Just looking for some advice. I have a 97 250HD 4x4 auto 7.3, what can I do for some better fuel mileage? Its stock an other reccomendations for performance? Thanks

 

A couple good things to do to your truck are the following:

1-- Buy a 6637 filter kit. Riffraff Diesel is a sponsor here and for less than a hundred bucks you can replace your crappy stock filter setup with one like this:

Yeah, Yeah I know it's dirty. That's what almost 400,000 miles of Ohio roads will do to your engine compartment.

2-- Free up your exhaust. A 3" Down Pipe and a 4" straight pipe from there back will do wonders for your truck (and the turbo singing will make you smile ). Riffraff has the down pipe and also has a couple different exhaust kits as well. You can build your own exhaust that exits in front of the rear wheel if you are so inclined using just stock parts off the shelf with no bending required. 6-8 feet of 4" pipe a couple adapters, a 4" 90*, some clamps and a couple hangers should be all you need to have a DIY 4" Straight pipe exhaust.

3-- Inspect your turbo for signs of wear while you are doing the intake kit. Pull the boot off the turbo and see if you can wiggle the turbo wheel up and down or in and out. A little up and down is ok as long as it doesn't touch the turbo housing, but any in and out play indicates a worn thrust bearing and the turbo will need to be rebuilt pretty soon. Also look at the turbo's compressor wheel to inspect for nicks or signs of "dusting". The stock air box and filter is pretty pathetic, so much so that Ford recalled some of them. If your compressor wheel looks like it has been sandblasted, you're probably in need of a new wheel. Riffraff has these as well. (I'm starting to sound like a Riffraff salesman here...)

4-- Buy yourself a chip for that thing. Aside from really waking up a stock truck, believe it or not putting a chip in your truck will make it more efficient (if, I say IF you can keep your foot out of it). There are several tuners that the guys on here will recommend, so don't be afraid to ask. Stay away from canned tunes as they fit about as well as one-size-fits-all clothing. Also stay away from programmers (like the Edge products) as they have been known to brick more than a couple PCM's.

How is that for a start?

BTW, what kind of fuel economy are you seeing and what are some specs on your truck?

 

Lets not forget gauges before the chip. Boost, EGT, and trans temp if you have a auto

 

Make sure your brakes are not dragging and that your alinement is good those two will kill your mpg's

 

And make sure you don't have a fuel leak at the pump or bowl.