Posted 2008-04-05 9:41 AM (#2267) Subject: ? about diesel and gas p/u's and chips
Zookeeper
Posts: 2179
Location: Kress, Texas
I was told the other day I could chip my gas rig. I knew the diesels could be, but never heard about gas rigs being chipped. If it is possible, would I gain/lose fuel mileage, and just what all would it improve?
Next question, I was also told that in 2010 all diesel p/u's will have to have some kind of conversion for the fuel. The cost of this is supposed to be around $2500. Is this true? I was looking at getting a diesel p/u, but was told I may want to hold off because of this. That leads to my chip question.
I live in the Tx. panhandle but will be moving at the end of the year down to around Dallas. My hubby thinks I should have a diesel instead of my gas rig because of the hills. Our p/u is a 2004 2500 Chevy (gas). I'm down there a lot now, and I know to not expect my p/u to perform like a diesel would on the hills. But have really not had any problem keeping up with everyone else.
Posted 2008-06-15 4:58 PM (#2293 - in reply to #2267) Subject: RE: ? about diesel and gas p/u's and chips
Posts: 12
Well, since no one else replied, I'll throw in my .02.
There are assorted power chips out for various gas engines. They will create some extra power on a stock engine, but won't produce the big gains that chipping a diesel can produce. IMHO the gain isn't worth the cost, and possible loss of warranty coverage.
Regarding diesels, emissions are tightening in 2010, however the current Cummins is said to already meet or exceed 2010 standards.
I'm not sure what you mean by conversion for the fuel, unless you are talking about urea injection.
Urea injection has been used to clean emissions of commercial operations, and is being considered in diesel engines. Essentially the vehicle would have a seperate Urea tank, and the urea (an ammonia like acid) would be injected into the exhaust flow between a normal 3 way catalyst, and a second catalyst. The system is also called Selective Catalytic Reduction.
The system is said to be able to reduce NOx emissions by up to 99%.
How much Urea will cost, how much the rigs will use, and what effect the equipment would have on the price of a new truck all remain to be seen.
It would also be interesting to know if urea equipped engines are expected to meet 2010 requirements without cooled EGR systems and particulate filters that are now in use.
Anyway, I'm guessing there might be some bugs to be worked out with the first SCR vehicles, and what the system will do to durability, fuel economy and cost of operation are pretty much anybody's guess at this point.