WAY, increase horsepower means worse fuel economy.. Well, once again, you might stop and realize that the lone Ranger has now had 3 Effies in Oz, and does research full time, and does have a clue… Here in the Engineering Performance reasons:

In America, (target market for Toyota as well as all the others with 300 Million people), there are emission controls on ALL vehicles, that relate to air quality in the inner cities. What they have done, to appease the Rabid Greenies, is even jump onto diesels case, and they want NO visible emissions. Forget that it is natural to buck out a little black carbon when you get a diesel going, they do not want to see it… So the Manufacturers have designed in things like EGR Exhaust Gas Recirculators) and other sensors running Variable Pitch Turbos blasting in Boost of high intake manifold pressures on low RPMs, engine timing changes, all sorts of variables to eliminate ALL VISIBLE emissions… Is this right? Well for the inner city, yes for air quality control.. But for the planet in general, there is mounting evidence that it just flat burns more fuel as it chokes up the diesels performance a little with EGRs and all. That is where the performance enhancing products can come into the equation.

Yes their primary goal is MORE HORSEPOWER for the “gear nuts” or really heavy towing jobs. But for general driving around some of these units start removing the emission controls on the lower levels. There is about a kilometer per litre difference in mine. My problem, is I cannot help myself but blow off some Hoon driving badly trying to pass me on the wrong side or something… But if you keep you foot out of it, and drive light footed with light acceleration and keep the speed down (under 2000 rpm on the Fords for instance), if you do all that you can possibly increase your fuel economy in most vehicles. Unloaded and not towing, this is a real possibility, with the right driving habits.

On my “Edge” Number 1 position is “Economy”, 2 for “Towing”, 3 is called “Drive”, 4 is “Race” and 5 is “Extreme” with a 100 hp boost and you can go higher with some modules. On Warranty, you could have a conflict with Ford or Toyota, that is another subject, and you need to be aware of it. But Edge reports some people getting better fuel economy driving light footed from 3 to 5, not just on the Position 1 or 2… It varies with driving habits and load. IF you use the power, driving heavy footed, then NO… That is why some people with Toyota for instance and the P Chip, are reporting better fuel economy, while others are reporting just better performance.

Talk it around the fire with the other Owners of your particular tow vehicle and do your homework, but I am seeing a pattern with all of the new electronically run engines, in that the lower levels of performance enhancing modules remove the emission controls and can increase fuel economy. This is not good for air quality in the inner city, but I am convinced it IS good for the planet if it results in better fuel economy. (As well as your pocketbook).

There are definite limits on towing, only safe at certain Chip Up levels to protect your transmission. But this is something for you to look into. I can run around on level 3 or whatever I get the best fuel economy on, and go down to level 2 for Towing.. It is a simple push of the button… Around the fire, talk it up with your fellow Toyota, Ford, Nissan, or whatever Owners, as I think this is the future… There are good reports of up to 5-10% increased fuel economy.

Regards from the lone Ranger…

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Reply By: NIK `N` OFF - Saturday, Apr 21, 2007 at 02:46

Saturday, Apr 21, 2007 at 02:46
G'Day Steve,

I know many Toyota owners that have chipped their Cruisers and very happy with the result, one bogger Coops has a P box on his 100TD and very pleased.

I was talking to a couple of fellow 7.3 owners in the past couple of days, one had a piggy back module that gave the EGT & other temps via a LED readout, I do not recall the name of the module, he also had a larger Banks turbo manifold & custom 5" dump pipe & 5" SS exhaust system with no muffler and boy did it sound sweet!!

The other chap i spoke to had a Super Chip purchased from Burpengary Diesel [if thats spelt correctly] He also was very happy with the increased performance & better economy he achieved.

Black Cobra mentioned to me also about a Ford fitted chip he was looking into, but i have no further details.

My only complaint with the F250's power is it feels restricted when cruising at 100 and putting the foot down, i would have expected a decent surge forward but it feels very sedate.

