Ultrapower C7 chip results

The Woodieboys · 05-06-2008, 08:04 PM

Folks, we have real results from our trip to Atlanta this past weekend.

Some background. We took almost the exact same trip last year when we went to Chattanooga. Same route and even got fuel at the same location. We ran the trip last year at 65 MPH on cruise control in economy mode at got 7.2 MPG had calculated.

We put in the Ultrapower C7 chip last week (XC-R chassis) in our Damon Tuscany. We were loaded the same way (three day trip) on both trips and pulled the same toad both times.

The trip to Atlanta this past weekend we averaged 8.6 MPG hand calculated. That is an increase of 1.4 MPG. This trip we ran at 63 MPH with the Ultrapower chip set on 15% gain. We also used a bottle of Diesel Kleen in the tank at the same time. We filled up at Exit 2 in GA on the way up and filled up again at the same Flying J (even the same pump).

Overall mileage sent up with the combination of the Ultrapower chip, Diesel Kleen and 3 MPH slower. Cannot say which was more important but we did see the increase.

As for power there is definitely a boost from the Ultrapower chip. I noticed it the most on the hills between Macon and Atlanta on I-75. On the trip last year the coach dropped into 5th to make it up some of the hills (we let cruise do the driving). This trip we never dropped into 5th gear at all and noticed that it kept up closer to our original speed.

Overall I am very happy with the Ultrapower chip. We will eventually make back to purchase price and am looking forward to the performance boost next month when we head to Niagara Falls.

Oh yeah, the MCU's ROCK! Worth every penny.

The Woodieboys · 05-06-2008, 08:04 PM

Folks, we have real results from our trip to Atlanta this past weekend.

Some background. We took almost the exact same trip last year when we went to Chattanooga. Same route and even got fuel at the same location. We ran the trip last year at 65 MPH on cruise control in economy mode at got 7.2 MPG had calculated.

We put in the Ultrapower C7 chip last week (XC-R chassis) in our Damon Tuscany. We were loaded the same way (three day trip) on both trips and pulled the same toad both times.

The trip to Atlanta this past weekend we averaged 8.6 MPG hand calculated. That is an increase of 1.4 MPG. This trip we ran at 63 MPH with the Ultrapower chip set on 15% gain. We also used a bottle of Diesel Kleen in the tank at the same time. We filled up at Exit 2 in GA on the way up and filled up again at the same Flying J (even the same pump).

Overall mileage sent up with the combination of the Ultrapower chip, Diesel Kleen and 3 MPH slower. Cannot say which was more important but we did see the increase.

As for power there is definitely a boost from the Ultrapower chip. I noticed it the most on the hills between Macon and Atlanta on I-75. On the trip last year the coach dropped into 5th to make it up some of the hills (we let cruise do the driving). This trip we never dropped into 5th gear at all and noticed that it kept up closer to our original speed.

Overall I am very happy with the Ultrapower chip. We will eventually make back to purchase price and am looking forward to the performance boost next month when we head to Niagara Falls.

Oh yeah, the MCU's ROCK! Worth every penny.

wallynm · 05-07-2008, 09:20 AM

What is the RPM difference between the two Speeds. The closer you are to the RPM that produces the highest torque I would expect the MPG to approach its max. Also I would like to know what your evaluation of any wind differnces between the two trips.

The Woodieboys · 05-09-2008, 01:37 PM

To be honest I did not pay attention to the RPM as I had cruise on all the way. I will pay attention to it on our trip to Niagara Falls next month.

As for wind, we were pretty lucky and wind was minimal both trips. It made for an easier drive on those trips. Only had to deal with the crappy road construction between Macon and Valdosta on I-75...

Sammie · 05-09-2008, 02:39 PM

I am very interested in the performance aspect of the chip. You said you ran the chip at 15% on your trip. What other settings are there and have you tried them yet?

Thanks, Steve

The Woodieboys · 05-10-2008, 08:06 AM

There are three settings with the module, Stock, 15% gain and 30% gain.

15% is supposed to be the best mix of mileage vs power. 30% would be for power more than mileage. Since we live in flat Florida 15% is all I'll run unless we go to the mountains then I'll crank it up.

And it is easy to adjust. I put the control knob next to the radiator support (mounted in the rubber) so I can reach up under my coach and adjust it without having to open up the back to get to it. That way I can crank up the power quickly when we get to some big hills then back it off when we don't need it.

Mike at Brazel's RV spoke with me about it at length. He will share information at the drop of a hat and can give the nitty gritty details.

I have used some type of module or programmer in all my trucks and now the Cat C7 for several years. They do work and provide the extra power and mileage. The only thing I keep a watch on is either the turbo exhaust temp or engine temp. As long as I don't try and run the vehicle into the ground I've never had a problem.

Helps that my dad has been a diesel mechanic for over 40 years and swears by them as well...

wagonmaster2 · 05-10-2008, 05:39 PM

What is the cost of this chip, where do you get it, and how hard is it to install? Is this a do-it-yourself installation or does it require a diesel mechanic to do it? Does Cat have any response to using something like this. Thanks, it sounds like something worth having.
Wagonmaster2

The Woodieboys · 05-10-2008, 05:50 PM

I got the chip from Brazel's RV(www.brazelsrv.com). I called them up and spoke with Mike himself and they ordered it right there.

Cost was $705 including shipping. May be more or less depending on where you are at.

It was very easy to install. It took me longer to cable tie everything up nice and neat than actually hooking the module up. I was done in 1.5 hours but that was because I was being a bit anal retentive in where I ran the wires and how I tied them up. On a scal of 1 to 10 the install is a 2 or 3. Just needed a couple of screw drivers to take off the engine access panel and a drill to make the hole for the knob.