Elevation induced power loss

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Ron favaloro

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I have a 2003 5.4L EFI engine and plan to tow our camper out west to visit national parks. Does anyone know the power loss per 1000' increase in elevation? Is there a fix for the power loss?
 

docraymund

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It is usually a 3% power loss per 1000 ft. of elevation more evident at 3000 ft above sea level. If your expy has a baro sensor, it can adjust.
 

ExplorerTom

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It'll be slow up at the top (10,000-12,000 feet).

You can regear the axles. That'll help. But worth the cost?

Just take it easy. Enjoy the scenery.
 

1955moose

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Fuel injected vehicles thank goodness can adjust to the altitude to a point. When the air is thin, and your heavy, you have to slow down. I Rember back in the 80's I took my 85 mustang gt to south Tahoe. Car ran strong till I hit 4,000 feet. Man it went from a strong V8 to an anemic 6cyl. Got even worse above 5,000 feet. Like Tom said enjoy the ride and take it easy. That or buy an f250 diesel!


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ExplorerTom

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I love going back down to sea level areas. My vehicles always seem so much faster.
 

1955moose

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Oh yeah forgot you live in Colorado. Are you Denver or higher.


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ExplorerTom

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I'm in the Denver metro area. My house sits at 5500 feet.

I think I've only had mine up passed 11,000 feet once- but it was slow going because of traffic.
 

Tocapet

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I drive an '09 Expy EL with the 5.4 V8 and 6 speed auto. I'm from Texas, elevation 800'. I'm spending the summer in Colorado Springs. Elevation is 6000'. Here's my experience: In Texas, we had 87 Octane regular unleaded. Here in Colorado, the regular unleaded is 85 octane. My owner's manual says to use 87. But the truck runs just fine on 85 and gets better mileage. I was getting 13 in Texas on the 87 Octane. Now I'm getting 15 on 85 Octane. And it runs great. My Expy has about 120,000 miles on the ODO.
 
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