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Bill
Dodge Dakota
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4/27/2002
11:24:49
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 Subject: Best Way to Improve MPG?
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All right guys, I need your help. In two weeks I will be again resuming my annual summer job. This will be the first summer I have had my truck to drive. I will be driving about 1000 miles a week for this job. My question is, what is the best thing(s) I cand do to improve gas mileage? I want things that are cheap and that I can put on in a relatively short period of time. Would things like Autolites, 180 t-stat, cold air intake, etc help? How much increase would I expect from your suggestions? I have the 3.9 V6 4x4 CC that is stock right now. I do have a tonneau cover which has helped a little. Thanks!
Bill
Bill's Truck Page--Newly Updated
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SS_Dakota
Dodge Dakota
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4/27/2002
14:14:10
| RE: Best Way to Improve MPG?
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Well, this is asked many times on this board.
Think of this, the faster you can get the air into your motor and out the better... so from what is posted on this board, the best thing you could do it get an better air intake system (K&N) and get a better flowing muffler, cat whatever. Take a few and read through a lot of this board... it'll sink in.
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Graphite
*DakotaEnthusiast*
4/27/2002
14:47:01
| RE: Best Way to Improve MPG?
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How about all of those gas stations that you own? hehehehe. All of the things you mentioned will help. Keep the bed empty if possible. I notice a 2 to 3 mpg difference when mine is empty.
joe
2002 club cab 4.7 v8 stock 4x4 Graphite /silver
2002 quad cab 4x2 v6 stock Atlantic blue/silver
2002 evenflo travel system
1999 John Deere LX 255
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Bill
Dodge Dakota
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4/27/2002
15:09:41
| RE: Best Way to Improve MPG?
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I thought I may be hearing from you about this one Graphite!! I can do the air intake, but I don't really have time to research and buy and have installed the exhaust right now. I have read some of the archives and saw the suggestions, just wondered if anybody else had anything now covered in those. Anybody put the t-stat in, did it help any? That's very cheap and if I could do that, and have it help, I will do it.
Bill
Bill's Truck Page
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Aaro
Dodge Dakota
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4/27/2002
16:09:02
| RE: Best Way to Improve MPG?
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A Black Magic 150 electric fan will give you about a 2 mpg gain and recover some power (7-10 hp).The 2 mpg is real and not a advertising gimic.Probably one of a few performance parts that will pay for itself,it cost about $180 and say that you get 17mpg and it goes up to 19 mpg at $1.50 a gallon it would take less than 20,000 miles to pay off.
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Clevite 77
Dodge Dakota
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4/27/2002
20:42:09
| RE: Best Way to Improve MPG?
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the 180 t-stat (theoretically) should lower gas mileage, someone please correct me If I'm wrong, but changing over to a 180 makes the motor run cooler, and the cooler a motor is the richer the computer makes it.
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Daddy-D
*GenIII*
4/28/2002
11:21:26
|  RE: Improved MPG - Intake
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Whether you install a 180 T-stat or relocate/recalibrate the AIT (Air Intake Temperature) sensor, you are basically fooling the PCM (engine management system's computer) into thinking your engine is running cooler. The PCM then enriches the air/fuel mixture (like a mild choke - more gas) to compensate. More gas equals more power; but more gas also equals reduced fuel economy (lower MPG). So, there's the tradeoff.
Running a 180 T-stat is good for the engine - internals will live longer in the cooler environment.
Making it easier for the engine to breathe improves performance AND efficiency. Also, cooler air is denser (more Oxygen), which burning things inside the combustion chamber like; denser air means more-efficient combustion.
That's where a HIGH-QUALITY cold air intake comes in. You are introducing truly cooler, denser air (not faked cooler air with the tricky AIT sensor setup, with all due respect, Lord BernD). Not only that, but you're also cleaning and opening up the path the intake air must travel to get into the engine. This makes for a double benefit. A K&N-type "drop in" air filter element will help a little, but the significant benefit will come when you spring for a full-blown FIPK (K&N's brand of cold air intake - my fave). Upgrading your TB (throttle body) further and more-significantly improves intake efficiency, but is kinda pricey.
Summary:
Just pumping more fuel into the engine will increase power some, but not economy.
Geting more air and fuel into the engine gives you improved intake efficiency - netting you more power and fuel economy (better mileage).
