Modding more for mileage than power?

[Badfish740]

I don't have a 7.3L yet but I hope to buy one within the next 2 to 3 months, and I want to do some modifications, but I'm not looking to become the next truck pull king or dragstrip superstar. I'd like a truck that gets good mileage, can pull when I need it to, and smoke a Honda or two now and then. I'm new to diesel, but I've been around cars/trucks for a long time so I know the basics (more air + more fuel = more power), and my first mods would be pretty basic.

I had thought about installing a new intake/exhaust right off the bat. For a truck that would be otherwise stock (at least for time being) would a 4" straight pipe be too much? What could I expect as far as noise levels in the cab? As far as the intake goes, I think that the Ford (AEI?) system would be more than adequate.

After that I figure the next logical step is a control module that would allow me to choose between towing, performance, fuel economy, etc... There seems to be a million of them out there though, how do I pick one that's right for what I need?

Lastly, I was reading on the Dinomite diesel website that 7.3L injectors typically wear out around 125K, so if this is true I guess I could plan in advance for a set of 100 HP units as my "final" mod.

So here are the rest of my questions: First, does that order make sense? Second, after all is said and done (bigger exhaust, free flowing intake, chip, injectors) how much HP/TQ should I be making over stock? Would I get better mileage on an economy chip setting while driving conservatively or would the injectors pretty much kill any mileage gains I'd make elsewhere? What's the best unloaded highway mileage I could hope for?

And the final, most important question...

Just how much smoke will I be able to pump into that ricers driver's side window?

[Maintain]

Intake, Exhaust, Gauges, and an ECONO program should get you another 2-3 mpg if you keep your foot out of it.

[Logan]

Yeah, like Marty said, you need to put some guages in there. I ran a 5" straight pipe on my 7.3 with no problems at all. You will be fine with the 4" straight pipe. Alot of your power numbers will depend on what chip/programmer/module you go with. Good Highway running if you keep your rpms below or arond 2000, and dont get on it a whole buch, I would say anywhere between 16-18mpg. And yeah, with a power adder, you will beable to blow all the coal you want.

[stump0331]

i think smoke = BAD MPG

[rufushusky]

go intake, exhaust, gauges (actually they should go first but I still don't have em yet so if I don't have em I really can't tell you) then polly either a TS or DP chip. I would side with TS cause it is a little cheaper. It is a flip chip so you can flip between programs as you are driving...always nice. I would say leave it on the 50 or 75 horsepower setting and try and keep your rpms as close as possible to 1600 or at least under 2000 on the hwy and you should get some good mileage numbers....to be honest I am in the same boat you are as far as fuel economy. While 550rwhp would be nice and I would love it....it would be hard to fuel....and since my truck is a commuter car, the higher the mpg the better....best of luck man

[jsmall]

Best Mod for mileage is installing a light foot on the go pedal.
Then take it easy on the brakes.
Wifey drives the bus like a race car and gets about 3mpg less than I do, I drive like grandma (unless I got a good reason not to).

[99Smokin73Stroker]

Not just a light foot on acceleration but driving slower overall as well. I'm not saying on regular roads, i'm talking the interstate. I do right around 55 to 60 on the interstate. Some of my friends want to do like 75 or 80...so they get there what, 3 minutes faster? What's better, 3 minutes shorter? Or 3 mpg longer?

[rufushusky]

Originally Posted by 99Smokin73Stroker

Not just a light foot on acceleration but driving slower overall as well. I'm not saying on regular roads, i'm talking the interstate. I do right around 55 to 60 on the interstate. Some of my friends want to do like 75 or 80...so they get there what, 3 minutes faster? What's better, 3 minutes shorter? Or 3 mpg longer?

AMEN

[Badfish740]

Originally Posted by jsmall

Best Mod for mileage is installing a light foot on the go pedal.

That's kind of what I meant. 95% of my driving will be commuting to work and wherever, and I'll be driving conservatively in order to save fuel. The other 5% will be using all those mods to open up a can of whoop *** on somebody!

[99Smokin73Stroker]

lol, problem is oftentimes the 5% becomes 50 most of the time.