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Thread: 20+ mpg with Kennedy economy tune

  1. #1

    Default 20+ mpg with Kennedy economy tune

    I have read for years on TDP about 20mpg trucks, but rarely been out of the mid-teens myself.

    This last weekend I drove a 400 mile roundtrip to deer camp, loaded with gear, but no trailer. A rarity! Got 20.2mpg for the trip, and that included a few stretches with cruise set at 76mph, some full throttle blasts on the haul/ass setting, and 6 miles of muddy wooded roads!

    I think the truck would do 24 if you drove 400 miles under 65mph with no heavy foot.

    Amazing - especially for 170K miles on the odometer!!! The fresh set of injectors certainly helps.
    Last edited by Mark Rinker; 11-06-2006 at 07:05.
    2011 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3L daily driver
    • Previous owner of two 1994 6.5L K3500s, '01, '02, and '05 6.6L K2500s, '04 C4500, '06 K3500 dually, '06 K3500 SRW, '09 K3500HD SRW, '05 Denali
    • Total GM diesel miles to date : ~950K

  2. #2
    Join Date
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    Default Good to hear!

    Yes it can be done...
    Kennedy Diesel-owner
    More than just a salesman-I use and test the products that I sell on a daily basis!
    Superflow Lie Detector in house
    2002 Chev K2500HD D/A CC Long LT 11.77@ 124mph at 7700# fuel only-e.t. needs help
    2005 Chev K3500SRW D/A CC Long LT(SOLD)
    2007 Chev K2500 Classic EC Short LT (Sold)
    2012 GMC K3500SRW D/A CC Long LTZ Happy Birthday to me! Built 1 working day after my birthday and delivered 7 days later.
    2016 GMC K3500SRW D/A CC short LTZ

    Custom tuning in house using EFI Live tuning software!

  3. #3

    Default

    Anyone reporting similar results on an 05??

    I was able to get just under 19 out of my 3500 empty stock on a long trip BC interior recently.

    Should I realistically expect to gain 1 or 2 more mpg?

    Also, what is the effect on performance/mpg when hauling a load as shown above??
    2005 Chev K3500 SRW Dmax Allison Ext Long Box

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2000
    Location
    Michigan
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    365

    Thumbs up Another 05 getting 20 mpg

    I also get 20mpg with J/K's economy tune in my 05 GMC
    2016 GMC SLT 2500 CC 4x4 Duramax All Terrain 59K
    1995 GMC 2500 EC 4x4 6.5TD,236K,Custom Tuning,HX40W-II turbo,Amsoil Bypass Filter,KD Exhaust,FSD Cooler,KD Headlight booster,Hi-cap Cooling
    TDP member #14

  5. #5
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    Default

    Todd, I have a few minor tweaks to make for your tuning. Not necessarily related to mpg, but more to driveability of an already super smooth tune.
    Kennedy Diesel-owner
    More than just a salesman-I use and test the products that I sell on a daily basis!
    Superflow Lie Detector in house
    2002 Chev K2500HD D/A CC Long LT 11.77@ 124mph at 7700# fuel only-e.t. needs help
    2005 Chev K3500SRW D/A CC Long LT(SOLD)
    2007 Chev K2500 Classic EC Short LT (Sold)
    2012 GMC K3500SRW D/A CC Long LTZ Happy Birthday to me! Built 1 working day after my birthday and delivered 7 days later.
    2016 GMC K3500SRW D/A CC short LTZ

    Custom tuning in house using EFI Live tuning software!

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2000
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    Greenfield, In
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    1,408

    Default

    Been testing JK's econo tune since Aug and I have over 10K on the tune. My best was 20.1 at 62. JK is going to do some tweaking for drivibility and then it should be done. This is all with stock 245 tires as well. What I like is the get up and go without have a cloud of smoke.