Of course, the temptation to stand on the throttle (turn up the engine music) could easily negate any economy benefit.
'98 DakSport C/C 3.9 2WD A/T
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Bill
Dodge Dakota
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4/28/2002
11:25:28
| RE: Best Way to Improve MPG?
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Thanks for the info. Daddy D. I may look into making my own intake as I have seen quite a few people do that, but I will also look in to the KN intake as well. Thanks!
Bill
Bill's Truck Page
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BlackDak02
*GenIII*
4/28/2002
11:27:42
| RE: Best Way to Improve MPG?
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Not too cheap, but synthetic lubricants might help for milage if you don't already use them.
2002 Black CC SLT 4x4
4.7L 45RFE 3.55 LSRD
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Rob
Dodge Dakota
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4/28/2002
14:48:36
| RE: Best Way to Improve MPG?
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Make sure your tires are properly inflated. I picked up 2mpg from changing from 32psi to 35psi.
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Jason
Dodge Dakota
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4/28/2002
15:01:03
| RE: Best Way to Improve MPG?
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I heard that upgrading the TB to a biger one will DECREASE MPG? which is true?
If I get a K&N FIPK, will it increase my MPG because it is adding more cold air, which in turn will richen the fuel mixture? or am I wrong?
and lastly, where can I buy an electric fan, and who can install it for me? thanks for ALL the help!
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dakota matt
GenIII
4/28/2002
16:07:40
| RE: Best Way to Improve MPG?
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I got a .8 MPG increase after installing the K&N FIPK on my 97 5.2. I also got a small increase, .5 with underdrive pulleys. I recently installed an MSD 6AL ignition, SS Blaster Coil, Accel cap and rotor, Autolite 3923 spark plugs, and MSD 8.5mm wires and have seen a good jump in mileage but I am waiting to get back to my usual driving to be sure. It does look to be over 1 MPG increase though and have read that some people have seen 1.5. Next is a high flow cat, cat back exhaust electric fan and eventually a throttle body.
Matthew Lee
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Rocket PHD
Dodge Dakota
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4/28/2002
16:21:11
|  RE: Best Way to Improve MPG?
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The BEST, CHEAPEST way, is to
#1, get rid of the 4 WD
#2, don't floor it, accelerate slowly, staying in the bottom of the power band.
#1 probably won't be that cheap, but #2 will easily pick up 3-7mpg over a 'my trucks' bad a$$' attitude. If it was offered the year your truck is, a 4.7 would get about the same MPG.
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Hammerdak
Dodge Dakota
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4/28/2002
16:51:45
| RE: Best Way to Improve MPG?
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Not to pour water on the fire, but do the costs of your upgrades get offset by the savings in fuel costs. If you combine several mods you'd be lucky to get an increase of 5 mpg. That will get you about an extra $20.00 per week if you're doing your 1000 miles per week. Summer is 16 weeks long for a total savins of $320.00. All the mods mentioned are going to run you $1000.00-$2000.00 atleast. These are loose numbers,of course. The performance gain may be nice but you'll have to drive those miles for years to pay for the mods with better gas mileage. I only put on 100 miles per week so anything I do to my truck is for the smile per gallon increase. If money is the real issue then up the tire pressure, ad a fuel injector cleaner to your gas at the start of summer and ease off the throttle as much as possible. Failing that sell the Dakota and buy a Kia. Yeh Right!!!!!!!!!!!
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Bill
Dodge Dakota
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4/28/2002
17:06:23
| RE: Best Way to Improve MPG?
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You make some very interesting points guys. Especially Hammerdak. I may try the fuel injector cleaner and ease up on the accelerator. I would never think to part with my beloved Dakota though!!!
Bill
Bill's Truck Page
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Mike
Dodge Dakota
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4/28/2002
19:13:12
| RE: Best Way to Improve MPG?
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How do those mods add up to $1000? In chronological order:
1.electric fan- permacool 16" unit from Jegs for $90 (2 mpg)
2. catback exhaust- Dynomax 3" super turbo muffler and pipes for $110 from jegs (1 mpg)
3. modified throttle body- did it myself with a hack saw, a file, and a grinding stone for free (1 mpg)
There was about three months between each mod. I believe each mod also complimented the other. Performance-wise things are a lot better but if I drive conservatively my mileage is pretty good (best yet- 24 mpg with 200 lbs of gear in the back)
ALL for under $300... Get a K&N air filter and I think thats the best you're gonna be able to improve the mileage while keeping the mods paying for themselves.
