Everybody wants their vehicle to get better gas mileage, but also have better performance. Is that possible? Is it cost effective? Can just anybody do it?
When I test drove the el cheapo van Tuesday prior to purchase, I noticed the throttle response was wishy-washy and having owned a '98 Astro (same basic vehicle) before, I was familiar with their anemic response and gas mileage. Just a lot of weight for the 4.3 L V6.
Hypertech makes this little engine computer programmer that can make your vehicle more responsive to the throttle and yet get better fuel mileage. You just plug it into the connector under the dash, answer a few questions for your preferences (regular or premium fuel for one) and it spends about 5 minutes updating your onboard computer.
After updating my anemic van's computer, I took it out for a test drive and sure enough she really felt spunky, almost like it had a V8 (naah, just kidding there)! And while I haven't ran a tank of gas through it yet to formally check the mileage, the gas mileage display readout indicates considerably better mileage while still burning regular fuel.
What more can a guy ask? Well maybe a lower price. $299 plus shipping from Summit Racing on the internet. But their customer response was very good as I ordered it Tuesday and it was here Thursday afternoon via FedEx.
JD
PS - You're right, I'll probably never save enough with $2.15 gas to pay for it, but if gas goes back where it was during the summer, look out. And of course there's that significant zoom factor. ;-)
PPS - Since this isn't meant to be a precise technical dissertation on how to upgrade your vehicle's engine performance, I won't spend any extra time telling you that there are myriad other devices for programming auto computers...you can go crazy with 'em. In my particular case, this simple device from Hypertech does the job and the added driveability of the GMC Safari definitely justifies the added cost.
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