Naturally, as a driver of a gas guzzler, I'm interested in any product which claims to increase economy. Being a cynic I never believe any of the claims.
Here is my latest find, and I think we all would love to believe it to be true.
http://video.yahoo.com/video/play?vid=200213
What's your opinion? :crazy: ?
koihito
07-29-2007, 11:29 PM
It doesn't make any sense for the same reason split fire plugs aren't better. The electricity (spark) is going to take the path of least resistance to ground. The material can make a difference, the gap can make a difference, but the shape does not. It can't add or change the amount of electricity only the path, there will still only be one spark per cycle, period.
Oh, and whats up with the "14.2 to 1" ratio? A little one size fits all isn't it? Come on, the mix in my 86 9 ton ford box truck is not the same as my 2000 1/2 ton dodge van.
I could be wrong now, but I don't think so.......
stev
07-30-2007, 09:31 AM
Not to long ago in this forum, the topic was raised using the side-gapping for the plugs. I've done that already and have only seem marginal improvements. However, the the engine power isn't a delayed reaction.
It's more "alive." I'm not sure if this increased Hp too, but others make claims it does.
B-300
07-30-2007, 06:15 PM
I bet you could find better things to spend $ on in the quest for MPG.
I will list a few:
1. Proper tire inflation.
2. A complete tune-up including a cap and rotor with brass terminals and a high quality air filter.
3. An MSD ignition system, including a coil and matching MSD heli-core wires.
I recall the side gap plug issue, however I haven't tried it... I might of made mention of surface-gap plugs which are used on outboard engines according to champion... I don't know if they come in suitable sizes and heat-range.
landyacht318
07-30-2007, 11:47 PM
B300,
This MSD ignition you speak of, Besides the wires and coil which I am familiar with, well, my buddies '68 chevelle with a 'vette 427 in it has an additional box on the firewall, of which I can only guess the purpose of(timing and multiple spark?) I'm assuming a more modern engine with a ECM cannot use this type of set up?
I've also heard, or read somewhere online, can't remember, that the stock mopar coils put out a higher voltage than many aftermarket performance coils.
I recently replaced my leaky coil with an Echelin.
FWIW I can squeak out 17.4 mpg on my x country journeys @ 68mph fully loaded, without a headwind. Once with a 35 mph tailwind I averaged 26 mpg over 200 miles at 80mph. What a grand day that was! LOL
B-300
07-31-2007, 04:49 PM
With kind of MPG, I don't think an MSD would help much. The MSD I was refering to mounts on the firewall like your buddy''s and is more usefull on a performance engine.. It's mostly show on a stock or near stock engine. It can be triggered by the stock ECU.
I also read somewhere on this site that use of a performance (race) coil can cause the ECU to fail since it switches the coil.... The Echelin coil is designed to work with the ECU so have no fear.
charlie1935
07-31-2007, 05:12 PM
From the pictures of this "NEW" discovery that I could find it looks like the "S A Fire Injector" that J. C. Whitney sold 40 or so years ago. :gr_patrio
B-300
07-31-2007, 07:59 PM
You must mean the ones they advertised as "The last spark plug you will buy, never wears out and fires in oil."
charlie1935
07-31-2007, 10:14 PM
Yep, I believe that was the one. Never did try them. :gr_patrio
Dodgevanman
08-01-2007, 09:18 AM
MSD does make a direct replacement coil for the stock coil. P/N 8228 I believe.
stev
08-01-2007, 01:07 PM
Not too long ago, maybe within the year, Dave switched his belt driven engine cooling fan over to an electrically drive type. Not only did it take the belt driven fan load off of the engine, but it also allows proper engine cooling after the vehicle was driven.
He mentioned that while towing a trailer and a loaded van from souther CA to TX, he was able to reach 18~19mpg. Of course he also ran sythetic oils and had larger oil coolers and coolant coolers too.
Getting the belt driven fan off of the engine load could be a good start to increase the mpg issues.
Currently I need to replace the tires on the B2500 3/4-ton. I've spent a good deal of time looking for an M+S that has good roll resistance properties. These tires should be in this week for installation at Monro.
As for questionable mpg boosters, I've even seen a 150W peltier TEC fuel line cooler with heatsink once offered a few years ago. Not only was it labled to help increase mpg, but it toted the simplicity of removing vapor lock. If the fuel was warmed up some, it would expand, thus less fuel for the same power would combust in the engine. Plus, if cooler air was introduced into the TB, more power and getter fuel savings could be had. It's been awhile since I seen any retail claims of this device for sale in the automotive market.