    Greg
    Diesel Page Supporter
    Greg Landuyt
    Lubrication Specialist, LLC.
    1-888-306 4255
    greg@lubricationspecialist.com
    http://www.lubricationspecialist.com

  7. #7
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    Default

    Does this tune work on 06 lbz's ? And if so does it add more power also. And do I need gauges for it? Thanks
    0000000

  8. #8
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    Default

    The LBZ tuning will be coming soon. All tuning SHOULD have gauges, but in general, my tuning is as safe or safe than stock...
    Kennedy Diesel-owner
    More than just a salesman-I use and test the products that I sell on a daily basis!
    Superflow Lie Detector in house
    2002 Chev K2500HD D/A CC Long LT 11.77@ 124mph at 7700# fuel only-e.t. needs help
    2005 Chev K3500SRW D/A CC Long LT(SOLD)
    2007 Chev K2500 Classic EC Short LT (Sold)
    2012 GMC K3500SRW D/A CC Long LTZ Happy Birthday to me! Built 1 working day after my birthday and delivered 7 days later.
    2016 GMC K3500SRW D/A CC short LTZ

    Custom tuning in house using EFI Live tuning software!

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Aug 2002
    Location
    Fort Benton, MT
    Posts
    123

    Default

    I have a '02 that gets about 17-18 with my normal driving. I ussually run at 70-75 and don't baby it. Is an increase to 19-20 mpg a realistic possibility?
    2002 Chev D/A CC LB - it's gone

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
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    USA
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    Smile

    Thanks John, I'll be waiting for your tune. How much more towing power does it make? I hope it works OK with a stock exhaust, I just can't bring myself to give up the quiet mode in this 06.
    0000000

  11. #11
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by beeler
    I have a '02 that gets about 17-18 with my normal driving. I ussually run at 70-75 and don't baby it. Is an increase to 19-20 mpg a realistic possibility?
    Quite possible, quite likely, not guarranteed. You will definitely like the way that the truck drives though that is for certain...
    Kennedy Diesel-owner
    More than just a salesman-I use and test the products that I sell on a daily basis!
    Superflow Lie Detector in house
    2002 Chev K2500HD D/A CC Long LT 11.77@ 124mph at 7700# fuel only-e.t. needs help
    2005 Chev K3500SRW D/A CC Long LT(SOLD)
    2007 Chev K2500 Classic EC Short LT (Sold)
    2012 GMC K3500SRW D/A CC Long LTZ Happy Birthday to me! Built 1 working day after my birthday and delivered 7 days later.
    2016 GMC K3500SRW D/A CC short LTZ

    Custom tuning in house using EFI Live tuning software!

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Aug 2001
    Location
    Lancaster, Pa.
    Posts
    278

    Default

    John, I would very much like to have the KD tow/mileage tune. I myself am not interested in the go fast tune. I want the engine to be tuned where it is happy and healthy, not for smog. What impresses me is a healthy engine that can run flat out, up hill pulling, for an extended time without hurting it, just like the big ones. Are there any cost savings in getting just the one tune? Do you sell horse power like the big three or is the pricing fairly close no matter what the tune? (Except for the extreme tunes.) I realize it takes basically the same amount of work on testing and tuning to make 20hp or 200hp. All the products I have recieved from you are always top shelf.

    Steve
    '02 2500HD SLE EC/LB 4X4 Duramax/Allison - Amsoil air filter, KD exhaust, Isspro gauges, Fumoto, SpeedLiner, Bilstein, MEGA post OE, KD Lift Pump & Harness, KD Boost Control, Westin step bars, FPPF Total Power every fuel-up, VR Straps.

  13. #13

    Default Kennedy ECM info

    Could anyone kick me back some specs like [Horse/Torque/millage] on the tunes? Perhaps even some dyno charts? I would really lke to get into one of the ECM's but not sure which tunes I would want. With only two to choose from tough choice.

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Mar 2000
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    Default

    It all depends on what you want and transmission setup. There will be 5 position tunes shorty, BUT when you consider that the base economy tune adds about 40 HP and the stock transmission only handles about 80 HP there's not a lot of room in between for tunes.

    2 tunes is really all a guy should need, in fact my base economy tune is all 90% of the stock transmissioned Dmax owners really need...
    Kennedy Diesel-owner
    More than just a salesman-I use and test the products that I sell on a daily basis!
    Superflow Lie Detector in house
    2002 Chev K2500HD D/A CC Long LT 11.77@ 124mph at 7700# fuel only-e.t. needs help
    2005 Chev K3500SRW D/A CC Long LT(SOLD)
    2007 Chev K2500 Classic EC Short LT (Sold)
    2012 GMC K3500SRW D/A CC Long LTZ Happy Birthday to me! Built 1 working day after my birthday and delivered 7 days later.
    2016 GMC K3500SRW D/A CC short LTZ

    Custom tuning in house using EFI Live tuning software!

