Whisker Wrangler

I have a 2008 F150 4.2L and I am looking to get better gas mileage.. I dont care much about more hp or torque, just more mpg... What is a good program to use?? I heard something about a X3 or something, but I looked it up and it is only for 04-07... Please help!

Mod (Ret.)

I too have the 4.2 V6....2005 STX. The only tuner I've found for the 4.2 is this:

http://www.hypertech.com/Products/Max%20Energy

nagata

Holy thread resurrection! From some quick searching, it appears the Hypertech is still the only 'canned' tuner out there for the 4.2L V6...is this correct? Anyone have experience with the Hypertech, whether it be the "Max Energy Power", the "Max Energy Econ", or the "HyperPAC"? How about getting custom tuning done with, say, an SCT X3 or something similar?

Now that I'm out of factory warranty, and getting closer to the end of my extended warranty, I'm again looking into possibly a tuner/programmer. 2+ years ago, I had considered an SCT X3 w/ custom dyno tuning, but it was gonna run me at least $700 or so for all of this, and I decided I didn't want to risk impacting the warranty. Anyone have any experience?

Mod (Ret.)

I ended up buying a used, unlocked Superchips model 1865. Basically it has a flash that firms up the automatic transmission shift points (firmer), allowed me to calibrate the speedometer because I addied larger tires, and comes with a built in OBD II code reader/reset function. It has a "performance tune" and a "tow tune" for the 4.2 V6, but don't expect neck breaking results! I have a better exhaust system, and a semi CAI kit from K&N installed, along with an e-fan arrangement as far as engine mods go.

Truck runs great, and I average 19 to 23 MPG depending on driving conditions.

I got mine used off of Ebay for $65.00. It was unlocked and ready for use. I don't think I would pay the $300.00 plus price for a new one based on what I would gain/not gain from it on a 4.2 V6. These are great engines, but not power mongrals!

nagata

Thanks Bucko! Sounds like you got a good deal on that Superchip. Did you see a boost in MPG with the chip? I don't expect massive results, but if I could get a bit of improvement in MPG and at least the feel of some improved performance, that'd be fantastic. 19-23 MPG? Whew, I only get 19 if I REALLY baby it with mostly highway driving, and I've got the M5OD manual tranny! Granted, I've got 32s and 3.55 gears w/ TruTrac, but even when stock, I only saw 20 MPG on a few highway trips. If I could get low-20s in mileage, I'd stop thinking about upgrading to a 3.7L powered '11 for better mileage and more room (LOVE the look of the regular cab, but have grown to really wish I had the space of an ext. cab), lol. Trying to convince myself to stick with my '08, hoping a few adjustments and additions can do that.

I agree, the 4.2L + M5OD is a great combo so long as you're not looking for lots of speed or big power. It's been serving me well for 3+ years (52k so far), and has towed/hauled everything I've thrown at it, though not always quickly. Heck, the attached picture shows a set-up that I towed nearly 2000 miles over 1.5 weeks back in July (going from Ohio to Michigan to Minnesota and back); it managed well, towed @ 70-75 mph the majority of the way, but downshiftg for the slightest incline does get annoying, and it only got 13.5 MPG for the trip

I'm hoping that a chip/tune would provide a bit of an increase in fuel economy and a small increase in power, because I don't know about you, but I feel like the engine pulls well at first, but then starts to fall off early and goes rather flat once you hit 3.5k-4k RPM while accelerating, especially with a load...I feel like it should make power to that point and beyond, but maybe it's just a characteristic of the engine, I've never really looked for dyno-charts to see the HP and torque curves.

Franchi

A SCT X3 with a VMP MPG specific tune will net 1-2 real world MPG gains. I am putting on of those on my 04 V6 DD Mustang in next week or two.

Mod (Ret.)

I did not see the "attached picture"....

I cannot say if the Superchips is responsible for the MPG I'm experiencing. I'm putting it plus the mods I have as a "total" combination for my results. I'm suprised your 5 speed manual does not improve your MPG. I'd like to have one (manual transmission) with my setup to see what I'd get; if any improvement. I really like a manual transmission in any vehicle I buy. Unfortunately, there were no used manuals when I bought my truck used in late 08.

As to a new truck, not for me, yet. I plan on holding onto this one a long while. I even have another low mile engine/transmission to stuff into it when/if they give up the ghost so to speak.

The new trucks are fine (I really like the Raptor), but dislike new vehicle depreciation, and payments!

nagata

Picture should be attached now, I forgot it at first, possibly before you looked. No biggie, just my 150 with a small boat behind it.

You do have a good setup for mileage. Perhaps I'll look into adding an e-fan and doing an intake. Hopefully I'll have a tuner very soon As far as my mileage with the 5-speed, I don't know what the deal is...I'm not sure what others get with a similar setup, but yeah, I've always thought it was low. In the winter, I'm doing well if I get near 18. Again, I realize I have 32s and 3.55s w/ LS, but I've got the tonneau, and I only get 19 MPG when my driving is 90-95% highway (140 miles round trip every day for work right now...I ride my 600cc, 50 MPG sportbike as much as possible).

I agree with you completely on the manual transmission, I absolutely prefer it; unfortunately, the manual transmission options are dwindling every year. I didn't own an automatic until I traded my 03 ZX2 (manual, 130k miles) for an 09 Pontiac G8 GT (I know, GM, but it's a SWEET car), and as nice as the G8 is, it could be so much better with a manual. I also agree on the payments...I've got 2 years left, and would REALLY like to not have a payment for a while, lol, so that's a big reason to stick with my 08.

dhonnoll

19-23 MPG what am I doing wrong? I get 16-17 MPG drive it like yo grandma would do 50/50 city hwy mix maybe 40/60, e-fan, 2007 4.2L 5speed, K&N filter, copper plugs upgrade. 3.55 gears. How the devil am I so far off from 19-23. Is that all hwy? Can a chip REALLY improve performance that much?

Mod (Ret.)

Old thread back to life...

Do you have oversized rims/tires on the truck?