For the 3.31 haters

[Henfield]

As a 5.0/3.31 owner with over 41k miles on it, about 25% of those towing in 14 states and two countries. I tow my wheeling truck and estimate the truck on trailer at a little over 5000lbs, it's a great combination.

I just stick it in tow haul mode and let cruise and vehicle programming do its stuff. Only time I interfere is if revs drop below 1300 on an interstate hill, then I push the minus button enough to drop it a couple of gears. That's rare.

I don't need 3.73.

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[Jerome10]

I have 3:31 with the 3.5 eco non-PB. I hardly ever tow, figured the 10 speed would make up the any difference I needed, so I went for fuel economy.

Now that I have it, I‘m not sure it is the most economical. At highway speeds, any load on the engine, even small inclines or touches of the accelerator, Im in the boost. Boost is fun, but obviously burns more fuel. I wonder if 3:55 or 3:73 might actually use enough less boost to be more economical.

Definitely an interesting question regarding the boost.

 

[Spidergears]

What happens if you put it in eco mode?

Seemed to be about the same.

 

[JCsTruck]

Seemed to be about the same.

If you cant make the computer dial back the boost and run on the motor more then you need to reduce the load on the motor. Either reduce speed, reduce weight, run tires with less rolling resistance, or just make sure things like the air filter are clean. It is a wee little engine in a big truck so without the boost it will struggle on those hills. I can say that because I drive a 2014 with a bigger naturally aspirated 3.7-liter V6 and it does ok but still needs to downshift on hills, sometimes two gears if I want to accelerate, and if I put any weight in it then it struggles.

 

[TexasTruck]

I helped my neighbor install his FP/Whipple in his 5.0/3.73 gears. He will tell you that tooling around in city traffic with his dual axle box trailer gets old because of constant throttle adjusting from being jumpy. My 5.0/3.31 gears and a FP/Whipple is the perfect combination IMO. Towing ~4000lbs in stop and go traffic is drama free.

 

[sPHYNX_76]

I helped my neighbor install his FP/Whipple in his 5.0/3.73 gears. He will tell you that tooling around in city traffic with his dual axle box trailer gets old because of constant throttle adjusting from being jumpy. My 5.0/3.31 gears and a FP/Whipple is the perfect combination IMO. Towing ~4000lbs in stop and go traffic is drama free.

Getting mine soon (Whipple), how do you find the transmission with your setup? I’m not a fan, but hoping things don’t go pear shaped after the Whipple. Thinking of maybe getting a trans tune if needed, at that point.

 

[TexasTruck]

Getting mine soon (Whipple), how do you find the transmission with your setup?

The Whipple tune includes adjustments to the transmission programming as well. Keep in mind, I do NOT beat on my truck so I can’t say how the shifting behaves if you race it. I will touch 4/4.5K RPM and things happen fast enough for me. Sticking normal, DD 2/2.5K RPM and shifting is almost seamless. The shifting is firm, crisp and deliberate without jerking, banging, or being obnoxious. Skipping gears and such still occurs when driving with sanity. I also notice the torque converter will lock in 3rd instead of 4th. I know some of the 5.0 NA tuners do that too, but I’m not sure why.

I hope this helps

 

[sPHYNX_76]

The Whipple tune includes adjustments to the transmission programming as well. Keep in mind, I do NOT beat on my truck so I can’t say how the shifting behaves if you race it. I will touch 4/4.5K RPM and things happen fast enough for me. Sticking normal, DD 2/2.5K RPM and shifting is almost seamless. The shifting is firm, crisp and deliberate without jerking, banging, or being obnoxious. Skipping gears and such still occurs when driving with sanity. I also notice the torque converter will lock in 3rd instead of 4th. I know some of the 5.0 NA tuners do that too, but I’m not sure why.

I hope this helps

Thank you, that helps a lot. Very glad to hear that, I’m also gentle in the truck. I wasn’t aware the trans tune was modified, I’d read elsewhere that it wasn’t altered with the tune, so that’s great news.

 

[bgalakazam]

Just towed a 31’ Airstream from Denver to Colorado Springs with the 3.31 and V8. No issues despite elevation and the (you can’t tow with a 1/2 ton and without tow package).

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