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The Jester
Dodge Dakota
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4/29/2002
05:24:45
| RE: Best Way to Improve MPG?
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If you bought the Dakota and was worried about gas mileage then that was a mistake. The only real way to increase your MPG is to replace the engine with a YUGO engine. Then you should get about 30 MPG but it may you a weeks to get there.
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dakota matt
GenIII
4/29/2002
13:31:33
| RE: Best Way to Improve MPG?
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I knew I would not get good gas mileage when I bought my truck so it isn't a big concern of mine. I am getting mods that will improve both the performance and mileage and because they are two areas I think could be better. I plan on having my truck for a long time so I do not look at any improvements a waste. I also enjoy working on it. Considering th fact that my truck is 5 years old and just hit 42,000 my improvments will not pay for themselves anytime soon if at all but I will have a truck that performs alittle bit better.
Matthew Lee
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Bill
Dodge Dakota
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4/29/2002
13:41:38
| RE: Best Way to Improve MPG?
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Don't get me wrong, I knew when I bought my truck that the mileage wouldn't be as good as a car. However, I do think it is worthwhile to look at any way I can to at least attempt to improve gas mileage Jester.
Bill
Bill's Truck Page
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Justin
Dodge Dakota
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5/05/2002
18:01:22
| RE: Best Way to Improve MPG?
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For some stupid reason it seemed like glass-packs improved my gas milage. I know they added a little power.
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SuperBee
Dodge Dakota
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5/05/2002
18:49:03
| RE: Best Way to Improve MPG?
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they should by all reason improve the mileage, for most people it doest cuz they run WOT jsut to hear the sound and lose mileage
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The Jester
Dodge Dakota
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5/06/2002
05:39:16
| RE: Best Way to Improve MPG?
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On a more serious note. Change the intake to allow to breath better. There are quite a few available that will work on your truck. You will also want to open up the exhaust some also. The only drawback to this is that most of us like the new sound you get and have a tendacy to stay in the throttle too much thus negating the improvements and sucking up more fuel.
Try Turbocity for the intake, it is a dual intake and really allows it to breath, about a 15 minute install.
01 QC SLT PLUS
4.7ltr FT4x4
LSD 3.92 TT HD
4WABS
Access Tonnuea Cover
Brush Bar w/PIAA Fog
Better Built Nerf Bars
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Dave Mitchell
Dodge Dakota
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5/06/2002
10:33:16
| RE: Best Way to Improve MPG?
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The Jester wrote:
If you bought the Dakota and was worried about gas mileage then that was a mistake. The only real way to increase your MPG is to replace the engine with a YUGO engine. Then you should get about 30 MPG but it may you a weeks to get there.
But this won't improve the mileage any. Engine size doesn't really effect the gas mileage.
Here's what does:
Frontal area - A vehicle should have a low cross section as viewed from the front. Having the extended suspension of the 4WD increases the frontal area and causes the truck to have to push more air out of the way. A lowered truck would therefore increase the mileage to an extent. Wide tires can add to the frontal area.
Parasitic drag - Added accessories provide more resistance to air flow past the surface of the vehicle. The buffeting of air attempting to flow under the truck over all the components and chassis falls in this category, also. If truck is not 4WD, try adding an air dam and ground effects skirting. Try lowering the tailgate or getting a tonneau cover. I have seen bed covers that streamline the cab of the truck into the bed (similar to Chevy Elcamino side profile) that would help.
Drivetrain friction - Up to 30% of power at the engine is lost to resistance in the power train (transmission, u-joints, differential) having 4WD makes the value even higher. Full-time 4WD drives teh 4WD components all the time. Automatic transmissions have torque converter losses that occur whenever the converter is not in a locked state.
Rolling resistance - Soft rubber tires will have a higher rolling resistance than harder rubber tires. Low inflation pressure increases the resistance. Larger tires and wider rims are heavier, taking more energy to accelerate them to the end speed. Taller tires and rims place the mass out further, increasing the amount of energy it takes to do the same acceleration due to the increased leverage form axle to the point of maximum mass.
