POWER CONTROLLER SOMETIMES CALLED CHIP

[DAN L]

I HAVE A 2001 WINNEBAGO 35U W20 8.1 L ENGINE. I AM LOOKING FOR A POWER CONTROLLER TO ADD LOW RPM TORQUE WITH REGULAR GAS. I TRIED A HYPERTECH 3000 CONTROLLER AND I GOT AN INSTANT ERROR CODE AND AN 800 NUMBER TO CALL. HYPERTECH SAYS THAT THEIR CONTROLLERS ONLY WORK WITH TRUCK ENGINES, AND USE VIN NUMBERS TO VERIFY. I HAVE INSTALLED A K&N PANEL AIR FILTER. SOME HELP. I ALREADY HAVE 3" DUAL EXHAUSTS AND I DO NOT THINK A BANKS SINGLE 4" SYSTEM WILL HELP MUCH, EVEN WITH THEIR HEADERS. BANKS SYSTEMS ARE VERY EXPENSIVE. I KNOW OF 2 OWNERS OF 454 CHEVY MOTORHOMES WITH THE BANKS HEADERS AND POWER SYSTEMS INSTALLED THAT HAVE REPEATED PROBLEMS WITH OXYGEN SENSORS. MY 8.1 HAS STAINLESS STEEL CAST EXHAUST MANIFOLDS, NOT HEADERS.

[DAN L]

I HAVE A 2001 WINNEBAGO 35U W20 8.1 L ENGINE. I AM LOOKING FOR A POWER CONTROLLER TO ADD LOW RPM TORQUE WITH REGULAR GAS. I TRIED A HYPERTECH 3000 CONTROLLER AND I GOT AN INSTANT ERROR CODE AND AN 800 NUMBER TO CALL. HYPERTECH SAYS THAT THEIR CONTROLLERS ONLY WORK WITH TRUCK ENGINES, AND USE VIN NUMBERS TO VERIFY. I HAVE INSTALLED A K&N PANEL AIR FILTER. SOME HELP. I ALREADY HAVE 3" DUAL EXHAUSTS AND I DO NOT THINK A BANKS SINGLE 4" SYSTEM WILL HELP MUCH, EVEN WITH THEIR HEADERS. BANKS SYSTEMS ARE VERY EXPENSIVE. I KNOW OF 2 OWNERS OF 454 CHEVY MOTORHOMES WITH THE BANKS HEADERS AND POWER SYSTEMS INSTALLED THAT HAVE REPEATED PROBLEMS WITH OXYGEN SENSORS. MY 8.1 HAS STAINLESS STEEL CAST EXHAUST MANIFOLDS, NOT HEADERS.

[Bob (WA0MQE)]

Dan, you need to look into the Ultra-Power ECM upgrade. As far as I recall this is the only "Chip" upgrade for the 8.1 engine used in the Workhorse Motorhome Chassis.

See the following link: Ultra-Power Evaluation (Part 2)

[oemtech]

Dan,

First let me welcome you to the IRV2 forums.

May I suggest that you update your profile to add some info on your rig. Also, drop the caps as it is hard to read and is generally used to emphasize a word when needed.

Now to your original question. <span class="ev_code_blue">Brazels RV Performance Center</span> has the answer - <span class="ev_code_RED">UltraPower</span> You can expert a increase in HP, Torque, improved drive ability, and an increase in gas mileage. Check the web site or call Mike Bronzini at 1-877-786-1576 and tell Dale referred you.

[FrontRangeRVer]

woah!...Please dont use all caps...when you chat, its like you are YELLING.

As the posters have indicated, Ultrapower is what you are looking for, and what you need. They change the paramaters on your ECM, and it is not a chip, but a complete reflash of your ECM.

[ErWeGO]

So my new found Winnebago / Workhorse 8.1 L buddies, what is the general consensus on this? To significantly help with the hills and mountains do we go with a Banks Power Pack for big bucks or some other aftermarket device to increase horsepower and torque? I'm all ears on this one and need advice. I'm planning on a final PCS to Fort Living Room after nearly 37 years and gotta spend the bucks while I got em.

["007"]

MarcO if you would read ULTRA POWER #2 you will find all the info you will need. Now if thats not enough try Ultra Power #1

[r2dillon]

After researching, I came to the conclusion that the Banks system was not a significant (if any) improvement over the stock system. However, (as much as I hated to spend money) the ultrapower upgrade was worthwhile. Although I have not had the mileage indicated by others, I am in a 37C (pace arrow) that is tall, long, and heavy (could be a song by Heart)and towing a 4500 lb toad.

The biggest improvement in mileage was backing down to 60mph from 65. I also noted in the 2 week summer trip to DC and back that even semi's are doing 60-65 now.

[DAN L]

UPDATE: i did not like the ultrapower because they install the program and you have to keep going back to them for updates, etc. and it is pricy.
i finally bought just a banks ecm programmer, not the whole system for $500. it is working well so far. my moho has a noticeable torque and power increase at low rpm. i may have a small increase in mpg. i haven't driven it enough to tell for sure. on my last topoff i got 5.95 mpg for 350 miles of hard running in hilly country at 75mph on the level, 3000-3500 rpm when climbing. i ran the genny for 1 hour too.
i still need to find 2ea 2 bolt 3 inch exhaust flanges so i can bolt on 2 low restriction mufflers such as magnaflows.
does anyone have experience with magnaflow mufflers on the 8.1? i am thinking that they may be too loud.

[JCM]

Even though they are expensive I would recomend the Banks torque tubes. I found that it runs cooler "under the hood", has more get up and go at 60-75 mph and just "feels" like it is running easier at higher speeds - great for passsing. It climbs hills easier and the mileage MAY have increased .25 to .50 mpg.