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Old 03-15-2006, 07:56 PM   #1
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I read in a forum post someplace that a Cat dealer could use a computer and change the parameters that the engine and transmission go thru which will increase performance and some fuel mileage. Has anyone heard of anything like this, the cost involved, and can it really help?
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Old 03-15-2006, 07:56 PM   #2
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I read in a forum post someplace that a Cat dealer could use a computer and change the parameters that the engine and transmission go thru which will increase performance and some fuel mileage. Has anyone heard of anything like this, the cost involved, and can it really help?
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Old 03-16-2006, 05:22 PM   #3
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Hi wagonmaster2,

Theoretically, the CAT 3126 / C7 can be up-rated to 450 HP. The CAT web site lists this available HP for one of the Marine versions. Problem is finding a CAT dealer that would stick their neck out to change the ˜sold as' HP rating on ˜any' CAT engine. I imagine CAT has made all the economy tweaks already. I believe the CAT 3126 / C7 has one of the best fuel specifics on the market (lbs. of fuel per HP per hour).

The 3126 and early versions of the C7 were rated at 330 HP @2400 RPM for Fire Truck and RV use. The later version of the C7 is rated 350 HP @ 2400 RPM. Near as I can tell it's the same engine, it just has the computer set to deliver a touch more fuel.

Remember that other factors in engine ratings enter into the picture. Highway legal engines have EPA requirements on emissions that include very stringent particulate rules. To achieve these low particulate numbers, CAT uses a catalytic converter/filter in the exhaust system. Up-rating the HP would probably make the engine illegal for street use due to increased particulates. Other factors involved are cooling and air cleaner requirements. Can you dissipate the heat on a hot day? Can you suck that much air through the cleaner? I don't think Marine engines have any of these restrictions.

Ultimate answer, install a CAT C11!
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Old 03-16-2006, 07:40 PM   #4
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Thanks Mr. Transistor-relatively new to the diesel field and some of these things are puzzeling to someone who grew up in a gasoline mechanics garage.
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Old 03-17-2006, 04:46 AM   #5
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Wagonmaster,something else to remember is that,even if you decide to go ahead and ramp up your engine,be certain the transmission is rated for it as well...

My lil speed buggy is fine just the way it is...
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Old 03-17-2006, 05:01 AM   #6
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My two cents
If you take the engine and increase horsepower by changing the parameters or adding a new chip,would it also mean that there will be an increase of FUEL consumed ? Degreasing MPG !
Ed Gardiser
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Old 03-17-2006, 05:09 AM   #7
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Wagonmaster2,

Yes, your CAT engine is controlled by an electronic ECU and its software. Your CAT dealer can change the 60 or so engine parameters that are controlled by the ECU. Your CAT dealer can also install or "flash" updated software to the ECU, when CAT releases updated versions to fix bugs or refine the ECU performance. You as an owner can actually connect to your CAT engine ECU and review/modify all these same parameters using a CAt accessory called a Pocket Tec and a Palm handheld device. This also allows you to review the error log stored in the ECU. Obviously unless you really understand the impact, you dont want to be changing these settings arbitrarily.
As far as significant increase in the HP, although the C7 is rated for 300 to 350 HP, your cooling system would likely also require upgrading with any significant HP increase.

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Old 03-17-2006, 01:04 PM   #8
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Hi wagonmaster2, JRP, et al,
Actually, one of many items you can't change with the Pocket Tec is HP. Even with the ˜Fleet' version which I have. Several items that you can change are:

˜Vehicle Speed Limit' (factory is 65 MPH), mine is now set to 80 MPH.
˜Low Cruise Speed set Limit' (factory setting I believe is 35 MPH), I set mine to 22 MPH for those 25 MPH zones.
˜High Cruise Speed set Limit' (factory setting I believe is 65 MPH), I set mine to 75 MPH.
˜Vehicle Speed Calibration' (example 22531 ppm), used to tweak the speedometer to match your Garmin's MPH reading.
˜Soft Cruise Control' (yes or no), yes gives better fuel economy.
My favorite ˜Retarder Mode' (Coast, Manual, and Latch), factory is set to Manual, Latch works so much better and its more intuitive.
And 16 or so other items that may be of interest to some RV drivers. Many items don't apply like all the PTO settings. Things that can't be changed are items like:
˜Engine Serial Number'
˜Rating Type'
˜Advertised Power'
˜Rated Peak Torque'
˜ECM Serial Number'
˜ECM Software Info'
Etc.
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