351 MPG
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,320
Likes: 1
From: CT
I know my 351 burns a **** load of gas just plowing the driveway. But with lots of revs into 4500 in first gear, heavy plow on the front, O2 sensor floating in the air where there used to be an exhaust, non tunned up. The gas gauge just falls. Heck when warming it up the gauge goes down a visible amount. At least it runs like a top. Starts up with barley any key, no lifter tick even when cold, and loves to work. Runs and starts better than the other vehicles in the family (newer vehicles), and hasn't burned any oil.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,308
Likes: 1
From: Elyria, OH
I know my 351 burns a **** load of gas just plowing the driveway. But with lots of revs into 4500 in first gear, heavy plow on the front, O2 sensor floating in the air where there used to be an exhaust, non tunned up. The gas gauge just falls. Heck when warming it up the gauge goes down a visible amount. At least it runs like a top. Starts up with barley any key, no lifter tick even when cold, and loves to work. Runs and starts better than the other vehicles in the family (newer vehicles), and hasn't burned any oil.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Beatrice, NE
'97 F250 XL, 2WD Std cab, 5.8L/E4OD, 3.55, LT235/85R16s
I used to get just over 17 mpg (highway) in the summer. Last fall I installed a 180* thermostat and shorter (255/70R-16) tires and I lost about 2 mpg.The worst I ever got was about 12 mpg this winter when it was below 0*F. As soon as Spring gets here, I'm going to put a 195* stat back in it (180 is too cold) and an MSD box. I want to keep the short/fat tires, but I hope to get back up around 17mpg.
Sounds to me like an Ext cab 4X4 is just a little too heavy for the 5.8L?
I used to get just over 17 mpg (highway) in the summer. Last fall I installed a 180* thermostat and shorter (255/70R-16) tires and I lost about 2 mpg.The worst I ever got was about 12 mpg this winter when it was below 0*F. As soon as Spring gets here, I'm going to put a 195* stat back in it (180 is too cold) and an MSD box. I want to keep the short/fat tires, but I hope to get back up around 17mpg.
Sounds to me like an Ext cab 4X4 is just a little too heavy for the 5.8L?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,320
Likes: 1
From: CT
Don't worry we don't abuse it. Its getting all fixed in the summer. We always let it warm up for 10 minutes at-least before plowing with it. I don't intend to beat the crap out of my stuff. I'm actually getting this all nice and fixed when it warms up a little more. The 4500 was when we got stuck and my dads boot was too big for the brake and got the gas.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,308
Likes: 1
From: Elyria, OH
Don't worry we don't abuse it. Its getting all fixed in the summer. We always let it warm up for 10 minutes at-least before plowing with it. I don't intend to beat the crap out of my stuff. I'm actually getting this all nice and fixed when it warms up a little more. The 4500 was when we got stuck and my dads boot was too big for the brake and got the gas.
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Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 475
Likes: 1
From: MI
How many miles are on it? cause that plays a huge role... I have a 95 f150 ext. cab 351w and E40D trans. with 3.55 gears with the 7 ft bed i believe with 220k miles and i get 8-9 mpg average weather its highway or city... i was told just with the new engine i will be putting in i should see about 16 mpg on the highway and 12-13 in the city...
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 828
Likes: 0
From: Bellingham, WA
How many miles are on it? cause that plays a huge role... I have a 95 f150 ext. cab 351w and E40D trans. with 3.55 gears with the 7 ft bed i believe with 220k miles and i get 8-9 mpg average weather its highway or city... i was told just with the new engine i will be putting in i should see about 16 mpg on the highway and 12-13 in the city...
Odd I have 225k on the clock and I get 12, but if I drive like a granny I can squeeze 16 out of it
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 475
Likes: 1
From: MI
mine is running pretty rich though which is probably making me a loose a good 1-2 mpg and i am running 31"s which really isnt to much taller then the factory size tires.... For some reason no matter if its highway or city it dosent really change 
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 74
From: Hartford, AL
I have a 352 c.i. 5.0, but with alot of mods to help breathing, also newer ev6 injectors, and it is tuned dead on. With my latest adjustment to spark yesterday I got 23mpg on e10 on the way home and I have been averaging between 17-21 mpg before yesterday. My motor has loads of torque with 3.08 gearing. I can cruise 65 at 1675 rpm throttle slightly open....reading 1.3 on tps...that has a range of .93 to 4.75....but this is not really a fair comparison to vehicle in stock form, especially not knowing it's mechanical conditon or state of tune.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,320
Likes: 1
From: CT
Heck ya man. Your start reving that thing up sounds like a race car. Sadly it will be getting and exhaust soon? Damn emissions tests.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
I bought this truck with a blown motor, 351, & I wish I had converted it over to a 4.9, & built that. I've had 3 or 4 F150's with that motor, & I think they're great.
If I didn't have so much $ in the 351, I think I'd convert it this summer! I'm also thinking about chopping the frame & putting a short bed on it for plowing.
