So I'm in the market for a econoline. I currently have a clubwagon with a 460 and it gets terrible mpg. I'm going to be using the van to travel to mx races, which model and motor will get the best mpgs? No towing or heavy loads just hwy with one or two mx bikes. Do the extended ones gets worst mpg? I'm thinking 1992+ can't afford one newer then 2000 based on current prices.

 

How much can you spend?

 

Trying to stay under 2k, lots for sale in my price range but don't Know which to get. Is the inline 6 worth holding out for?

 

from my experience the 7.3PSD gets the most MPGs...

 

Don't want diesel and can't afford one anyways. And with diesel being $.50 more per gallon the mpg is almost a wash and not worth the headache, I always have gas handy. Let's keep this on topic please.

Do they extended versions reduce mpg?
Does the inline 6 get that much better mpg then the 302 vs 351?
Of the 3 which motor will last the longest?

 

not a wash, not even close.
21MPG with 7.3 PSD
14MPG with 6.8 V10
empty/hwy/with cruise control at speed limits.


As for headache, I didn't have a single until 785,075 miles when the cam walked.
Keep on topic? van's came with diesels= on topic.

So maybe you should have opened with more specific questions...

 

The ext is heavier, cutting MPG to near single digits, also the I-6 or later V-6 can not hold up to that size, although the inline is best, the V-6 blows heads or gaskets at or near 100,000 and that's no lie as everyone I've seen has done it. In a regular LWB the I-6 gets mileage close to a 302, but not for hauling and the longest lasting without repair have the non-overdrive C-6 transmission, it's a bulletproof combination. The 302 gets decent mileage and handles light towing, the 351 being suited for towing gets less MPG than it but not too bad as vans are heavy and the smaller engine is gutless. The diesel gets far better mileage, lasts twice as long, treated right can go maintenance free for years, out weighing the initial cost. I've not seen a 302 outlast the old 300 I-6 yet, but the power is different, as the V-8 will always have more get up and go. Most ext vans have the 351 for good reason, make up for their weight as they are heavier chassis, the smaller engines lack the power, and used, you're hoping the original owner didn't push it hard to keep up with traffic.
As you asked, they come with diesels, which the 7.3 being the best engine offered in a Ford, it's on topic, especially since you are inquiring about an ext van, I own one, they are relentless at the pump, I don't care how you drive them.

 

300 (I-6, 4.9L) was made by ford for 100 years. I-6 by inherent design is the most stable engine, which in years amount to better reliability. With the C6 it is the best combo. I guess you would use a small trailer for the Bikes, or maybe a hitch rack?

300/C6 on a low-top, not-ext E-150 would be your best bet.

Next in line would be the 1997-1999 with the V8 4.6L with 4R70W. If maintained properly this will do 17-18 mpg at 70 mph highway runs.

None of the vans should have a problem pulling 1000-1500 lbs.

At $ 2k budget, be prepared to spend some time and money to do Stage 0.

 

I didn't relize this forum was diesel biased, diesel elines are a pretty rare sight and spendy around here. Plus my local gas station does not sell diesel and I currently own no other diesels so to add a diesel to my fleet would be a headache.

On Friday I bought a silver 98' E250 with the inline 6, non extended, 134k for $1,450. Got 18mpg on the way home.

 

I have a friend with similar, you should be happy with it, just don't overload it or mileage will suffer.

 

Most I will haul is two/three mx bikes, gear and two guys. Might tow two sleds on spring when I don't need 4wd.

 

You sure?

That would be an unusual Econoline considering FORD stopped making vans "with the inline 6" after the '96 model year. Beginning w/the '97 model the 4.2 liter V6 replaced the century old straight 6 design.

 

The best Ford van mileage is a 5 lug wheel E150 with the 4.6 engine--this combo may be the best mileage combo of ANY full sized van ever built. I've had mine, an '02, since new, now has 93k miles on it. Fuel mileage has averaged 16.2 over every tank I've put in it since new. Taking it easy on the freeway (say 65-70 mph), it will get 18+, but I usually drive 75-80 and still get about 17 mpg. 3.55 axle and Michelin LTX M/S tires in the stock 235/75x15" size are the best combination. I put some 30x9.5 all terrain tires on it and lost 2 mpg--fortunately they were Firestones with a 30 day money back guarantee and I returned them, got another set of the Michelins.

I have had full size vans continuously since 1986, and the current Ford with the 4.6 beats them all for mileage. It is possible that the 300 inch six would get similar mileage (I had one of these in an F100 pickup with a manual OD transmission and it did pretty well) but it would be working pretty darn hard in a big van. I did love the simplicity of the old 300.

Both the EPA ratings and real world mileage with the 4.6 are better than with the 4.2 V6; my son drove a 4.2 at his job at a bike shop and that engine would really struggle with any load at all. (He is used to driving our 4.6.) I don't tow but so long as you're not towing a really heavy load, the 4.6 should be fine. Avoid the 4.2 V6.

George

 

CLub Wagon is right, there were no 300s in '98. Just the POS V-6, 4.2L. Especially on E-250, sorry to discourage you, but that's not a good combo.

 

Woah, I didn't pay attention to the year, look forward to blowing the head gasket and/or warping the head, they are well known for that, most pop before 100,000 miles.