Fitch Fuel Catalyst

beeje · 01-27-09, 12:05 PM

Here are a few pics of installed Fitch fuel catalyst. Whether or not I get good results remains to be seen. I can tell you that I have an 2008 Trail Teams Edit. Stock MPG was roughly 17.5 ( I only drive one way and it isn't easy) I have gotten 20 on long trips. I installed an OME lift (plus 10mm enhancers on front)and Total Chaos UCA's last time I was home. Then I added Swamper SS-M16 (295,75x16) and had some rubbing issues. The only full tank I've run through it with the tires got barely under 16 mpg. My speedo is 3-4mph off so you can do the math. Install was easy with the exception of the mounting band and holding the hood up (I found an old broom for this). I mounted it on the drivers side hood cylinder. You can see in the pics I used a zip tie to keep the band together so I could get bolt started. I could have used another hand but did this by myself. 30 minutes tops probably alot shorter if I didn't have to find the broom.

DEWFPO · 01-27-09, 12:57 PM

Let us know what your observations are (pro & con) after you have it on for a while. Thanks, DEWFPO

beeje · 02-09-09, 07:21 PM

Well it looks as though my initial estimate at a full tank on set up was incorrect do to my old man putting a couple of dollars unknown to me when he borrowed it, so I'm pretty sure it wasn't just under 16mpg. I ran a tank through it, which included a mad dash over to Houston airport and a run through a mud hole across the road to test tire grip. I got 13.5 out of that tank, not what I was hoping for. On another tank I dropped down to mid grade as recommended by Fitch and this was more casual driving around town and 65mph on highway. I got 15.7 mpg on this tank and this is without adjusting for speedo being off. So if I did actually manage to gain say 1 mpg this might pay for itself in a year but we'll see. I'll give more info as I run more through it.

roscoFJ73 · 02-09-09, 08:27 PM

I cant believe people still fall for this crap.
They have been widely tested by many respected motoring organisations and found to be useless.

Here is one take on it
Fuel saving gadgets - a professional engineer's view

NYCTRD · 02-10-09, 11:28 AM

With all due respect-I think folks are better off spending their $$ on simple maintenance (keeping filters clean, oils changed, fresh spark plugs, etc.) than "fuel saving 'devices'" such as this, the "vortex", etc.

That being said, I AM a believer in SOME fuel additives. I think Techron is a good one to keep fuel injectors clean..."Stabil" for long term fuel storage, etc. But I'm pretty anal retentive: I use distilled water when flushing my radiator...

beeje · 02-15-09, 10:25 PM

Yep, I believe I got suckered. Saw two seperate write ups in crediable magazines and looked promissing (promissing myself not to be so foolish again) I don't see any true results from the addition and would not recommend this. I could have used the money to replace the rear fender molding I ripped at spring creek last weekend. Live and Learn.

NYCTRD · 02-17-09, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beeje

Yep, I believe I got suckered. Saw two seperate write ups in crediable magazines and looked promissing (promissing myself not to be so foolish again) I don't see any true results from the addition and would not recommend this. I could have used the money to replace the rear fender molding I ripped at spring creek last weekend. Live and Learn.

A LOT of stuff can look great on TV and writes ups...and I'm no exception.

I almost bought a "Sham-Wow" on late night TV, but sobered up before I could find my credit card!!

Bottom line is, if there's a COST effective way to save fuel on a vehicle, the manufacturer would have it installed! But sometimes, ya gotta try it yourself, because results may vary!