SD vs MAF for MPGs (swap into classic truck)

[HerronPerformance]

doing a 6.0/4l80 swap in a 71 P/U and had intended to route the air intake to the driver side to sort of 'cover up' some of the wiring. But not sure yet and started wondering about just going SD and that would solve some of my MAF placement issues (finding the right elbows and reducers to work and not be fugged up looking).

this is going to be a DD probably so MPGs are important, how much difference would one see between a MAF vs SD set up?

[Frost]

If both are closed loop and both are tuned properly I don't see any reason why there should be any difference.

[RWTD]

Since the MAF is constantly correcting for any changes in density, you'll be more actual on all your airmass estimations for spark and fuel, which could potentially give better mpg. Also, the closer your fueltrims are to being perfect, the better economy you'll get. This also all assumes you're using ALL the correct injector values, as well as properly dialing in the MAF transfer.

However, I'm with Steve, if both are tuned properly, you won't see much of any difference. But, MAF is always quicker/easier to tune than SD, so keep that in mind.

[HerronPerformance]

I 'think' I have found the reducers/couplers/filter I need to make this work, it will be here next week and I will know then if I am keeping the MAF or goind SD.

[MMGT1]

My vote is for both bud. Tune VE and MAF. The MAP sensor cannot make changes in your fuel delivery the way your MAF can, but both need to be accurate to get the best tune on it for mileage. Your VCM will reference both, if your VE is off it will skew your fuel delivery.

[jah81592]

Keep the MAF! I am not a big SD guy!

[HerronPerformance]

Keep the MAF! I am not a big SD guy!

you should embrace the SD tuning, but the MAF is cool too.

It worked as expected, guy is happy now that he can drive it, I will go back and do some logging and make sure everything is right. But he was very happy to hear it run on all 6cyl.....

[WS6FirebirdTA00]

I refuse to put cars in SD unless they must (high power/boosted cars). The fueling corrections in SD are poor and too far out on % corrections for what I consider "good". For an SD tune (especially in a pre-'01 OS) my dislike is consistency in weather changes (mainly in OL areas). The fuel mileage is a wash really (in CL).

[HerronPerformance]

This is a stock 6.0 in an old truck, I just want to drive it daily. it got 13MPGs with the 350/350 combo, I hope i can get upper TEENs and possibly low 20s...

[jimmyblue]

Overdrive is what'll give you the MPG.

MAF will give you the most consistency across time
(unless you have to use an oiled filter), weather and
minor mods. just find a straight section of pipe to
put it in (or at least straight, before the MAF).

[RWTD]

My vote is for both bud. Tune VE and MAF. The MAP sensor cannot make changes in your fuel delivery the way your MAF can, but both need to be accurate to get the best tune on it for mileage. Your VCM will reference both, if your VE is off it will skew your fuel delivery.

True, but you can also run one or the other 100% alone by disabling SD or MAF, OR run both, as you suggested.

[HerronPerformance]

Overdrive is what'll give you the MPG.

MAF will give you the most consistency across time
(unless you have to use an oiled filter), weather and
minor mods. just find a straight section of pipe to
put it in (or at least straight, before the MAF).

If I can find a short enough filter I will have it come off the TB to the MAF and then a filter with no bends....but I am running out of room...

[GT1-20B]

xxxx test

[bk2life]

(finding the right elbows and reducers to work and not be fugged up looking)

alluminum u bends from jegs or summit, tig them all together, and it looks perfect.

[RDF1]

alluminum u bends from jegs or summit, tig them all together, and it looks perfect.

I hope he has figured all that out after 14 years.

[edcmat-l1]

SMH stop already.....