whs9841
San Antonio, Tx
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I've been thinking about getting a diesel chip programmer. The additional power is attractive, but I'm really more interested in the 3-5 mpg increase that some of them claim. I have a 2007 Chevy 2500HD with the D/A combo. Do any of you have recommendations for which type of programmer to buy? I've been looking at the Bully Dog Power Pup.
Thanks in advance.
Trey
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hotpepperkid
Chino Hills CA
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Joined: 03/29/2002
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I wouldnt take too much stock in what they say about mileage. It may very per person. I didnt fine any increase in MPG towing but it made a big difference in towablity. It seams I got a littler better around town but didnt notice an increase running solo. If you with a chip/programer you need to montior your EGT. A larger exhaust helps with the EGT temps
hpk
2000 Ford F-350 SRW 4X4 PSD 28' Prowler 50 gal X-ferflow in the bed tank. Banks big exhaust and Stinger kit.
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davidj54
South Alabama
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While I can't recommend one to you, just be aware that you could possibly be denied warranty if you "chip" your engine. Now if you're not concerned about that. My BIL had the Bully Dog Triple Dog on his F-250 and loved it.
Personally, I'm going to wait a few more years/miles before I put that Smarty on mine.
Dodge Ram 2500 Mega Cab (Yeah, it's got a Cummins)
2006 Forest River Grand Surveyor GS-280
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TheFollands
Corona, CA
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If you're doing some heavy towing, you may want to look into a system that not only allows you to monitor the EGTs, but also has some built in protection that will automatically "back down" the program until the EGTs drop to a safe level. There's a few that do this:
The Edge Attitude/Juice
BullyDog PMT
The Banks Six-Gun tuner and PDA
2007.5 Chevy Silverado 3500 Crew Cab Dually
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Tvov
CT
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davidj54 wrote:While I can't recommend one to you, just be aware that you could possibly be denied warranty if you "chip" your engine.
I have diesel mechanic friends who work for dealerships who have warned me about that. Unless you can get some sort of "factory authorized" setup... doesn't Banks Power do something like that? I have heard that adding certain Banks equipment will not void your warranty. But that may very well be just internet talkin'!
_________________________________________________________
2000 F-250 SD 7.3liter, 3.73 rear,
2004 21' Forest River Surveyor
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Winstonsdad
North Texas
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Joined: 03/22/2005
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I got the chip two months ago for my F250 as well as an air intake and Banks exhause. I cannot tell an increase in mileage around town or on the highway without towing. While towing, I think I am getting 1mpg better, but I definitely have more power.
I was hoping for the 3mpg increase, but it does not seem to be there. I really need to take it on a road trip where I can set the cruise and let it run. Somehow my lead foot and good mileage are opposites.
good luck.....
05 Durango 285RL
04 F250 PowerStroke 4x4 Crew Cab
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whs9841
San Antonio, Tx
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Regarding the issue with voiding the warranty, don't most of the chip programmers have an option to set the truck back to it's "stock" setting. I've heard you can just set it back to "stock" before taking it in for work.
Also, what is the EGT (Engine G??? Temperature??)??
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TheFollands
Corona, CA
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EGT = Exhaust Gas Temperature. This is usually taken a probe inserted in the exhaust manifold before the turbo. Chevy does not have an EGT probe built in, so one must be installed.
Basically, if EGTs get too high, this can literally melt the fins of the turbo and/or cause other damage as well.
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whs9841
San Antonio, Tx
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Follands, thanks for the info. I'm assuming that one of the downfalls to increasing the HP with a chip programmer is higher engine temps (which in turn creates high exhaust temps).
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TheFollands
Corona, CA
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whs9841 wrote:Follands, thanks for the info. I'm assuming that one of the downfalls to increasing the HP with a chip programmer is higher engine temps (which in turn creates high exhaust temps).
The two aren't necessarily related. You can have high EGTs, but the engine (water) temp show as somehwhat normal. Ultimately, consistantly high EGTs will raise the engine (water) temp.
Also - just a programmer alone will not necessarily raise EGTs. Your right foot and engine load (based on what you're towing) will contribute to raising EGTs. Normal driving with a programmer shouldn't raise your EGTs excessively. Pushing the engine with an aggressive program will. Also - virtually all of the programmers out there offer several different levels of programs. Some have a Tow mode, which is a very mild tune designed to keep the EGTs down. Put on the highest setting (not recommended) and your EGTs will shoot high and your drive train will complain.
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