van mpg
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2011
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if i were you curt, i would start by telling us if you're looking at a 150, 250, or 350, and if its a 250 or 350, i would start shopping for a diesel. they're uncommon, but they do exist. economy will beat the he!! out of any gasser, as i demonstrated in my above post about what my van is/weighs and economy. look for an IDI van, you'll find one eventually, and if you get lucky and have an overdrive, you'll beat my economy by far, likewise if you keep your weight below mine.
George, i know my post is in contrast to yours, but diesel smokes gas by far. within the category of gas, you're probably right, but why limit ourselves to gas
George, i know my post is in contrast to yours, but diesel smokes gas by far. within the category of gas, you're probably right, but why limit ourselves to gas
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: NY, NY
My 351 was bulletproof, so was the 4.6. 4.6 did 17 mpg, 351 did 13. 4.6 are great little motors for a lightly loaded van. Heck, mine was loaded up to GVWR and it still worked fine. Sure it liked twitching going up them hills, but who cares really as long you maintain speed, which it did.
For me diesels- they make sense if towing, and I am alone in the van. They're more expensive to operate, and that diesel motor in the doghouse becomes really noisy for my taste.
I agree with George -- if you like a van, a 4.6 will give you the best mileage and reliability.
For me diesels- they make sense if towing, and I am alone in the van. They're more expensive to operate, and that diesel motor in the doghouse becomes really noisy for my taste.
I agree with George -- if you like a van, a 4.6 will give you the best mileage and reliability.
Postmaster
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john, yours is so loud because your 4.11 years have it screaming near redline at highway speeds. gear up a little and it probably won't be so bad. not that mine is quiet, maybe i'm just used to it.
but just for the fun of it, what does yours weigh, and how is the fuel economy
but just for the fun of it, what does yours weigh, and how is the fuel economy
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
Well that to, but I was referring to the motorhome. Van isn't on the road yet.
Van is unbelievably loud on the highway with the 4.11's. But you won't see me doing anything over 55 with it either.
It weighs 5946lbs empty as stated on the ownership (was a commercial van from new, so weight has to be on ownership). Use to weight 9k lbs loaded.
Van is unbelievably loud on the highway with the 4.11's. But you won't see me doing anything over 55 with it either.
It weighs 5946lbs empty as stated on the ownership (was a commercial van from new, so weight has to be on ownership). Use to weight 9k lbs loaded.
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Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Detroit
If you find a healthy '97+ with a 4.6, I would still recommend that. The 4.6 is a bear to work on if it needs work, but in the real world if you start with a healthy engine, you change oil, filters, change plugs and antifreeze at 100k miles, and just drive the thing.
Think of all the Crown Vic cop cars and taxicabs, as well as Town Car limos out there running up 300-400k miles. My buddy had a limo company and his maintenance guys just loved the 4.6 because they just kept running.
George
Think of all the Crown Vic cop cars and taxicabs, as well as Town Car limos out there running up 300-400k miles. My buddy had a limo company and his maintenance guys just loved the 4.6 because they just kept running.
George
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: NY, NY
And 4.6 is the easiest to change plugs on these modulars in vans. 4.6/5.4/6.8s are night-and-day is smoothness an vibration over the older windsors. But, I can't argue with you that old iron can be DIY rebuilt.
New User
Joined: Apr 2013
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From: Grants Pass
I know this thread is over a year old but I just wanted to post my research. Now keep in mind my findings are EPA estimates. Also the mpg numbers I'm posting will be in City-Combined-Highway formats. Starting with the best:
86 E150 4.9L 4 speed manual 18-20-23
85 to 92 GMC 15/2500 6.2L 4 speed auto 16-20-23
89 GMC 15/2500 4.3L 4 speed auto 15-18-21
87 to 91 GMC 15/2500 5.7L 4 speed auto 14-16-18
97 to 98 E150 4.2L 4 speed auto 14-16-18
84 to 2000 Dodge B15/2500 3.9L 3 speed auto 13-15-17
Now this is just a few of the ones Ive looked up and there are some slight fluctuations year to year give or take 1 mpg. I plan on traveling to country soon and Im leaning towards a GMC Vandura Cargo for some stealth so it looks more like a regular work van with tinted windows ect. I know the odds of actually achieving these numbers are pretty slim but one can always hope, and hoping is a positive way to look at it. Tip top condition, the right tires, the right gears, and a light foot. It might just be possible.
86 E150 4.9L 4 speed manual 18-20-23
85 to 92 GMC 15/2500 6.2L 4 speed auto 16-20-23
89 GMC 15/2500 4.3L 4 speed auto 15-18-21
87 to 91 GMC 15/2500 5.7L 4 speed auto 14-16-18
97 to 98 E150 4.2L 4 speed auto 14-16-18
84 to 2000 Dodge B15/2500 3.9L 3 speed auto 13-15-17
Now this is just a few of the ones Ive looked up and there are some slight fluctuations year to year give or take 1 mpg. I plan on traveling to country soon and Im leaning towards a GMC Vandura Cargo for some stealth so it looks more like a regular work van with tinted windows ect. I know the odds of actually achieving these numbers are pretty slim but one can always hope, and hoping is a positive way to look at it. Tip top condition, the right tires, the right gears, and a light foot. It might just be possible.
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1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis
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