I have a '98 4.6L auto supercab with 3.55 gears. I do quite a bit of highway driving. I have a superchip, headers, gibson ex, K+N and airbox mods. On my latest 2500 mile trip I tried removing and reinstalling the chip in an attempt determine which gave better economy. I (surprise) found that my mileage went up without the chip (from 14.3 to 15.5 ave.) I tried it over and over again. It must mean my chip is not properly calibrated. I think the truck is faster without the chip too.

Anyway I would like input on increasing the fuel economy of my truck. I thought of installing an electric fan, however I live in south Florida. Any other Ideas?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Chris

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98 SC 4.6L stepside, Gibson headers, Gibson single exhaust, superchip, Intake mods, Piaa's, high end audio stuff.

 

With all the modifications listed in your post I would say it is very difficult to isolate each mod and be able at the same time to compensate for other outside variations such as temperature, humidity, fuel quality, your foot or the synergy created between each other to compare before and after performance.

Maybe is not the chip. Maybe it is. But I think it may go farther than that.

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My Ride: 1998 F150 4x4 Lariat Supercab Flareside 5.4L in Oxford White/gold, ORP, Tow Package, 3.55 Gears.

Modifications: K&N FIPK, Stepshield door sill protectors, Performance Accesories 3" body lift, Lift Lips, Gabriel Gas Ryder LT VST Shocks and Daystar front anti-sway bar polyurethane bushings.

Photos at: http://www.communicomgroup.com/jmtruck

 

With the price of gas so high , and not wanting to pay for premium fuel I took my chip out this summer.To my surprise my gas millage got better too. At that time all I had was a replacement muffler, and a drop in K&N filter. Maybee if gas prices go back down I might put the chip back in, but I am happy with the increased fuel economy.

 

An electric fan is a sure way to increase MPG and free up some HP in a motor.

You will want to get a good controller like the PSM Variflow unit:
http://www.psm1.com

That will run you $95 over the internet.

For the fan, the Lincoln Mark8 unit will flow enuf air to cool down a truck easily. Many people run them in supercharged mustangs cranking 500hp without issues.

You can get the mark8 fan from Houston Performance for $99. http://www.houstonperformance.com

The only other electric fan that I have seen is the dual unit made for the chevy fullsize from flexalite. That fan is upwards of $230. http://www.flex-a-lite.com/auto/fulltruck.htm

That last mod that seems to help MPG is a ingnition unit like the jacobs controller. Do a search on the board for into on it.

[This message has been edited by Matt90GT (edited 11-13-2000).]

 

That's one of the reason's why I'm hesitant on purchasing a chip at this point in time. The power increase should be evident, so it just may need to be recalibrated. As for fuel mileage, is still questionable whether adjusting the fuel curve and ignition timing from stock, would increase fuel efficiency. I'm sure Mike will reply to your post, and have the answer.