Weight - Reduce the weight. Adding large bumpers, roll bars, nerf tubes, winches, etc. Increases the weight. Cost you gas mileage every time you accelerate or climb a grade. 4WD has added weight in the front axle and the transfer case.
Efficient driving - Manual transmission is mor positive about applying the full power to the wheels. Allows driver to shift at most efficient speed. Shift at 2,000 RPM if have a manual transmission. Never use more throttle than you need. Accelerating quickly from stoplight to stoplight wastes mileage and causes high brake wear and brake dust deposits. Use the cruise control whenever possible.
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Zaurusman
GenIII
5/06/2002
10:35:07
| RE: Best Way to Improve MPG?
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Call me crazy, but a sixty dollar set of MSD wires gave me over a mile per gallon...
--
Zaurusman
'98 RC Red Sport V6 5spd 3.21 15x8's
http://home.earthlink.net/~tiborkun/Dakota/Index.htm
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DakAttack
Dodge Dakota
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5/06/2002
12:57:45
| RE: Best Way to Improve MPG?
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The advanced lubricity of Synthetic Oils has been proven to increase fuel economy by betwen 2% and 5% by reducing friction and allowing your engine to use its heat-energy more efficiently. Additionally, you can save money with longer drain intervals.
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drunkace
Dodge Dakota
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5/06/2002
14:48:53
| RE: Best Way to Improve MPG?
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What u really need is a commuter car....go buy a old honda or toyota for 500-1000 bucks, get 30+mpg and not have to worry about depeciation for the wicked amount of miles u put on....I have a Dakota for my projects, jeep for hunting, and a honda for the road trips, ......SAVE your DAK.....
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harlow wilcox
Dodge Dakota
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5/06/2002
15:52:49
| RE: Best Way to Improve MPG?
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Another sure fire method to increase fuel economy is to replace those worn out stock spark plugs with a set of Autolite spark plugs.
Right away, you will notice faster starts, smooth idle, and improved pep.
Autolite manufactures thousands of sparkplugs and they are sure to have some for your application.
Visit www.autolite.com for more information.
Start right, use Autolite!
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Fillupd
Dodge Dakota
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5/06/2002
16:58:19
| RE: Best Way to Improve MPG?
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I can't believe it took so long to read your great wisdom about autolight sparkplugs Harlow. You are surely an amusing fellow.
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harlow wilcox
Dodge Dakota
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5/06/2002
21:27:43
| RE: Best Way to Improve MPG?
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Thanks for the compliment Fillupd.
Now practice that new found wisdom of yours and install a set of Autolite sparkplugs today won't you?
Join thousands of other motorists who have experienced a hatful of pep and much improved fuel economy. Drive relaxed and at ease knowing you have ignition engineered Autolite sparkplugs in your engine.
From bumper to tailight, you are always right with Autolite!
Good night.
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SometimesKnow
Dodge Dakota
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5/08/2002
05:53:11
| RE: Best Way to Improve MPG?
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Experts recommend two fuel-saving strategies: First, make sure the tires have the proper amount of pressure. And second, use 100 percent pure synthetic lubricants, such as Mobil 1 or Amsoil, in the engine, transmission and axle - which I use in my own vehicles(8 years- 200,000 miles on AMSOIL). Figure to spend about $50 for an oil and filter change using synthetic oil, about $175 for a transmission flush and change to synthetic fluid, and $50 to drain and refill an axle with synthetic oil.
The proper tire pressure and synthetic lubricants reduce friction, Anything you can do to reduce friction will increase fuel economy.
A Big Three fuel economy expert says the way you drive a big truck or SUV can have a big effect on its appetite for fuel.
He said heavy vehicles, such as a GMC Yukon XL or a Chevy Silverado, are most efficient when driven between speeds of 40 mph and 45 mph.
(What Crazy would want to Drive a Dak that slow)
Slow down! For every 10 mph that you slow down, you save 2 mpg in an SUV.''
That's because most sport-utilities don't slice through the air as efficiently as other vehicles.
***The Daks and Rams have especially blunt noses greater frontal area and lots of drag*** Highway speeds are very important for fuel mileage.
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Jason
Dodge Dakota
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5/08/2002
05:56:57
| RE: Best Way to Improve MPG?
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so whats the best speed to drive a dakota for the best MPG?
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