pianotuna wrote:
Hi,
With fuel prices going through the roof, is it time to "chip" the V-10 engine with the idea of saving fuel? RV is from 2004 so a four speed.
I do drive 49 mph (78 kph) and do get 8 to 10 MPG doing so.
I can not afford a replacement engine, so I do not wish to take any risks.
at 8-10 MPG for that heavy hulk of a vehicle and size of engine I would leave well enough alone.
Technically it isn't "chipping" anymore, it is called "tuning", chips have gone away and what a tuner does it rewrite over the existing ECU program and data tables with a modified program and tables. Basically remapping your ignition and fuel timing and delivery and some tuners additionally alter the transmission shifting points and shifting pressures..
Tuning isn't typically done to net more economy, it is done to increase HP and TQ plus with changes to the transmission programming you might end up with a bit more peppy take offs..
NA gas engines respond very little to tuning, turbo gas or Diesel engines typically respond better to tuning but even then all of the possible fuel savings goes right out the exhaust pipe because folks are doing it to net better seat of the pants performance.
Leave it stock, don't mess with it, you have a good engine and 8-10 MPG in the size and weight class that vehicle is in is as good as it gets.
Don't get caught up in the tuner hype, some folks believe they are getting better mileage, but in reality any slight improvement may be because running a tune often requires premium fuel.
You can buy a vacuum gauge that might be helpful to you but I suspect you are pretty much as good as it gets..
Using a vacuum gauge shows you how heavy you are on the gas pedal, The green area is your ideal vacuum level which will net you the best mileage.
