I'm pretty much a newbie when it comes to modifications or add-ons. The only thing I've added to my JK is a Brute Force CAI.

I've been seeing some discussion about programmers and increased MPG. Do programmers really help with fuel efficiency? Are they difficult to install? Are they worth the money?

Any increase in fuel economy would be great, but I'm not going to spend hundreds of dollars to get 1-2 more MPG. If anyone has any advice to help improve MPG without spending a bunch of money, please speak up.

I do understand that the terms "Fuel Economy" and "Jeep" don't belong in the same sentence. And I didn't buy my Jeep expecting good fuel economy. I'm just curious to see if there is anything out there that might help.

 

I have between 1 1/2 to 2 mpg better average with the Superchips. But it's not just about the mpg; I also have a correct speedo, my auto trans shifts better and I have a little more power. Most don't buy a programmer for one single advantage.

But, If you consider that you get 2 mpg better, that is roughly 40 miles more per tank of gas. That's a couple of gallons of gas saved every time you fill up. Now I don't know how much you drive or what gas cost in your area but over time you would pay for your programmer and reep the other added bennefits too.

 

which programmer is the best?

 

I found that the Hypertech programmed increased my gas mileage about 5%. I went from 17.5 mpg stock down to an uncorrected display value of 14.5 mpg after the lift and tire change (37"). I plugged in the Hypertech, and after properly determining the tire diameter, and now get 17.5 mpg. I've seen 19.5 mpg but that means driving 55 mph on the interstate.
The real reason I got it though was to correct the shift points and the speedo.

 

So, is your mileage better because of the tune, or because you're now calibrated correctly for the odometer?

 

I have the Superchips and it did give a couple of mpg improvement. I have only done the 97 oct setting so far. I will try the mpg one after this tank of gas.

 

I would say the 5% figure is about right. I've ran the Hypertech and Superchips on my JK and a Superchips on my truck and all seem to be in that range. On my Hemi Ram I see better than 5% fuel mileage gains but I gotta admit I have a hard time keeping my foot out of it and most tankfuls I am breaking even, gotta love the tires cutting loose a bit on the 1-2 shift.

There's often the misconception that something that adds power can't also increase efficiency. Nothing could be further from the truth and with a little bit of work and notes it isn't all that difficult to blow by EPA estimates.

 

I check my mileage the mathematical way. I don't trust the on-board fule mileage.

 

To all of you that have programmers, I have one question: are you glad you purchased it and is it worth the money you paid? I would love to get a Superchip flashpaq for the fuel economy and recalibration options when i put my lift on. I'm just not sure if I want to drop that kind of money on something that may make me regret buying it. I've heard mixed reviews on Hypertech, and nothing but good about Superchip...

 

Will a programmer void my warranty? It expires in September, so I might want to wait until then (I don't have the money right now anyway!)

It would be nice to find someone who is trying to get rid of their programmer so I could save some money... can a programmer be "passed-down" from one JK owner to another?