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ECONORAM · 09-18-2011, 11:42 PM

Okay, I finally got out and did some ABA testing. I have gone back and forth between happy and sad with my results. At first I thought 20.5 averaged (at 65 mph, 70*, no a/c) from 4 runs (2 each way, and the hi and low thrown out) was good. Then I realized I am running a 91 octane performance tune which gives me about 1.5 mpg. So I initially thought all my aero panel work was in vain. Later I realized my tests were done with a tankful of E10, which drops my economy about 10%. Considering the truck's EPA numbers are 14/17, it looks like I am making headway.

Mods thus far: clutch fan delete (replaced with Efan), exhaust Ypipe replaced w/Flowmaster unit, exhaust manifolds insulation wrapped, Trueflow intake air filter, Superchips 91 tune, Mobil1 5W-30 oil, AMSOIL ATF, full wheel covers on factory 20" wheels, 50% belly panel kit, LEER topper.

I do not have a super flat area for testing; rather a pretty flat 3 mile stretch (with gentle grades) on I-44. Each end has a slight uphill, so numbers could probably be a teeny bit better. With such a short stretch, I decided to change my usec/gal setting to a little less than half the normal value (004486 vs 009486) to get bigger readings for fuel consumption. (only adjusting one digit made it easier to restore once testing was done) I used ratios to convert it back to real fuel use. I tried this after doing a couple test runs before where I could see little difference (if any) either direction at the normal setting.

I hope to test again this week or next with my HO cams installed, and then with a muffler delete. True, the cams test won't be ABA, as I don't want to reinstall the OEM cams--that was a lot of work!

09-18-2011, 11:42 PM	#1 (permalink)
ECONORAM halos.com Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 528 ECONORAM - '07 Dodge RAM 1500 QC SLT flex-fuel 90 day: 18.16 mpg (US) the Avenger - '08 Dodge Avenger SXT 90 day: 27.06 mpg (US) Thanks: 385 Thanked 94 Times in 80 Posts	20.5 mpg Dodge RAM ABA testing run Okay, I finally got out and did some ABA testing. I have gone back and forth between happy and sad with my results. At first I thought 20.5 averaged (at 65 mph, 70*, no a/c) from 4 runs (2 each way, and the hi and low thrown out) was good. Then I realized I am running a 91 octane performance tune which gives me about 1.5 mpg. So I initially thought all my aero panel work was in vain. Later I realized my tests were done with a tankful of E10, which drops my economy about 10%. Considering the truck's EPA numbers are 14/17, it looks like I am making headway. Mods thus far: clutch fan delete (replaced with Efan), exhaust Ypipe replaced w/Flowmaster unit, exhaust manifolds insulation wrapped, Trueflow intake air filter, Superchips 91 tune, Mobil1 5W-30 oil, AMSOIL ATF, full wheel covers on factory 20" wheels, 50% belly panel kit, LEER topper. I do not have a super flat area for testing; rather a pretty flat 3 mile stretch (with gentle grades) on I-44. Each end has a slight uphill, so numbers could probably be a teeny bit better. With such a short stretch, I decided to change my usec/gal setting to a little less than half the normal value (004486 vs 009486) to get bigger readings for fuel consumption. (only adjusting one digit made it easier to restore once testing was done) I used ratios to convert it back to real fuel use. I tried this after doing a couple test runs before where I could see little difference (if any) either direction at the normal setting. I hope to test again this week or next with my HO cams installed, and then with a muffler delete. True, the cams test won't be ABA, as I don't want to reinstall the OEM cams--that was a lot of work!