Wideband+HPTuners+Headers=MPG

[if99]

So i'm not working today and i'm brainstorming. I've been thinking of getting hptuners,
headers and a wide band. I would like to completly remove my exhaust and put on a set of headers, x-pipe, and dual mufflers. Take all the o2's off and put on a wideband. Can I set my ECM up to use the wide band instead of the stockers? Then I would tune it and try
to get it to run leaner in closed loop while cruising. I know compression is high but would this get me noticeable MPG gains? I want the tuner and exhaust for the performance anyway. So why not try to make it as efficient as possible in the process. I drive ~300 miles a week and am thinking of taking college classes so add another 200 miles to that.
I like tinkering and think this would be a good learning experience. This is just me thinking out loud and I would like to hear your opinions.

[kerrige]

A dead nutz tune will help MPG, but be warned learning to tune is a process. Be ready to dedicate some time into it. I am reading, watching video's, reading some more, talking to experienced tuners, and reading some more about everything tuning and I still have just a basic knowledge of what I am doing. The learning curve is steep, but it is worth it.

[lloyd]

I would run two rear 02 and use the wide band as a tuning aid,you can buy a scan gauge that will monitor 8 paramerters and wide 02
and willo alarm at set point.
Lloyd

[if99]

I know its a steep learning curve. I dont have the software yet, but I am doing a lot of research on it.
I was thinking I could push closed loop afr to 16.1 or higher until I hit detonation. I know the new
hybrid cars run up to 22.1 afr, I dont know the compression tho.

[Frenchy]

You can delete all the o2 sensors and run the PCM in OLSD (open loop speed density), this also removes your MAF from the configuration, then you use HPTuners (or EFI Live) along with your wideband to configure your primary VE table to what you want. Then it's a set tune, the truck runs off that no matter what.

[farmtruc]

if you remove your o2's, you'll probably get worse mileage, the pcm is pretty good at keeping a/f ratio just right, if the o2's are reporting correctly.
if you're just starting, stick with optimizing timing, correcting a/f ratio at normal driving and wot, and tweaking the trans settings.

olsd tuning is ongoing, it's not adaptable, it's not correcting, and requires constant maintenance because the pcm is provided no feedback. environment, variable, etc will force you to adjust on a daily if not weekly basis.

[Frenchy]

Should've mentioned that in my post, OLSD is exactly like a carb. Once you set it, that's it. Doesn't adapt to anything. (Fuel side of the tune anyway)

[banker099]

+1 on what allen said, 14.7 is where your mpg is at too, it is most effecient at that afr get the timing correct and you will see nice mpg

[Axekick]

It has been suggested that you can tweak your O2 sensor switch points to get it to run leaner in closed loop. Generally speaking, if you're in closed loop you'll be oscillating around stoich. The best thing to do is calibrate your airflow tables to minimize the adjustments that have to be made by the computer.

[country_3030]

Some wide bands give you the option to use on of their outputs to simulate a narrow band O² sensor. I had my LC1 setup like this. However, if the LC1 decided to go offline (it does occasionally). I would have to pull over and reset it before I could go again. My suggestion is to run O²'s for the ecm and just use the wideband for tuning.