Ok, maybe this is in the wrong forum but; I'm thinking about getting a new truck for my business and I was wondering if the Duramax will get any better MPG than my 6.5 I can't bring myself to buy a Ford or especially a dodge. I've been reading the other forum and have noticed that a lot of guys that pull don't get any better mileage from their new D'max's than I get from my '98. Any ideas guys?

if you want fuel mileage buy a dodge. i havent heard a duramax get 20 empty, even after a good breakin. havent talked to too many though. what do you get with your 6.5?

I find it amazing that the 6.2L got better MPG than the 6.5L and the newer trucks don't get much better even with intercooling.

I CANT BUY A DODGE. I drive 1000-1200 miles a week and can't look at that ugly interior for that long. I pull 4500-6500 lbs. that many miles a week and get about 12 mpg. I think I was getting better before my new IP and lift pump but I won't swear to the load being the same. Some days I only get 11.

Winchester,


You could benifeit from a 3"-4" exhaust. You would get 1-2 mpg better. If you added an intercooler it could go as high as 18 mpg towing that load.


Did I mention you can get a salvaged dodge intercooler for ~$300?Edited by: quantum mechanic

yeah you did in another post, and I just did a search on intercoolers so I'm beginning to understand. How do you hook up a dodge one? I see on Kennedy's page the large one is $1300. Will I seriously see 18, if so it would pay for itself in 6 months.

dont forget about the exhaust and downpipe.

So go with 3" or 4". I know gassers and am learning diesels, do you still require backpressure on diesels?

Before the turbine only. After the turbine you want it to flo with as little back pressure as possible.

Ok, I see all of this stuff available from Kennedy Diesel. Is that a good place to get this stuff. (I'm not wanting to hurt anyone's feelings but I gotta ask)

thats where i got my downpipe. real nice piece of pipe. i got no complaints and will probably buy more stuff from him.

So here's my wishlist, and if what QM says is true I can get up to 18mpg with all this stuff.
1. Exhaust kit complete
2. Intercooler
3. Pyrometer, (don't know if it needs to be before or after turbo) Boost gauge, and Trans oil temp.
4. Chip (only if it helps) I'm not going to move my PMD I don't think.
5. Air cleaner setup of some sort.

If I get to 18 mpg with this stuff it will save me almost 1500 gallons of fuel per year and at current prices all this stuff will be paid in full in less than 12 mos.

It really depends what you plan to run. Kennedy has 3.5" and it's a good size to goto 4" from. If you wanted a budget 3" down pipe and crossover and were going to straight pipe the rest, get the Flowmaster kit from summit for $115.

Winchester,


Some other things you can do are make a boost fooler for 1-3 psi increase once you have the pyro, boost guage and exhaust upgrades installed. once you see how little boost you make it's good to see it increase a little.


And you can advance time a little.


You would have to plumb the dodge intercooler yourself with an exhaust shops help( to bend a few pipes)Edited by: quantum mechanic

2 questions QM. What about "TD-Max Boost Controller" available from Kennedy, is this what you are talking about fooling the turbo? Next, I live in Tarrant county, emission restricted, are diesels emission controlled by the state or is my inspection a safety only? (Haven't had one done yet. Came on the truck when I bought it) I think it is a safety only if so I'm going to go with straight pipe all the way out no muffler or cat.

Yes, that's kennedy's boost controler. No sodering necessary for $90. Or you can make you own for $10.


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/A1Z_Boostswitch6.jpg


I like running the new pipe through the CAT and welding it back together to look like you have it.Edited by: quantum mechanic

Summit won't let me search by application so what is the part # you are talking about QM?

summit kit# 17220

Winchester,


You could benifeit from a 3"-4" exhaust. You would get 1-2 mpg better. If you added an intercooler it could go as high as 18 mpg towing that load.


I think that 18 mpg with 4:10 towing is a bit of wishfull thinking. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ermm.gif


I have heard of a DuraBux guy that gets 22-23+ mpg regular empty. His truck is the C-2500 regular cab 3:73 axel and manual tranny. Edited by: 16gaSxS