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.

Any engine gas or diesel can be "RE" chipped.  All of the current engines from the Big four" are controlled with electronics.  It's the best way to get power And the EPA satisfied.  The "Chip" just changes the way the computer controls the engine.

That said, I am very reluctant to mess with the engine controls.  The original engineers did a lot of work balancing power, fuel use, warrenty claims and emissions.  They had the benefit of all the design info.  All engineering is compromise.  What do you want to compromise to get more fuel milage?  engine life? Oil life? emissions (gotta pass the state inspection!) ? Driveability hot or cold?  Gas octane requirements?

It's like helper springs on a too small truck... A few hundred bucks will let you change the original design a bit but you'll add to the break-down chance of something else.

As for gas vs diesel.  Power is power.  Unless you're going to the high elevations  in the mountains states (5,000 ft +) gas engines have the advantage of less weight.  Then if the gas engine had a turbo like the diesels, to make up for the altitude it would still out pull the diesel.  See many diesel powered airplanes?

Enjoy your 6.0 gas engine.  When you get to the hills just step on the gas pedal.  Lettting the engine rev to just below the red line is okay if the engine is warmed to operating temp.  You'll be surprized at how fast you can go.  The engine will be loud and seem like it's going to fly apart.  It won't, the engineers have done their work well.   Most folks just never use the available power a 6.0 gas engine can produce.

"Chipping" a gas engine does not usually produce the returns that it will in a diesel engine.  Personally I wont chip or otherwise modify (aka decrease reliability) my tools, my toys on the other hand.......

Thank you.  I think I will just keep what I have for awhile, and then trade it in on a new 2500HD gas.  If I ever change trailers, I may need to rethink my options.  But for now, my set-up works fine for me.  Hubby is working out of country, and just worries about me out on the road.  

The Dmax is stock, I consider it a tool with a job to do.  I figure if 300 hp/600 tq wont cut it, then I need a bigger truck anyway.

I have a six way chip in my PS diesel. I can turn it off or on and dial in the amount of power I want. I normally run on the lowest setting (trailering) which gives me enough extra torque to go over most PA hills in top gear with a converter lock up. When it is activated, the difference is immediate, significant and easily noticeable. I have never needed to run in the higher range of settings.

I don't get any more mileage empty, but under load I get the same as running empty, which is a savings of about 5-6 mpg. I get more power and better mileage with no driveability issues.

The chip also reprograms the torque converter for quicker lock ups under a load, greatly reducing slippage. I have used it for several years now, and would not want to go back to a stock ecm program.

Gard

  I had a diesel, I now got a big gas, and so far as chips go's.... Leave the chips for me and leave my "496" alone!

  Pass me a family size bag of "Lays" originals please!!