improve mileage
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: Louisville, KY
improve mileage
Anyone have any idea's on how to improve the gas mileage on a 1991 F350 dually with a fuel injected 460?
It has 132,000 miles on it right now, and is getting 10mpg. I can either upgrade to a new truck of try and squeeze out some better economy on this truck. I am considering new injectors, electric fans, power pulleys, K&N filter, JET chip, low restriction exhausts (true dual), headers, a complete rebuild and possibly going to either a 3.05 or 3.53 rear end (3.93 now). Any thoughts?
Christopher
It has 132,000 miles on it right now, and is getting 10mpg. I can either upgrade to a new truck of try and squeeze out some better economy on this truck. I am considering new injectors, electric fans, power pulleys, K&N filter, JET chip, low restriction exhausts (true dual), headers, a complete rebuild and possibly going to either a 3.05 or 3.53 rear end (3.93 now). Any thoughts?
Christopher
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,437
Likes: 0
From: Oak Harbor WA
improve mileage
You're lucky you even get 10mpg in my opinion. I run a 78 F250 and a 79 F350 and they average around 8mpg, so you should feel fortunate (I am jealous). Other than that, 460's aren't known for gas mileage. You could look into aftermarket stuff like chips or cams (if they are available). Upgrading to a diesel will cost a little more but give you way better economy. Just my $.02.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,437
Likes: 0
From: Oak Harbor WA
improve mileage
Of course its gonna get 15mpg if you starve it. I like to keep my equipment running right in the middle of economy and power. Sure there are ways to do it, but you will have to sacrifice power.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,748
Likes: 118
From: Tallassee, ALabama
improve mileage
I love my diesel truck....96 PowerStroke....4.10 gears with an auto overdive and can get around 19 cruising at 65....
But, for my play toy, my 64 Fairlane, 429/460 is the only choice....as they say....no substitue for cubic inches...
But, for my play toy, my 64 Fairlane, 429/460 is the only choice....as they say....no substitue for cubic inches...
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 3
From: Billings MT
improve mileage
Chris,
You need to look at this way. What is the cost of all the mods you want to make? Just guessing, you are looking at about $3000. And what will this exactly get you, maybe 2 mpg. Or, a 20% increase in mileage, if you are lucky.
How far do you drive the truck every year? For ease, let's assume 10000 miles. That is 1000 gallons of gas, at $1.50 is $1500 before mods.
After mods, 10000 miles at 12 mpg is 833 gallons at $1.50 is $1250.
Net, a saving of $250 a year.
It would take you 12 years to recoup your invesment.
Just one way to think about it.
10 mpg is not bad, it's a 460 after all, not exactly economical.
You need to look at this way. What is the cost of all the mods you want to make? Just guessing, you are looking at about $3000. And what will this exactly get you, maybe 2 mpg. Or, a 20% increase in mileage, if you are lucky.
How far do you drive the truck every year? For ease, let's assume 10000 miles. That is 1000 gallons of gas, at $1.50 is $1500 before mods.
After mods, 10000 miles at 12 mpg is 833 gallons at $1.50 is $1250.
Net, a saving of $250 a year.
It would take you 12 years to recoup your invesment.
Just one way to think about it.
10 mpg is not bad, it's a 460 after all, not exactly economical.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: Louisville, KY
improve mileage
Fortunately, the truck is at the point where we either a) put some money (body and motor) into it and drive it another 10 years, b)do nothing and drive it into the ground, or c) trade it in with current value on a new truck.
So, I do not mind the initial cost of the rebuild/ modifications should we choose to go this route. It will still be cheaper than the cost of a new (or used) powerstroke.
Is 15 MPG a realistic goal for an F350 dually?
So, I do not mind the initial cost of the rebuild/ modifications should we choose to go this route. It will still be cheaper than the cost of a new (or used) powerstroke.
Is 15 MPG a realistic goal for an F350 dually?
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 3
From: Billings MT
improve mileage
I doubt it, but with a 5 speed and some high gears, like 3.03. Gears would be my first choice. But, if you tow with it, forget going higher in the gears. Then I would address the exhaust. I don't think a chip will get you anywhere nor would a K&N filter over a good paper one.
I get about 12.5 in the truck in my sig.
I keep thinking about what I want to do to my truck, and then evaulating the return. Just my way of justifying the initial cost.
Unless you are experiencing mechanical problems, I would put off getting into the engine as far as possible. You could do a straight up timing chain (pre '72) and that should help too.
I get about 12.5 in the truck in my sig.
I keep thinking about what I want to do to my truck, and then evaulating the return. Just my way of justifying the initial cost.
Unless you are experiencing mechanical problems, I would put off getting into the engine as far as possible. You could do a straight up timing chain (pre '72) and that should help too.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 526
Likes: 0
From: Spokane WA
improve mileage
Originally posted by Colossus
Of course its gonna get 15mpg if you starve it. I like to keep my equipment running right in the middle of economy and power. Sure there are ways to do it, but you will have to sacrifice power.
Of course its gonna get 15mpg if you starve it. I like to keep my equipment running right in the middle of economy and power. Sure there are ways to do it, but you will have to sacrifice power.
