I don't want to ask a generic "which chip is best" question so I'll start by saying I am ready to sell my stock '97F250 2wd SB and pick up a '95F350 4X w/long bead. It has gibson exhaust, headers and Rancho air with 43k actual miles. Both trucks have the 7.5L 460 gas (same engine I think). Not a daily driver but gas mileage is on my mind. The F250 gets an average of 10mpg and 8mpg towing my 19' 5000lb travel tralier on level roads in So. Cal. Worse when I pull it up tp the mountains, a little off road and to the desert with bikes and firewood in the back. I will use the F350 for the same. I drove both on the highway empty and the F250 pulls stronger from stop, mabey 'cause it's lighter. My question is what should I look for in a chip for the F350 and what would I gain. I would also be interested in adding a throttle body spacer and a Vortec. Any experience, input, advice would be helpful.

Thanks Much,
Frank

 

If gas mileage is your concern look elsewhere. A chip will certainly help torque on that engine but its not a gas sipper and there isn't a whole lot that can be done for gas significantly with tuning on it unless you want to give up some power. If you want power, then a tuner for the 460 is a good bet.

 

Thanks for the reply, I had given up. I'm not really looking for "good" gas mileage, just reasonable for a 460. Would prefer not to get 8mpg while empty on the hwy but would really like more torque. I need to research the tuner chips and decide.

Frank

 

You won't even get "reasonable." Chips and tuners for gas engines are not designed for mileage. While you may pick up 1 mpg, you will have to run premium fuel to do it.

The best two ways to get better mileage:

1. Put an egg under the throttle pedal. :-)
2. Properly inflated tires and clean air filter.

I've seen pretty good mileage improvements on the modular V8 and V10 with tuners/chips, but not on the 460.

 

Thanks again Ken. An egg under the throttle is a reasonable suggestion and I'll make sure all maintence is up to date like clean air filter, tires, clean oil etc. If I can get 10mpg or better on the hwy empty if I'm careful I'll be satisfied. The rest of the time is just a cost added to my vacation I can make up for in other ways.

Frank