Deisel engine tuners - RV-Dreams Community Forum

MNdrifters · RV-Dreams Family Member

Deisel engine tuners

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Dino and Lisa,

While I'm not an expert on the diesel engine "tunes," from what I've read on other forums, the only ones that seem to be doing it are those that won't be doing that much towing. Some of those that do tow say that they would never "chip" their engines for any reason. I'm not really a mechanic of any kind, I've always been hesitant about doing anything that hasn't been recommended by the manufacturer. No more than I know, I prefer to defer to those a lot more knowledgeable, in this case, the engineers that designed the things.

Terry

Lonney Wade · RV-Dreams Family Member

Dino, these people are the best at what they do,

http://www.powerupdiesel.biz/category-s/31.htm just take a look, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Lonney

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

I did the tuner and exhaust thing on my 01 Ram and in the end did not see enough improvement to pay the cost of installing it.Just my experience.

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

Dino:

May I offer this perspective: First, the manufactures do “de-rate” the engines some from their maximum performance capabilities for both warranty and EPA reasons. Common knowledge They do “protect” the total drive train, in so many words, with the computer (we’re talking current engines now, not engines of 15 years ago) such that excessive EGT, TIT, torque and the like are not exceeded.

IF, and that is the key word, they could “tune” an engine to give you more MPGs towing and solo and they could meet warranty limits, i.e. reliability / longevity and EPA regulations why wouldn’t they? Simple answer, they would. This is a marathon equation for reliability. Not a one day sprint on the race track so to speak.

Now, can you alter the tune and increase power some or fuel economy some? Yes, but it is still chemistry and physics. You can’t do both or they already would have.

In the case of a modern diesel engine doesn’t it make sense, for long term reliability and dependability, to allow the people who designed the engine to have the last word with the safety protections built into the engine? I think that is a valid question.

Now, can you make changes that might improve one aspect of the MPG vs. torque vs. HP equation a bit? Maybe. But at what potential risk ($$) to the engine or transmission; and at what real cost savings?

Just saying - My perspective. These things are very expensive to repair or replace.

Bill

-- Edited by Bill and Linda on Sunday 8th of September 2013 06:05:07 PM

MNdrifters · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks for the inputs. I guess I have more thinking to do on this.

chiseye · RV-Dreams Community Member

Dino go to diesel place .com pull up tuners. Hope this helps

el Rojo and Pam · RV-Dreams Family Member

I put a chip in my 2003 Dodge. Boy did it make a difference in power and fuel economy. I believe it also was the reason I had to replace the transmission. Now those Dodge's weren't known for reliable tranny's any way, so who's to know for sure.

janieD · RV-Dreams Family Member

A great source of information for Dodge/Ram owners who like to play with their trucks is the Turbo Diesel Register (www.turbodieselregister.com/). From what I've read, I wouldn't modify your engine, including the air intake and exhaust systems. If you do decide to do the cold air intake, I would go with a dry filter like the Airaid cold air intake system. It's easy to over oil the oiled air filters, making them less effective and adding an oil mist to the air intake than can affect some of the engine's sensors. - John

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

el Rojo wrote:
I put a chip in my 2003 Dodge. Boy did it make a difference in power and fuel economy. I believe it also was the reason I had to replace the transmission. Now those Dodge's weren't known for reliable tranny's any way, so who's to know for sure.

My point exactly. More to this equation than just the engine.

Alie and Jims Carrilite · RV-Dreams Family Member

Another great place is the Dodge Owners Forum. For an '09, H&S makes a great setup that will help alot. Different model years respond differently to different tuners. The 48re is the known weak point in the drive line. A few parts in it though will make it a great transmission for towing.