Highway/Economy mode?

408F150 · #1 Mon, July 5th, 2010, 08:13 PM

I currently have an 87 towing and 91 performance tune in my gryphon, both of which work very well. However, I can feel the engine using more "grunt" than it needs to when I use 87 towing for daily driving, and 91 performance is just way too expensive to run every day. I have CAI and exhaust so I try to avoid using level 1 (transmission only).

Is it worth adding an 87 Economy/Highway type mode for when I'm just cruising casually on the highway? I figure even if it's only 1-2 mpg difference it'll pay for the program cost before too long. I currently average 13.8-15.6 (calculated by dividing miles driven by actual gallons used) on 87 towing mode. I have 35" Coopers and 4.56 gears (geared low to tow toy hauler and gear to Pismo)

Thanks for any input.

jmwilso2 · #2 Wed, July 28th, 2010, 07:41 AM

I wasnt aware there is an economy tune available. I just ordered my gryphon and would have requested that as well if I had known. Though I think that you should get the same effect with a performance setting and a lighter foot. I'd still be interested if an economy mode is available though.

***cleatus12r*** · #3 Wed, July 28th, 2010, 08:10 AM

There isn't a "commercially available" economy setting. The performance settings are designed for every day usage and daily driving economy.

Bill can build calibrations for economy depending on what kind of driving you do but the truck can end up being sluggish, and for some people, frustrating to drive. Basically, you end up with a tune that only allows a small percentage of power regardless of accelerator pedal position.

The speed at which you drive, the control you have over your right foot, and the truck itself (tires, alignment, state of tune) are the best ways to get better fuel economy.

As for the original poster's question, 15.6 MPG with larger than stock tires and lower gearing (higher RPM at highway speed) is really good.