Aftermarket Diesel Components - More MPG!
Aftermarket Performance Products: What they are, how they work, and why you need them! Increase air flow, exhaust flow, and fuel delivery to greatly improve fuel economy.
Diesel Exaust Systems:
The stock exhaust systems found on most cars and trucks are a great source of restriction. This restriction, known as backpressure, greatly decreases the efficiency of your vehicle. Aftermarket exhaust mufflers and systems greatly reduce backpressure, increasing the efficiency of the engine and therefore increasing the fuel economy. Exhaust systems utilize free flowing exhaust tubing and high flow mufflers to reduce backpressure. Another, though more expenisive option, is to add a high flow catalytic converter (or converters) to complete your system for maximum efficiency. Most manufactures claim a 1-2 mpg increase.
Diesel Cold AirIntake Systems:
Aftermarket intake systems and filters are less restrictive then stock. Installing a free flowing aftermarket intake kit allows your engine to breathe easier, making it work less to suck air into the combustion chambers of the engine. By working less on the intake stroke, the engine gains performance and fuel economy. As an added bonus, most aftermarket filters are reusable, so you save on maintenance costs! For an even greater boost in fuel economy, combine an aftermarket intake and exhaust system, which will allow your engine to breathe in and out freely. Fuel economy increases vary by application.
Diesel Programmers:
Programmers, also known as chips or modules, reprogram your vehicle to run more efficiently. Programmers adjust things like valve timing, shift points, and fuel delivery to maximize your engines efficiency and increase the fuel economy of your vehicle. Programmers are a safe and effective way to noticeably increase fuel economy. Expect even more gains when combined with an aftermarket exhaust system and intake kit. Available for computer controlled vehicles only.
Turbocharger Upgrades:
If your diesel engine is equipped with a turbocharger, then you are in luck. The diesel aftermarket has upgrades and replacements available that can greatly increase the efficiency of your turbo charger. In comparison to a stock turbocharger, a quality aftermarket turbocharger will spool quicker, provide more airflow across the entire RPM range, and require less of your engine's energy to operate. This is usually due to a more efficient bearing/lubrication design as well as fine tuned turbo geometry. If your diesel is not equipped with a turbocharger, now is a good time to upgrade your engine and install one. Kits are available for most non-turbo equipped diesel engines, and will provide a massive boost in performance and fuel economy.
Diesel Fuel Additives:
Diesel Fuel Additives: Diesel fuel additives are not likely to cut your fuel bill down by a significant amount. However, there are diesel fuel additives available that manufacturers claim will increase the efficiency of your engine and therefore increase your fuel mileage. Manufacturers claim that increasing the lubrication properties of diesel fuel will have the following effects:
- Decreased cylinder wear
- More efficienct fuel system operation
- Remove/prevent deposits on injectors (dirty injectors = poor fuel mileage)
- Stabilize fuel & compensates for lack of sulfur in ULSD (Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel)
Not only will diesel fuel additives give you a boost in fuel economy, but they will ensure that your engine components are operating at peak efficiency, therefore preventing fluxuation of fuel economy between service intervals.
Diesel Propane Injection:
When injected into a diesel engine, propane acts as a fuel catalyst, improving the quality of fuel combustion as well as ensuring complete combustion occurs. In simple terms, propane helps you to squeeze every penny out of every drop of diesel fuel. Diesel propane injection systems, when properly tuned, are safe for your engine and will not decrease the life of your engine. The downside of propane injection is the need to fill 2 tanks; one with diesel, one with propane! Manufacturers claim fuel economy increases as high as 40 percent, so it's no wonder why DPI is becoming more and more popular as the price of fuel rests high above $4.00 a gallon.
