Looking for better MPG
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Looking for better MPG
I have a '95 F250 with a 7.5L V8 and live in an area that does not require emissions testing. Would it be advisable to remove the catalytic converter in an effort to getting better mileage? I'm currently getting a whopping 13 MPG.
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Joined: May 2007
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From: North Reading Mass
If the cat is plugged you might get better mileage if replaced with a high flow cat. Even though your state doesn't require testing its still illegal to remove the cat.
Make sure the engine is in good tune and that the alignment and brakes aren't dragging you down.
Avoid short trips and reduce idling.
On my truck the gas mileage above 60 really drops.
Big tires, pipe racks, light bars, and full toolboxes will all take their toll on mileage.
I did the timing bump (sixliter tuneup) on my 300 and picked up 1 mpg and better performance.
YMMV
rikard
Make sure the engine is in good tune and that the alignment and brakes aren't dragging you down.
Avoid short trips and reduce idling.
On my truck the gas mileage above 60 really drops.
Big tires, pipe racks, light bars, and full toolboxes will all take their toll on mileage.
I did the timing bump (sixliter tuneup) on my 300 and picked up 1 mpg and better performance.
YMMV
rikard
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Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Hartland, WI
Unless it is clogged or restricted, you will see no gains from removing the convertor. Proper tire pressure, air and fuel filters, good ignition components and reasonable driving will help out mpg.
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From: CASA GRANDE AZ
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Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Northern MN
Yeah sell the truck and buy a Geo Metro. These old trucks weren't made to get good gas mileage. You're lucky you are even getting 13 MPG. My 5.0 V8 302 gets about 10 MPG.
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From: Eastern Ky
Is it 4x4?
Whats the differential gears?
Seriously, regardless of gearing, 4x4, etc...If you are getting 13mpg in a 460....DAYUUUUMMMMMM.....That is all...
Btw, is it a auto, or a manual transmission?
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Normally, I would say yes, removing the cat will help, but I boosted my 460 to 11-12 with no cat. If you're managing 13 already, I don't see any benefit to removing the cat.
You're not going to see many gains above 13, but some small ticket items like replacing gear lube, transmission, and engine oil with synthetics will cut down on a little bit of frictional loss. You could run higher pressure in your tires to reduce rolling resistance, and you could slow down your highway speeds; air resistance is going to be the biggest killer to a trucks mpg.
You're not going to see many gains above 13, but some small ticket items like replacing gear lube, transmission, and engine oil with synthetics will cut down on a little bit of frictional loss. You could run higher pressure in your tires to reduce rolling resistance, and you could slow down your highway speeds; air resistance is going to be the biggest killer to a trucks mpg.
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Eastern Washington
I WISH 13.... try 11 out of a 5.4/E4OD SC long box 4x4 and that is going accross the flats with a tail wind, do like I did for mileage and get a 4 cyl car or a BRAT like mine,38 all day long and it is 4x4. Just saying in the cost of fuel saved in the small car will pay for its self in short order if you are commuting much.
Fleet Owner
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From: Mi'kma'ki
that's pretty dang impressive numbers from 460.i think you meant to say you can "peak" 13 mpg,rather than you "get" 13.-that's a huge difference.
that's like me saying i get 17 mpg with my truck.
sure,out on the interstate at 50-55 MPH driving it empty like a car.but i actually get 14.5 ish (working it hauling,stop and go driving.)
you've already been told 460's are not for fuel economy.they're for working like the diesel trucks but cheaper to buy and maintain.
when it comes to trucks,start with aero mods.here is something you may be interested in:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...l#post10608863
of course if your looking for a major boost in fuel economy,selling the truck for a diesel truck or swapping in a diesel would be the place to start for the max gains.
though others have suggested a car,that's fine and dandy if you don't need a truck (id do it tomorrow! wouldn't have to tell me twice lmao) for work etc.
that's like me saying i get 17 mpg with my truck.
sure,out on the interstate at 50-55 MPH driving it empty like a car.but i actually get 14.5 ish (working it hauling,stop and go driving.)you've already been told 460's are not for fuel economy.they're for working like the diesel trucks but cheaper to buy and maintain.
when it comes to trucks,start with aero mods.here is something you may be interested in:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...l#post10608863
of course if your looking for a major boost in fuel economy,selling the truck for a diesel truck or swapping in a diesel would be the place to start for the max gains.
though others have suggested a car,that's fine and dandy if you don't need a truck (id do it tomorrow! wouldn't have to tell me twice lmao) for work etc.
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Joined: Jun 2011
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my motto is better breathing for the motor is good. good filter free flowing exhaust,. but i mean thirteen is pretty damn good. you must be light footed. good distributor cap, rotor , plugs and wires. all will net you better running rig and slight mpg improvement is just a bonus. edit: i had a 89 5.0 mustang that got 18 if i was just cruising. granted its a 3500lb car compared to a truck. but just my 2 cents
I get maybe 9-10 with 351 ,35s and 4:10s sucks the gas but I love her anyway!
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