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Fuel economy improvement?

Yahoo Message Number: 68241
A company called PDI Performance Diesel, Inc., St George Utah sells, installs and tunes "Big Boss" brand ECM replacements. A contributor to the FMCA Community Forum made an entry on on 2/4/11. He stated that PDI tuned his 400HP Cummins to improve economy from 8 MPG to 13.5 to 14 MPG on his 2004 Monaco, Windsor. This represents about 68% improvement. Sounds incredible! Could this be possible? Cost of ECM install & tune shown online for my Cummins is $2,100. Cost of tune only is $1,650.
Anyone else have any experience with "Big Boss" or similar gadget? How much fuel economy improvement have you experienced?

Daron Hairabedian, 98 Allure 30226

Re: Fuel economy improvement?

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 68243
The results that Daron has had are incredible. Has anyone else had experience with the Big Boss ECM ?

Stan Inspire 2005
51406

Re: Fuel economy improvement?

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 68263
Stan,

Hold on.....those are not my results!. This is info that was claimed by a post in the FMCA Community website. I am still waiting for futher response to the question, " Did they do anything else besides 'Tune' your ECM?". I will report as or if I learn more.
Daron, 98 allure 30226

Re: Fuel economy improvement?

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 68278
Can I sell you some Snake Oil??? It will cure Cancer and everything else that causes you problems!!! LOL!!!
I'll believe it when we see reports of success as this could make that company Trillions of Dollars in Profits!!!

Re: Fuel economy improvement?

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 68292
Darn, Don't you think that Cummins, Cat and all the other diesel engine manufacturers would snap something like that up in a heart beat. Like some one said "It's snake oil"

Earl Densten

03 Intrigue 11554

Re: Fuel economy improvement?

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 68293
I have not yet received any responses from any one on the forum who has had direct experience with the "Big Boss" system from PDI. I have received messages from those of you who are also interested in the subject of improved fuel economy. Thank you all for your interest.
However, a cursory review of our archives revealed a few messages that warned of increased heat generated by these modules or "chips". These warnings came from reliable sources who have contributed much valuable advice in the past. So, I guess I will have to live with my 8 MPG as I am not anxious to take a chance on the possible ravages of excess heat.
That said, I am still open to any new developments that can help us to cope with the continuing increase in fuel cost.
Yea,....I do all of the known regular stuff like taming my lead foot, proper tire pressures, regular maintenance, driving slow up mountain slopes and using the economy switch feature on my Allison tranny.
But, I have a suspicion that there may be some new idea or gadget that has escaped my attention that may safely squeeze out a little more out of every gallon.
Sowaddayathink? Are there any "magic bullets" or "magic bulletins" out there that I have missed?
Daron Hairabedian, good ole' 98 Allure 30226 with 330 hp 8.3 Cummins

Re: Fuel economy improvement?

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 68296
I have taken and written to the company PDI that sells and installs the Big Boy. I requested what is a reasonable increase one might expect with the installation of the Big Boss. I also shared the increase in one motorhome of from about 8 to 13 miles per gal.
I will let you all know what is there response.

Stan Inspire 2005

Re: Fuel economy improvement?

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 68297
The company I am with ships over a billion pounds of cheese a year by trucks. One of our carriers located in Utah uses PDI regularly for service work. PDI has reprogrammed their ECMs on their fleet for improved performance. The carrier saw only a slight improvement in MPG but performance on their Cummins engines has improved. A quote from the carrier service manger said "They (Cummins) run more open" I have no idea what open means.

Walt

2004 inspire with a 350 Cummins

Re: Fuel economy improvement?

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 68300
I have a well proven method to reduce fuel consumption dramatically.
Find an RV park you really like.
Rent a nice space by the month.
Do not move the RV.

Little or no fuel consumption.

Bob Wexler
SOB

Re: Fuel economy improvement?

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 68321

I was told by a mech that if you adjust the fuel pump to inject at a higher compression point that you will get more bang for your diesel dollar. But, it is harder on the engine and is noisier.

Dave

aka Billy Byte (trusty hound)
2000 Allure #30443

Re: Fuel economy improvement?

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 68337
Bob

I tried that last year and can report that you are right.

I suggest Outdoor Resorts Hilton Head Island.

Frank Allure 31425

Re: Fuel economy improvement?

Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 68338
I have been to the Outdoor Resorts on Hilton Head Island and it is Beautiful and I am thinking about buying a Lot there as I have a Marriott Vacation Villa at the Grande Ocean and I can use their Marriott facilities while I am staying at the Outdoor Resort.
Looking to buy either a 2006 CC Magna or a 2007 CC Affinity so this will be my First Coach and Yes I am jumping into the Big End Of the Pool. I hope I will like it but I thank all of you for the information on this Forum.
 

Re: Fuel economy improvement?

Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 68341
Ken here, Working for Cat I dont want to tell you how many of these systems we tryed and dont work! We used them in our fleet trucks and rentals! Wont go there any further. Ken 99 Allure 30356!