I have a 2009 Dodge 3500 with a cummins turbo diesel in it. I am looking to improve mileage. The truck has plenty of power and everything, so I was wondering if anyone is using those engine tuners I see advertised in the magazines? And if so what are you using? I plan on adding a cold air intake also. According to the ads they say those improve mileage and horsepower too. Maybe evan a freeier flowing exhaust. But the first two things I can do on my own.
Terry and Jo said
08:53 PM Sep 6, 2013
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.
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 said
06:01 PM Sep 8, 2013
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 said
08:39 PM Sep 8, 2013
Thanks for the inputs. I guess I have more thinking to do on this.
chiseye said
07:01 AM Sep 26, 2013
Dino go to diesel place .com pull up tuners. Hope this helps
el Rojo and Pam said
01:15 PM Sep 26, 2013
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 said
04:59 PM Sep 27, 2013
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 said
12:48 AM Sep 28, 2013
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 said
02:09 AM Sep 28, 2013
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.
I have a 2009 Dodge 3500 with a cummins turbo diesel in it. I am looking to improve mileage. The truck has plenty of power and everything, so I was wondering if anyone is using those engine tuners I see advertised in the magazines? And if so what are you using? I plan on adding a cold air intake also. According to the ads they say those improve mileage and horsepower too. Maybe evan a freeier flowing exhaust. But the first two things I can do on my own.
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
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
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
Dino go to diesel place .com pull up tuners. Hope this helps
My point exactly. More to this equation than just the engine.