Economy/Longevity mods?

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SHO_Off420

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All jokes aside, you could probably ask a tuner to make an eco tune. GH would probably be the best for something like that in my opinion, as the AO tune really make things easier for everyday driving.
AO only works on 2013+, when i was looking for a tuner the GH guys said "we don't do eco tunes" so I went elsewhere because I wanted an eco for everyday and a higher output for fun
 

Lincoln SHO

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You know you have to remove it in order to drill a hole for a drain right? If its at 140k you might look at just replacing it at that pint

That wasn’t my understanding. It seems that others here have been able to drill the hole following this method:

 

SHO_Off420

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That wasn’t my understanding. It seems that others here have been able to drill the hole following this method:

To be totally honest you can, you just risk getting metal shavings inside the case, you can sit there and try to flush them all out you just always run the risk of leaving something behind. Sorry, I should have said you "should" not "have to"
 

Lincoln SHO

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To be totally honest you can, you just risk getting metal shavings inside the case, you can sit there and try to flush them all out you just always run the risk of leaving something behind. Sorry, I should have said you "should" not "have to"

Got it. Well, in a battle of drill in place vs. replace. Vs suction, I’m leaning towards drill. Even if metal shavings end up in the thing, they should be caught by the magnet plug at some point. And if they do break the PTU altogether, it isn’t the shavings that did the damage. It was 140k no maintenance.
 

Zpak

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If you drill it with the fluid still in the shavings will drain right back out with the fluid. I know this because I’ve done it.

Also, according to Mrhighcaliber, if any soft aluminum shavings do get left behind the hardened gears won’t even know it’s there and really become more of a anti-wear additive like zinc.

I flushed mine post drill and tap and didn’t notice any additional shavings in the fluid. I may be more worried if the case was steel but it’s only aluminum.
 

SM105K

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Got it. Well, in a battle of drill in place vs. replace. Vs suction, I’m leaning towards drill. Even if metal shavings end up in the thing, they should be caught by the magnet plug at some point. And if they do break the PTU altogether, it isn’t the shavings that did the damage. It was 140k no maintenance.

If you use a heavy grease, a sharp drill bit, and go slow, that will mitigate shavings going into the PTU.
 

Lincoln SHO

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If you drill it with the fluid still in the shavings will drain right back out with the fluid. I know this because I’ve done it.

Also, according to Mrhighcaliber, if any soft aluminum shavings do get left behind the hardened gears won’t even know it’s there and really become more of a anti-wear additive like zinc.

I flushed mine post drill and tap and didn’t notice any additional shavings in the fluid.

I do have one question for you, Zpak,

When you did your hole, did you need to unbolt the downpipes? I found another video of a guy doing this to his edge, and he had access to the PTU without removing anything.
 

Zpak

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I do have one question for you, Zpak,

When you did your hole, did you need to unbolt the downpipes? I found another video of a guy doing this to his edge, and he had access to the PTU without removing anything.
Yes, just the rear downpipe if I remember correctly. Both would make it easier but only one was necessary.
 

Frostbrosracing

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Yes, just the rear downpipe if I remember correctly. Both would make it easier but only one was necessary.
Sorry to hijack, but I removed the section of exhaust just behind the front catalytic converter (driver side). You don't have to fully remove it unless you want to free up more crawling around room. The flex pipe allows it to swing out of the way. That was the section of exhaust that made drilling straight up into the PTU very easy. If you're draining a PP model you'd pull the rear downpipe (passenger side) which will allow easier access to the drain plug and the temp sensor/fill port. Sorry I don't have pics. If I do my oil this weekend I'll take some while I'm down there. At your mileage you'll probably be well served by liberally applying PB Blaster to any exhaust hardware before removal. Be sure to use anti seize compound when reinstalling.
 

PaulTAutoX

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Got it. Well, in a battle of drill in place vs. replace. Vs suction, I’m leaning towards drill. Even if metal shavings end up in the thing, they should be caught by the magnet plug at some point. And if they do break the PTU altogether, it isn’t the shavings that did the damage. It was 140k no maintenance.
As others mentioned, shavings that aren't iron won't be caught by the magnet.
 

Lincoln SHO

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As others mentioned, shavings that aren't iron won't be caught by the magnet.
Uhh... theyre aluminum shavings so no lol
Yep. I picked up on that. I didn’t realize it was in aluminum casing. Still, I’m less worried about potential shavings than I am of:

1. spending $1600 to have a new PTU installed
2. Trying to take the PTU down myself
3. Leaving the car as is with the (probably) bad oil, and have a PTU failure.

honestly though, a new PTU is an attractive option. I’ll be deliberating up until I drill a hole, which will likely be next week. I drove by the dealership tonight and saw my car on the lift with the engine out for the water pump replacement. Poor thing.
 

Frostbrosracing

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Don't forget. They're working for your money. That means you're their boss until they get paid. This is the part they need to remember.
 

luigisho

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That sucks. I only stick to dealership service when it makes sense for oil changes on file to make the warranty stick. Or if the works package is more attractive than me doing it myself. Most other stuff I try and fix myself or take to a good tech at a local shop.
 

skyshadow07

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As for tuning for economy, I have not seen it in this community of tuners but I have read about tuning for ultra fuel economy. For example, some tuners will alter your AFR to 16-18:1 when at high speed, low throttle, low load. I have seen it give a C6 vette over 40mpg avg with no other mods. This would of course only work for a hwy trip.
 

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