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Old 04-19-2013, 07:00 AM   #10
birch3x
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Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 341
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lakeshow View Post
I thought the DEF was a good addition when it came out. On the GM and Ford trucks the horsepower & torque ratings increased, as well as real world mileage. If I understand correctly the hydrocarbons are being killed in the exhaust instead of choking down the motor with emission components; essentially freeing up the engine for increased power & mileage. Seemed like a no brainer to me, then again I'm not a diesel expert either and may not fully understand the concept.
A few items of interest from my experience with the Cummins diesel. In 1988 I sold one of the first diesel equipped Dodge trucks in New England, and we have sold many, many of them since. The main advantages of the Cummins in a truck are still valid. You get ability, longevity, reliability, and resale value. Fuel economy was never really intended to be a big part of it, it's just something that happened as a side benefit. EPA ratings for heavy trucks are still not made. There are so many ways a heavy truck can be used that it's hard to predict economy. Also, ordering any truck with a lower axle ratio will drop 10% of fuel economy. It's still a great engine and has a huge following.
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