Do the MPG Computer chips really work

[sgtdon]

Hello,
2004 Explorer XLT 4X4, 4.6 SOHC, & towing package.

After searching the internet in regards to the computers with a chip in them that you can hook up to your vehicle to get more horse power, better gas mileage, and cost over $300.00. (Power programmers and performance tuners)

Does anyone have any experience in using these new computer modification items? Do these really give you more M.P.G or are they just getting $300.+ from you and you only get 1-3 miles per gallon more, if that?

If you do, please advise which one you may have tried or used that works or does not work. From what I can tell it does not give you that much increased lileage to justify the price of the power chip.

 

[obie]

Most chips really only give you a mileage gain on 89 or 91 octane. That's a secondary benefit to the increased power from a more precise tune and better shifts. If you're buying one just for fuel mileage, you won't really break even from the more expensive gas and chip for a while. If you want better performance though, go for it.

 

[sgtdon]

Thank you very much for your answer. I had an idea that it would not give me much of a mpg gain. MPG is what I am looking for. The 4.6 in my Explorer runs great and has all the power I need so I am not worried about gaining HP, just mileage. Thank you again for your answer. Don

Army Vietnam Veteran

 

[Flag Gibby]

I have read several other member posts stating that a cat-back exhaust on the 4.6 netted a noticeable MPG gain. I think it was with the Gibson system.

 

[sgtdon]

Thank you Flag Gibby I will research that. I appreciate your time and answer.

Thank you much,

 

[swshawaii]

Keep in mind that performance mods usually only improve highway fuel mileage.
The real MPG killer is accelerating from dead stops. Manufacturers of tuners,
exhaust, and intakes NEVER guarantee mileage improvements, and HP/torque
gains always occur above 3000 RPM. A light foot and maintenance are the keys.

 

[DanielJ]

I went with a cold air intake, a superchips flashpaq tuner and electrical fan conversion. Ive seen a bit in gain. Most people have been complaining they barely get 250 miles to a tank. I get about 350-375 a tank. The most ive seen was 400 but i was only driving on base at 15-35mph. I drove cross-country from jacksonville arkansas to perris california and averaged about 350 miles to the tank with about 500 pounds of cargo. And thats with the 3 inch lift and 32 inch mud tires.. So depending on how you drive and what else you do in conjunction with the tuner you can see some good gains.

 

[sgtdon]

Thank you DanielJ & swshawaii for your replies.

Daniel, that is great mpg for what you have, good job. I will consider what you posted. although I am leaning towards buying a new Explorer now. the local dealer has some real good rebates right now so I will be checking them out next week.

I know about the acceleration. I am constantly telling my wife to stop it but she will not listen. She goes through gas and brakes like there is no tomorrow. But at least she has her own Ford to drive, I do not let her drive mine because everytime she did there was some type of damage on it when she came home. It was always little like a stone chip or small scratch, BUT everytime she drove it had something new on it.

So thank you all for your replies!!!!!!!!!!!!