I may look into the try before you buy method before i decide.
AnswerID: 571228

Follow Up By: Bushtracker - Saturday, Apr 21, 2007 at 03:13

Saturday, Apr 21, 2007 at 03:13
Mick,
From all my research that is a million km engine with about 150 HP in reserve... The problem is the transmission will not take it so be careful. You do feel each level you go up with more response and firmer shifting, and synthetic is mandatory, I cannot emphasis that enough.

Level one or two is more responsive in most programs, and still "Tow Safe" Talk it around the fire and you will get a ride in someone elses. I have a SuperChips Microtuner if you wanted to play, give me some notice and I will dig it out for you. It goes with my F-250 that is sold, but in safe custody with me.. Talk with you on Monday...
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Follow Up By: NIK `N` OFF - Saturday, Apr 21, 2007 at 17:39

Saturday, Apr 21, 2007 at 17:39
Steve i can assure you it would be in safe custody if i was to look after it :-)))

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Follow Up By: Maximus - Tuesday, Apr 24, 2007 at 02:06

Tuesday, Apr 24, 2007 at 02:06
Mick

I posted a response to Stewart re him getting his Bushie at long last. Also mentioned that I put on a 4" exhaust and muffler on my F250 and reckon it has made a lot of difference. VERY throaty V8 sound , more get up and go and fuel consumption is better. I do not drive fast. Travel around 85K's so we can concentrate on the view and getting about 17L/100. Van weighs about 3500kg. I reckon that is pretty good.

Cheers

Barrie
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FollowupID: 847626

Follow Up By: Bushtracker - Tuesday, Apr 24, 2007 at 02:39

Tuesday, Apr 24, 2007 at 02:39
Barrie, that is pretty good mileage towing... I calculated that to be 16.67 Miles per Gallon, and that is pretty goooood.... ! Mind you that is on the upper end of things reported when towing, but it shows that the Fords do get better mileage overall than the Landcruisers.. From all reports I would venture a guess at 1-2 kms average better as reported by the overall weighted average majority... Always exceptions to the rule due to heavy foots, or your case of a performance increase package, but still a difference..

Cheers.. stg
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Reply By: Black Cobra - Saturday, Apr 21, 2007 at 09:27

Saturday, Apr 21, 2007 at 09:27
I spoke with my exhaust guy on my return trip from the factory about the computer chip that are presumeable manufactured by the same people that builds them for Ford to do their FPV vehicles.

As usual I was in a rush due to time restrictions and will look into it more when I return home. He showed me the unit and it plugs straight into the computer control unit in the F250 and can re-programme everything from what the short conversation was about.

Apparantly it can programme the turbo boost, waste gate, trans line openings etc that will improve HP and Torque in three stages up the 95HP at the rear wheels, not flywheel.

When you put on a bigger exhaust the turbo on the F250 is not being used to its full capacity and this programmer will recalculate the correct setting and also can programme the transmission to change better and quicker.

It cost $1600 but like the other units can be programmed for different levels with a return to factory setting.

I will check into it more when I get home and and advise.

Just a tip, I had the 4" SS system on the F250 and they put the tailpipe straight out the back which I did not ask for but I tried it out on the BT pickup trip and it placed a lot of black soot on the draw bar and stone guard, it has since been changed to like original out the right side with a cut of angle so if you are thinking of getting a new exhaust have it come out the right side like the original and it looks a lot better also.

I have also done dyno tests from the standard exhaust and the 4" exhaust and the increase was noticable but I do not have the figures with me over here so I can post those later also.

Cheers
Stewart

AnswerID: 571229

Follow Up By: NIK `N` OFF - Saturday, Apr 21, 2007 at 17:37

Saturday, Apr 21, 2007 at 17:37
You forgot the other tip Stewart, the one about making sure the exhaust dump pipe doesnt foul with the auto tranny dip stick. :-))

4" poohy, i saw one with 5" & no muffler NOW that was an exhaust lol

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Reply By: Bushtracker - Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 18:00

Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 18:00
Gentlemen,
Just keep in mind that your Transmission is the weak point, when you go up in performance....

The tally now is 4 according to a report I got this morning.. About 4 out of 100 Fords pulling Bushtrackers have done transmissions.. Actually I think the total count is 5....

