V&H pipes/K&N filter, power comman and gas mileage

[albrightb]

I have an 04 1500 nomad and just put on V&H pipes and K&N air filter. My gas mileage reduced from mid 40's to mid 30's. Will a power commander mapped for these additions improve gas mileage?

[paul]

Is the intake still stock other than the KN filter? If so that is way too much of a difference to be accounted for just by a filter and exhaust change. When I first got mine, it already had VH pipes and KN filter. Got 40 plus depending on how I drove. Are your baffles in , no exhaust leaks, or is the idle high? Clean the throttle body with gum out spray, run some sea foam through, then reset idle. After cleaning, it usually goes up. TFI won't hurt, but won't make max difference until intake is altered.

I redid my intake later, then added the TFI. And, POW! milage still at or under 40, depending on my right wrist, but much improved performance.

[albrightb]

thanks for the info...what's a TFI? Did you add a power commander? Most mechanics I speak with say that if you alter the back pressure via after-market pipes and K&N filter than the bike may need to be re-computered (mapped) for those additions. There are power commarder maps specific for the V&H pipes and K&N filter....only problem they run $300.

[ndbigfish]

Albrightb,

Welcome to Kawanow.

TFI is a fuel control module: http://www.dobeckperformance.com/

I put a TFI module, Chuckster's intake and a K&N filter on my FI bike and the mileage is similar to stock. The biggest drop is at speeds above 70 mph and strong head winds. Of course your bike may be haulin' less than mine.

[albrightb]

Thanks. Is the TFI the same as a power commander that can be mapped specific to the V&H pipes and K&N filter? They (mechanics) keep telling me about power commanders to improve performance and regain mileage. Apparently it will reprogram the computer to adjust for the changes in air and fuel flow (?).