Hypertech Max Energy E-CON

[GSU4x4]

Has anyone used this on their ST? I'm looking to increase my mileage since this gas is starting to quickly rise.
I've just bought a K&N air filter, and looking at possible buying the E-CON programmer and maybe a Magnaflow exhaust.
Can anybody that has the E-CON programmer or Magnaflow exhaust let me know what kinda mileage increase you've seen.
Thanks!

 

[ncranchero]

Only help I can be on this one is to remind you to NOT over oil the K&N or it will soak the MAF. Lots of problems from over oiling!

 

[JohnnyO]

I don't have a programmer (yet) but I added a Gibson cat-back and picked up 3 mpg on the highway. City mpg is no different. Truck is rated at 19 hwy but if I set the cruise on 65 and the road is pretty level I'll get 22.

 

[GSU4x4]

i would crap my pants if i ever saw above 20 mpg in my truck...I'm testing out now to see if the K&N filter is gonna help a little.

 

[JohnnyO]

I'm testing out now to see if the K&N filter is gonna help a little.

It probably won't. I've put them in other trucks I've had with no other mods and it didn't make any difference in anything. The stock setup just isn't very restrictive because the motor isn't that big (like 221 cubic inches or so). I only got a K&N for this truck because Pep Boys had a $10 coupon for them in the Sunday paper.

 

[mooshin]

I've seen 27-30 on the highway on multiple occasions. My setup is all stock.

 

[luv2hike27]

can some one explain what a cat-back is?

 

[GSU4x4]

I've seen 27-30 on the highway on multiple occasions. My setup is all stock.

you must have a v6 and 2wd, there's no way you're getting that with a v8 4x4

can some one explain what a cat-back is?

a cat-back is a exhaust setup where you replace the exhaust system from the catalytic converter back to the rear of the truck

 

[mooshin]

you must have a v6 and 2wd, there's no way you're getting that with a v8 4x4

Yep. V6/2WD. I'm actually pretty impressed with it's ability to get those numbers.

 

[GSU4x4]

yeah, I'm extremely impressed with those numbers, I'm currently averaging 12.5-13 in the city and bout to take a 4 hr (one way, interstate) trip this weekend. gonna see what that K&N can do for me...I'd be happy with a .5-1 mpg gain (crossing fingers!!)

 

[JohnnyO]

yeah, I'm extremely impressed with those numbers, I'm currently averaging 12.5-13 in the city and bout to take a 4 hr (one way, interstate) trip this weekend. gonna see what that K&N can do for me...I'd be happy with a .5-1 mpg gain (crossing fingers!!)

FWIW, I run Mobil 1 0w-30 Advanced Fuel Economy oil (for the V8 you want the 0w-20), replaced the transfer case lube with Mobil 1 ATF (not hard to do and it will look like tar after 30k anyway) and changed the rear axle lube at 30k with Mobil 1 lube (the factory lube is synthetic also). The rear on Gen 2's has a drain plug and is not hard to do yourself. Easier if you remove the spare tire first.

 

[edj1993]

My v8 averages 21-22 at 70 mph on the highway-completely stock.

 

[GSU4x4]

I ended up getting about 18.2 on the highway running about 76 the whole time...a slight increase after installing the K&N filter, but still kinda sucks, def still looking into the programmer and exhaust

 

[08FordST]

I've had the Econ now for over 2 years. You may know it has two programs - one for regular gas and one for premium. Both programs expect you to be using a K&N filter and an improved exhaust with headers or cat back. I'm still using my stock exhaust without any problems. I just switched to premium gas because I'm now towing a trailer with it. The performance you'll get is significant.

As for it's improvement on gas mileage, I guess its better. I live in Western Washington State and I could travel north/south with little elevation gain. Going east, I have to cross the mountains. I also have a shell over the bed, so I'm always carrying more weight. I also just upgraded my tires to 265-70-17s All Terrain tires.

If you want to improve your MPG, slow down. Unload your vehicle of unnecessary weight. And decide whether your trip is necessary. You'll save money that way.

I do recommend the Econ, but your driving habits will improve mileage more than anything. In fact, with more power and performance, I think I tend to make more powerful takeoffs and force my MPG down. Something to think about.

 

[GSU4x4]

Thanks for the input on the E-Con, I've become pretty economical in my driving habits. I rarely cross over 2500 rpm's when accelerating and try to coast alot instead of breaking and gassing in traffic. I really don't need the extra power cause the v8 has plenty for what I use it for, so I may not end up getting the programmer now.