I cannot guarantee that the synthetic oil in the 4R100 and or running to a temp guage or additional cooling with insure this does not happen... It cannot help but improve the conditions, and I would venture a guess myself that it would cut the incidence down considerably... BUT... Ford did redesign the Transmission in 2003, to run ONLY on synthetic, and one more gear, and that 5R110 Transmission has proven to be one of the most bulletproof transmission is a light truck in America since 2003, with some Transmission and Ford Shops never seeing a bad one...

If you up Performance, there are kits to build a Heavy Duty Towing or Race Horse Power transmission, clutches, valving, and some other bits and pieces, and the kits range from about $2500 and up. If you are going to go over the top, prepare yourself for this possibility. I did my own this way, about 5-6 years ago, after killing it off-road with a 29' gooseneck horsefloat off-road cooking it to death until it belched fluid on the road and I limped home licking my wounds...

Thanks to Turist for raising this concern, hense the reminder to you Performance Guys......
AnswerID: 571230

Reply By: Rockgoc - Wednesday, Apr 25, 2007 at 21:10

Wednesday, Apr 25, 2007 at 21:10
Wow! All this boy talk! I can't wait for Easy to get home from work so I can show him this post.....he got home from collecting our F350 Lariat from Perth last night. I have been sitting here just looking at it a lot...haven't been for a drive ....yet. ********************************************NOICE! ****************************************
He looked like a little kid sitting up in it when he drove in last night! We didn't need lights as the grins on our faces was illumination enough. Happy happy happy.
Cheers, Jan O
AnswerID: 571231

Follow Up By: Turist - Wednesday, Apr 25, 2007 at 21:39

Wednesday, Apr 25, 2007 at 21:39
More info JanO
Colour, trim, motor, gearbox, extras.

Bob
"Do It While You Can"
Nobody is getting any younger.

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FollowupID: 847629

Reply By: Rockgoc - Wednesday, Apr 25, 2007 at 22:20

Wednesday, Apr 25, 2007 at 22:20
Gawd Bob! NOW your're being difficult...........this is all boy stuff!
O.K. it is two tone white over a cream colour.,....exactly the same as STG's one but with single rear wheels, has a Trade Mate canopy, is a crew cab, cream leather interior with real wood grain bits. 10 stacker cd, but we use an ipod so that is no use is it? Reversing camera, bull bar with driving lights, twin long range fuel tanks....in fact Easy put 219 litres in it and gave up! and when he got back here after the drive from Perth, the tanks are still showing full! The canopy is....get this...airconditioned!!! The bloke who owned it used it to tote his dogs around in it. 7.3 v8 diesel, auto. 2001 year F350 lariat. We want to put a drawer system in it like we had in the Cruiser, but this will be over the whole floor space in the back part. Have a look here for the photos. rockgoc.tripod.com/photos on pages 2 and 3 I think.
I'm going outside to have a play in it.
Cheers, Jan O
AnswerID: 571232

Follow Up By: NIK `N` OFF - Wednesday, Apr 25, 2007 at 22:55

Wednesday, Apr 25, 2007 at 22:55
Looks very nice Jan, i like the canopy [box] very useful. Lots of extra's always helps ease the price these things fetch.

Good luck with it all.
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FollowupID: 847630

Follow Up By: Black Cobra - Thursday, Apr 26, 2007 at 10:16

Thursday, Apr 26, 2007 at 10:16
Jan, another converted to the mighty truck. Airconditioned canopy, used to cart dogs, mmmmmmmmmm! certainly gives another meaning to "Dog House" and I think Easy will not mind going there when he gets in trouble.

I recon us SandGropers will have to have a mini rally as well but will have to wait until I am home for good so I can come.

Stewart & Marlene
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Follow Up By: Bushtracker - Thursday, Apr 26, 2007 at 18:32

Thursday, Apr 26, 2007 at 18:32
I TOLD EASY NOT TO BUY IT.....!!!!!

(tell me where it was SO I COULD FLY OVER AND GRAB IT)!!!

Congratulations Jan O and Easy, that kind of money for an equipped F-350 FULL IMPORT with all the bells and whistles is GREAT !!! Easy would have to be beaming!!!

Kind Regards from the lone Ranger
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