I've tried to read most of the posts and FAQs about mods. If I've missed something, please tell me where I can find the info. My priority is to increase mpg in 05 Dakota 3.7 auto QC with 2 wheel drive. Like most everyone else, I cannot do all the change$ at the same time. So to not do some things over again, here's what I'm thinking for mods. I'd like to get your input.

Already have k&n drop-in air filter.
Will get new autolite 3923 plugs in couple weeks.
Would like to do hiptek throttle body maybe at same time as plugs.

Having said all this, I have more questions. Someone on a post said if you change tb, have to also change "sensors". Which sensors (O2?) and replace with what? With this change in air volume, are the 3923 plugs too cold? Will it cause too much carbon build up?

Per most of the posts, transmission shifting is really soft. Will any/all these changes help with transmission shifting and mpg? If these mods increase the amount of air going to the engine, should I do a cat back mod first?
Or does anyone have other ideas?

See--told you I had several questions. lol Thanks.

 

no sensors need to be changed when going with a bored out throttle body. there was a thread on here about someones quest to increase mileage. best thing I can say is the intake, low restriction exhaust, a light foot and reduce weight. These are heavy a$$ trucks. There is not a whole lot we can do mileage wise. I always tell people, if mileage is a concern, dont buy a Dakota. lol

 

By swapping out the sensors the person meant the throttle position sensor and I think the other one on our TB is the idle air control valve. You just take them off the old TB and put them on the new one..nothing is actually "changed".. hope that clarifies your question man. To be honest about saving mpg though..I don't have any answers. My truck eats gas and that is my only serious problem with the Dakota

 

Type of Tires and good tire pressure ... Stay away from Heavy ply and stick to a good "road" tire .. Allterains and more agressive tread are going to cost you.. stock sizing too .. 245-70/16R will likely give you the "lightest" combo

 

I forgot to add that I may also be changing the thermostat to 180 when I asked about running too cold with the changes to air, plugs and temp.

 

If your going for MPG's get...

Efan
Hard tires (with proper inflation)
Superchips with mileage XS tune
check your brakes to make sure they dont scrub at all
and change your driving habits


Getting a low restriction exhaust will move your torque curve and you will lose bottom end. this actually causes you to use more gas when leaving a stop. If most of your driving is highway, then the increase in top end power will help you out.

Dont expect any of these to make your truck a Prius. Driving habits are the biggest thing you can change to get better mileage.

 

he's a v6, so no superchips for him....

 

I hate that tune, I feel like it eats more fuel on that one.

 

I gained about 30 miles on a tank when I drove slower, and got to that speed slower. basically, I pressed the gas pedal less.

that's more than 10%, which is MUCH more than you'll see from an efan, intake, or exhaust.


can't do that anymore, as I am back to commuting during rush hour.

 

MY TRUCK ATE ONE OF THOSE LAST WEEK! I have proof!

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