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Which programmer is best for improved fuel economy

9.8K views 4 replies 5 participants last post by  Mingof350  
#1 ·
I've got an'06 F20 CC LB, all stock other than a 5" MBRP exhaust with cat-deleted kit. I do a lot of highway driving, and driving in general, and currently get 14.5mpg. I'm looking for the best way to improve this, which from what I understand would be a programmer. I've heard people say that not much can be done with the 6.0 engines but I'm not sure how much truth there is to that. It seems most prefer an SCT (not sure which series) for these model trucks from what I read on these Forums. Can anyone provide an educated response as to which programmer would get me the best mpg? I'd like one that had the shift on the fly option, that I can switch as needed for some extra HP as well (nothing extreme, not looking to get into needing additional modifications to handle whichever programmer I choose). Thanks.
 
#2 ·
You can't beat an SCT for the 6.0L. Its what I have, running tunes from IDP. The SCT however is not a shift-on-the-fly option due to the amount of programming it puts on the ECM and TCM. The transmission tuning is why I recommend the SCT over others, most shift-on-the-flys do nothing regarding trans tuning. They rely on the tranmission relearning the power curve, and that is harmful to the life of the transmission.

For tuning, you may have to try different tunes for your truck to see what you like best and get you the best results. I got 13.3mpg on average city/highway mix, and 15 mpg interstate on stock programming. I have Tow/Street/X-Race loaded on my SCT X3. On the street file (which shifts smoother of the two) I get 14.6mpg with the same city/highway mix. On my race file I see 15.3mpg increase along the same route. The Race file shifts a little firmer than most folks would like, but its the way I want it.

The higher HP tunes will result in the best mileage gains, but you have to drive it like you mean to save on gas. For me thats keeping it under 2200rpms, and 10 lbs of boost. I have not tested an economy tune on these tuners, because I don't have one.
 
#3 ·
sc.

I have innovatives tunes. Street is a very nice tune for DD and towing my 10,000lb 5th wheel.

quick tricks is very good, same with gearhead.
 
#4 ·
regardless, usually when your tuned, your mpg goes down because of racing everywhere. thats my problem. i just cant help it
 
#5 ·
go with the sctx3 you wont find a better one. it comes with 3 tunes which are ok tunes but you can load three custom tune specificly for Your truck and what you have done to it and can always be re writn if you upgrade. $450 at river city deisel with 3 custom tunes.