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OP
Randy2400h
Well-Known Member
- Thread starter
- #16
So, I had performance tuner that I could monitor intake air temperatures, fuel data, boost psi and transmission oil temps. When towing I found that the boost psi stayed considerably higher while cruising with a trailer, which isn’t a surprise. The stock intercooler would start to underperform rather quickly (within 10 minutes), especially on long uphills and the intake temperatures started rising rather quickly. My observation was that the fuel usage started spiking to obscene levels anytime the boost psi went above 9psi with the stock intercooler heat-soaked. Which is a thing turbocharged engines do, they call for more fuel to cool the cylinders when the air intake temps get too high.
Also at the same time, while towing above 65mph, my transmission fluid temps were eclipsing 220F which meant my fluid’s lifespan would start to degrade quickly and that would expose my transmission to premature wear. So I upgraded the larger capacity aluminum oil pan with internal/external cooling fins. And although I couldn’t monitor the rear differential temps, intuition says the same heat issue may exist for the rear differential so I upgraded to a large capacity cover. The upgraded oil pan completely resolved the heat issue and it towed at 85mph (just for testing) with normal temps.
The intercooler install came next between 800 mile towing trips. The upgraded intercooler idea came from my father who tows with a 2.7L F-150 and saw great results. So I went with Mountune USA, it was a very high quality kit. It took an afternoon to install. I tested it (with no trailer) on a hot day before and after the installation. The intake temperatures were already remarkably better. As soon as throttle was off idle, the new intercooler would open up and the intake temps would PLUMMET. I took it on its first 800mi tow trip and WOW WOW WOW, it was night and day better (over 35% improvement in trip MPG). It shaved hours off my trip because I didn’t have to stop for fuel so often and I could cruise at a higher speed.
They were fun upgrades with very satisfying results.
Also at the same time, while towing above 65mph, my transmission fluid temps were eclipsing 220F which meant my fluid’s lifespan would start to degrade quickly and that would expose my transmission to premature wear. So I upgraded the larger capacity aluminum oil pan with internal/external cooling fins. And although I couldn’t monitor the rear differential temps, intuition says the same heat issue may exist for the rear differential so I upgraded to a large capacity cover. The upgraded oil pan completely resolved the heat issue and it towed at 85mph (just for testing) with normal temps.
The intercooler install came next between 800 mile towing trips. The upgraded intercooler idea came from my father who tows with a 2.7L F-150 and saw great results. So I went with Mountune USA, it was a very high quality kit. It took an afternoon to install. I tested it (with no trailer) on a hot day before and after the installation. The intake temperatures were already remarkably better. As soon as throttle was off idle, the new intercooler would open up and the intake temps would PLUMMET. I took it on its first 800mi tow trip and WOW WOW WOW, it was night and day better (over 35% improvement in trip MPG). It shaved hours off my trip because I didn’t have to stop for fuel so often and I could cruise at a higher speed.
They were fun upgrades with very satisfying results.
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