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02:22:52 - 12/29/2024
Dakota Performance
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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5/19/2004
00:06:27
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 Subject: Hypertech
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Message:
'01 QC 5.9 Auto 4x4 3.92 LSD
I used the Hypertech a short while back. I set it at the 89 octane level for a variety of reasons. I like the overall drivability here in the mountains of central CO - made a noticable improvement in performance and slightly improved mileage.
Last week I towed a small boxed utility trailer back from MA, along with a bed load of stuff. Total load around 2,000 pounds, and about as aerodynamic as my house. Here are my observations (FWIW):
I towed across NY and PA with the Hypertech program. Gas mileage sucked (big surprise). Drivability was excellent. Plenty of power to easily run 65-70 mph, with enough power to pass slower trucks and trailers.
Gas is pretty darn expensive along the way, so I decided to put the stock program back in so I could run the cheap stuff. Mileage dropped an insignificant amount, and I saved a bunch of money. Towing was still easy, no problems pulling hills, passing, and maintaining speed. Stayed in OD mostly, manually downshifting as needed.
Then I got to central and western KS. Altitude starts to rise, as it's a steady climb to nearly 7,000 feet in eastern CO. It was also a little hotter, and there was a strong cross wind, no head wind. Once I got over 3,000 feet or so, performance was seriously degraded. It was obviously struggling to pull those hills, with a lot of downshifting. Unable to maintain speed in OD. Mileage dropped like a stone. The higher I got, the worse it got. Remember, this is a fairly light load with a lot of drag.
So I stopped in Oakley, KS for fuel, and reprogrammed again to the 89 octane level. Performance was back! It was a whole new truck. Back up to speed, passing was easy, ran in OD mostly, mileage improved a tad.
Conclusions:
1. If you're at altitude, it's worth every penny.
2. If you're cruising the highway at less than 3,000 feet, don't bother. Save your gas money.
3. It's easy to swap back and forth according to what you need. Takes less than 10 minutes.
Side note, sure wish the Dakota was available with a small turbo diesel. Fuel was generally 25-30 cents less per gallon. If mileage was 25, instead of 15, it sure would save some bucks.
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actually
Dodge Dakota
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5/19/2004
16:43:17
| RE: Hypertech
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Message:
i have been to Colorado many times and never ever have I been to a place in Eastern Colorado that was 7000 ft, even in the so called foothills, Denver is 5200/5400ft, and C-Springs is 5600 and Manito Springs is 5800 and Pueblo is around 5000 so where is this high place you speak of Kemosabe?
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Desert Dakota
GenIII
 
5/19/2004
17:05:00
| RE: Hypertech
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Message:
Maybe he was on Lookout Mountain just West of Denver, looking East TOWARD Eastern Colorado.
IT'S JUST A DRY HEAT
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Regular Joe
Dodge Dakota
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5/19/2004
17:22:09
| RE: Hypertech
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Message:
Central Colorado near like aspen has 11000ft altitude way down to Pagosa Srings is at like 8-9000ft.
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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5/19/2004
18:24:34
| RE: Hypertech
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Message:
Limon is a little over 6,000 feet. Some areas outside of Limon are near 7,000. I live in CS, at 6,200 feet.
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