So I put my Superchip back in...
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Senior Member
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: Bakersfield, CA, USA
So I put my Superchip back in...
Here are the results of my little experiment. See other thread (So I took out my Superchip...) for more info. Basically, I recorded data for a tank with my chip. Pulled the chip out and ran 2 tanks of regular. Put chip back in and drove for one more tank of fuel. Comparsison are of 2 tanks each, w/chip and premium, and w/out chip, regular fuel.
To make it an apples to apples comparison, I have fixed the gas prices at $1.72/gallon for regular and $1.92/gallon for 91 octane premium.
The totals are:
2 tanks with Superchip: 769.2 miles, 42.25 gallons, 18.2 mpg, fuel cost per mile of $0.105.
2 tanks with regular and w/out chip: 768.4 miles, 47.25 gallons, 16.26 mpg, fuel cost per mile of $0.106.
Driving conditions were similar - nearly identical for 1/2 of the mileage (one tank each fuel). On the 2nd tank without the chip I did slightly more city driving, but on the 2nd tank with the chip I pushed it harder on the highway.
Clearly at $0.001 per mile fuel savings, it will take A LONG time to pay for the initial cost of the chip (I paid $225 about 3 years ago). However, the truck is MUCH more fun to drive with the chip. It's not a speed demon, but it is much stronger, especially in the 1500-2500 rpm range.
For my application with my crappy CA fuel, the chip is well worth the cost, IMO.
To make it an apples to apples comparison, I have fixed the gas prices at $1.72/gallon for regular and $1.92/gallon for 91 octane premium.
The totals are:
2 tanks with Superchip: 769.2 miles, 42.25 gallons, 18.2 mpg, fuel cost per mile of $0.105.
2 tanks with regular and w/out chip: 768.4 miles, 47.25 gallons, 16.26 mpg, fuel cost per mile of $0.106.
Driving conditions were similar - nearly identical for 1/2 of the mileage (one tank each fuel). On the 2nd tank without the chip I did slightly more city driving, but on the 2nd tank with the chip I pushed it harder on the highway.
Clearly at $0.001 per mile fuel savings, it will take A LONG time to pay for the initial cost of the chip (I paid $225 about 3 years ago). However, the truck is MUCH more fun to drive with the chip. It's not a speed demon, but it is much stronger, especially in the 1500-2500 rpm range.
For my application with my crappy CA fuel, the chip is well worth the cost, IMO.
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Joined: Mar 2002
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From: NH
To do a really good analysis on what you’re looking for would require at least 10 tank fulls for each case, with chip and without chip. 10 tank fulls is still not great for good data but much better then just a few.
Even to give you a realistic look at what fuel mileage your getting would require at least 10 tank fulls.
Even to give you a realistic look at what fuel mileage your getting would require at least 10 tank fulls.
Thread Starter
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Senior Member
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 1,506
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From: Bakersfield, CA, USA
You are correct that the 'experiment' could be more complete and comprehensive. It's my $0.02; take it for what it's worth to you.
While my data is limited to 2 tanks each, the routes, speeds and weather conditions were similar; as near identical as my truck ever sees.
BTW, I disconnected the battery and turned the lights on each time I removed or put on the chip.
As for further experimentation, count me out. No way I'm driving my truck for another tank full w/out the chip! The difference in performance and fun to drive factor is far more pronounced than the mileage difference. The fact is, my truck is a S-L-O-W without the chip, but it keeps up with traffic just fine when the chip is in.
While my data is limited to 2 tanks each, the routes, speeds and weather conditions were similar; as near identical as my truck ever sees.
BTW, I disconnected the battery and turned the lights on each time I removed or put on the chip.
As for further experimentation, count me out. No way I'm driving my truck for another tank full w/out the chip! The difference in performance and fun to drive factor is far more pronounced than the mileage difference. The fact is, my truck is a S-L-O-W without the chip, but it keeps up with traffic just fine when the chip is in.
