Fish,
Your analysis and conclusion is somewhat flawed. It depends upon what your
goal is as to how you evaluate your modifications. I try to evaluate a mod
from all aspects, not just one.
I track my gas mileage just about 100% of the time. When I installed my
Gibson, I received a 20% increase in gas mileage, and a slightly noticeable
increase in power. (They claim this modification gives you a 5-8hp gain.)
After this I installed my JBA headers and received a 7% loss in gas mileage,
but a definitely noticeable increase in power. (They claim around a 15hp
gain for this modification.)
I also changed my tires from a street tread, to an all-terrain type tread.
This decreased my gas mileage too, but gave me a huge increase in traction.
I can't give you specifics on this change since this was done at the time I
purchased my truck. (For what it's worth, on my last vehicle this type of
tire change cost me 2-3mpg.)
Man, I wish I had a dyno in my garage. I shouldn't say that, I can already
hear my wife fussing (notice I didn't say bitchin') at me. Why do they do
that anyway? Ugh-oh, I think I hear some distant thunder. Better run for
cover! :-)
Rich - Ashburn, VA
-----Original Message-----
From: Mitzi & David Fishman [mailto:fish@ihot.com]
Sent: Wednesday, February 17, 1999 9:14 PM
To: Dakota Mailing List
Subject: DML: Aftermarket Wires
Just a datapoint...
I installed Magnecor 8.5mm wires (~$100) at the same time I put the JBA
headers on a week or so ago. I did not change anything else in the
ignition. I noticed _no_ difference due to the wires. Of course, I
violated good scientific practices by changing two variables at once,
but I think the new gusto I feel in the engine is due to the headers,
not the wires. My stock wires were working just fine. Sure, the new
wires look cool because they're red, but they don't fit the stock looms
and because they are so soft, it's hard to dress them without having
them contact the headers. So, my advice is, leave the ignition alone
unless you _have_ to replace something. I would also recommend NOT
getting aftermarket exhaust unless you are getting headers at the same
time. My experience is that I lost low/mid range power when I went to
3" Gibson catback, then got it back (and more) when I added the
headers. I'm on the fence about getting the JBA "y" pipe.
Oh, and btw, I put on a homegrown K&N cone filter setup at the same time
i installed the Gibson, and the truck ran like a V6...just flat (no
offense, sixer dudes). When I swapped the cone for a K&N drop-in, power
improved.
Now that I've got a bunch of cash into the truck, I must admit it's
running strong and sounds great. But if I had to do it over, I'd leave
the damn truck bone stock.
Back under my rock ;)
fish
99 SLT+ CC V8 4x4
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