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Mar 2000
    Location
    Greenfield, In
    Posts
    1,408

    Default

    I have towed with JK's tune but nothing heavy only about 8K. It runs well at that load.

    Greg
    Diesel Page Supporter
    Greg Landuyt
    Lubrication Specialist, LLC.
    1-888-306 4255
    greg@lubricationspecialist.com
    http://www.lubricationspecialist.com

  16. #16

    Default

    I will have more accurate data (averaged over longer data sample) soon for towing results. My early observation is that there is a marked improvement in both towing power and fuel economy with loads up to 10K.

    As loaded weight increases beyond 10K, the margin of improvement over stock decreases, but never dips below the stock ECM.

    Its hard to quantify and measure the increase in lowend power, but its definately a benefit. Low end towing power is much stronger than stock. Truck runs much smoother and quieter, not choppy power surges at different RPMs like the Predator I was running before on the 2001 LB7.
    2011 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3L daily driver
    • Previous owner of two 1994 6.5L K3500s, '01, '02, and '05 6.6L K2500s, '04 C4500, '06 K3500 dually, '06 K3500 SRW, '09 K3500HD SRW, '05 Denali
    • Total GM diesel miles to date : ~950K

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Aug 2001
    Location
    Lancaster, Pa.
    Posts
    278

    Default

    Sounds like just what the doctor ordered Mark. Sounds like your motor loves the tune. Healthy happy and strong. And, not hurting a stock trans. I think this will be on the short to-do list.

    Steve
    '02 2500HD SLE EC/LB 4X4 Duramax/Allison - Amsoil air filter, KD exhaust, Isspro gauges, Fumoto, SpeedLiner, Bilstein, MEGA post OE, KD Lift Pump & Harness, KD Boost Control, Westin step bars, FPPF Total Power every fuel-up, VR Straps.

  18. #18
    Join Date
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    Location
    Stafford, VA
    Posts
    706

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Kennedy
    The LBZ tuning will be coming soon. All tuning SHOULD have gauges, but in general, my tuning is as safe or safe than stock...
    I you need a ginuea pig, let me know.
    Speed costs money. How fast can you afford?

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    Seabeck WA
    Posts
    8

    Default What about me?

    Quote Originally Posted by Kennedy
    The LBZ tuning will be coming soon. All tuning SHOULD have gauges, but in general, my tuning is as safe or safe than stock...
    I'm a guy that is perfectly happy with his 05 GMC Duramax crew. It's a 2500HD. It came with the power package (315hp, 600-something torque) It doesn't know our 2 ton camper is there and gets about 14+ with it loaded. Even at 8000+ feet altitude of Yellowstone. Around home it gets 17.3 with my traffic patterns and driving habits. On the freeway (moving) at 60 it gets 21mpg. With a 30mph tailwind it gets 25mpg empty. I just changed the fuel filter for the first time. The truck is still perfect. Nothing to tell the dealer and it's so loaded that its even got the rear-seat DVD theater. Remote control too. Is that silly or what? No, I didn't order it that way. It was the only truck available that was close to what I wanted during the friends and family sale. Obviously I'm impressed. Just like most owners of the GM HD trucks according to national polls.
    Can this rig be made better by your tune?

  20. #20
    Join Date
    Mar 2000
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    Loyal WI US
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    Default

    Absolutely, but if you love it and it's doing fine, you could always spend your money on better things. It's up to you I guess.
    Kennedy Diesel-owner
    More than just a salesman-I use and test the products that I sell on a daily basis!
    Superflow Lie Detector in house
    2002 Chev K2500HD D/A CC Long LT 11.77@ 124mph at 7700# fuel only-e.t. needs help
    2005 Chev K3500SRW D/A CC Long LT(SOLD)
    2007 Chev K2500 Classic EC Short LT (Sold)
    2012 GMC K3500SRW D/A CC Long LTZ Happy Birthday to me! Built 1 working day after my birthday and delivered 7 days later.
    2016 GMC K3500SRW D/A CC short LTZ

    Custom tuning in house using EFI Live tuning software!

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