Greg
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,437
Likes: 0
From: Oak Harbor WA
improve mileage
Well, yeah thats true. If you run that truck real careful, have a light truck, good stretch of road, you can get 15mpg out of it (if it is stock and you get that - that rocks!) Now there are other ways like a RV cam, that would give you better mileage but cut your power. A 460 can be defined as a lot of power at extreme prices. I know, I have a 79 F350 with a 460 too. It gets between a high 6 and a low 9. But I don't mind the mileage, I got the truck for $2400, and like you, I don't feel like buying a $13,000-40,000 truck right now, diesel or not. I figure I am currently ahead of the game, even though my wallet is flat.
My dad is currently going through the same thing on his 78 F250. He hates the mileage (8.5 - 10.5) but he can only get about 4k for the truck, and its a reliable truck that doesn't break down.
He is thinking of a diesel. But considering how little he uses the truck anyway, he's better off to stick with it for now.
So the way I see it, if the truck is an everyday driver that you commute with etc. - get a diesel. If you only use it on weekends, stick with it.
My dad is currently going through the same thing on his 78 F250. He hates the mileage (8.5 - 10.5) but he can only get about 4k for the truck, and its a reliable truck that doesn't break down.
He is thinking of a diesel. But considering how little he uses the truck anyway, he's better off to stick with it for now.
So the way I see it, if the truck is an everyday driver that you commute with etc. - get a diesel. If you only use it on weekends, stick with it.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 35
improve mileage
chrowen,
If saving money is your objective, you won't achieve it by getting another truck! Enjoy what you have, it costs a small fraction of the price of a new truck.
secondly, I would definitely not change the gears from what you have! 460 runs good with these gears. I have 4.10. Change it and you will lower your towing capacity - and hurt resale value. 4.10 and 460 go together well. People don't get 460 cid trucks to run to the grocery story. They get it to tow 10,000 lbs boats and trailers.
I would get minor mods , like new injectors, etc. I would also consider an over drive tranny if you don't already have one. (I have C6 and wish I had a OD)
Gear Vendors has a unit which gives you an OD and 20% improvement in mileage.
If saving money is your objective, you won't achieve it by getting another truck! Enjoy what you have, it costs a small fraction of the price of a new truck.
secondly, I would definitely not change the gears from what you have! 460 runs good with these gears. I have 4.10. Change it and you will lower your towing capacity - and hurt resale value. 4.10 and 460 go together well. People don't get 460 cid trucks to run to the grocery story. They get it to tow 10,000 lbs boats and trailers.
I would get minor mods , like new injectors, etc. I would also consider an over drive tranny if you don't already have one. (I have C6 and wish I had a OD)
Gear Vendors has a unit which gives you an OD and 20% improvement in mileage.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,882
Likes: 0
From: Nevada
improve mileage
Opinion - I don't think 15mpg is a realistic overall gas mileage target for an F350 dually in normal use with a smogger 460 and 3.93 final drive.
When you look at rebuild costs, and I'm talking about the engine, trans and associated systems, most people tend to under-estimate what they're going to spend. Write it all down, everything, before you make a decision to undertake what's not a simple or cheap process. And don't forget you'll still have the same body and suspension after the the engine/trans rebuild. Add in any of those restoration costs.
When you look at rebuild costs, and I'm talking about the engine, trans and associated systems, most people tend to under-estimate what they're going to spend. Write it all down, everything, before you make a decision to undertake what's not a simple or cheap process. And don't forget you'll still have the same body and suspension after the the engine/trans rebuild. Add in any of those restoration costs.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 35
improve mileage
Opinion - I don't think 15mpg is a realistic overall gas mileage target for an F350
I agree. I think 10 is OK, 11.5 should be your target because that's what I am getting. In the very best circumstances, ie. cruise control and going 50 mph the whole trip, I get _almost_ 12 mpg.
In city driving, it is abysmal, probably 7. In mixed driving, it is 8-9.
I don't know how dually affects gas mileage but cannot imagine it is a positive effect.
If it will make you feel better, seat down, write down the expenses involved with major work with yours, or another truck and you will see that it is cheaper to just drive yours even with 10 mpg which _is_ normal.
I agree. I think 10 is OK, 11.5 should be your target because that's what I am getting. In the very best circumstances, ie. cruise control and going 50 mph the whole trip, I get _almost_ 12 mpg.
In city driving, it is abysmal, probably 7. In mixed driving, it is 8-9.
I don't know how dually affects gas mileage but cannot imagine it is a positive effect.
If it will make you feel better, seat down, write down the expenses involved with major work with yours, or another truck and you will see that it is cheaper to just drive yours even with 10 mpg which _is_ normal.
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
improve mileage
11-13 mpg is not unrealistic for the 460. i consistently get that range with combined city & highway driving. I usually run on midgrade octane (87). I will have a Banks Powerpack installed by the end of the week and that will help a little on the mpg and a lot on the HP.
just my .02
'97 F250 crewcab shortbed 4x4 E4OD, 3" exhaust, Jacobs ingnition, power pulleys, modified airbox with K&N, Amsoil bumper2bumper
just my .02
'97 F250 crewcab shortbed 4x4 E4OD, 3" exhaust, Jacobs ingnition, power pulleys, modified airbox with K&N, Amsoil bumper2bumper