Is stock EEC really more efficient than modifications?
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From: Virginia
I learned to drive on an '81 Bronco with a 300 and 4 spd OD tranny and I used to get 23-25 MPG consistently on the highway. Granted, the vehicle was only a couple of years old when I drove it (it was my dad's) and I'm comparing it to an almost 30 year old truck now. Even the EPA gas mileage charts list my truck as having 23 MPG when new. I understand that driving conditions will alter that.
I briefly thought about going fuel injection but the longer I thought about it the more expensive it got. Fuel pump, exhaust mani, intakes, computer, etc etc...It would be a fun challenge but I can't have my truck down that long and my wife would kill me.
I briefly thought about going fuel injection but the longer I thought about it the more expensive it got. Fuel pump, exhaust mani, intakes, computer, etc etc...It would be a fun challenge but I can't have my truck down that long and my wife would kill me.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Owensboro, KY
When they introduced EFI on the 300, mileage actually dropped. Same as with the feedback system. Ford's goal was to achieve optimum operating conditions while at the same time satisfying emissions standards at the time, which will hurt mileage. The only emissions equipment I run on my trucks, carb or EFI is the EGR, and yes it is good to have, it can actually help mileage. The rest of that crap is useless. I've made trucks run cleaner without all of it, with catalytic converters cut off, than it was rated for from the factory.
Back on point, if that 300 were mine, all I'd do is convert to DS-II, and maybe install the EFI split exhaust manifold, keep the 1bbl carb, or use one to spec with an older 300. After that all you have to do is tinker with it every now and again until you find a balance between power and efficiency that suits you. It's a truck, mileage won't be super great, but the 300 can be tuned pretty efficiently. 4 or 5 speed OD trans also helps if you know how to be conservative. I once achieved right on the brink of 30 mpg with a 302/5spd. I'd imagine the 300 should be about as capable.
Oh, and one other thing, if you can still find non-ethanol fuel where you live, that'll help too.
Back on point, if that 300 were mine, all I'd do is convert to DS-II, and maybe install the EFI split exhaust manifold, keep the 1bbl carb, or use one to spec with an older 300. After that all you have to do is tinker with it every now and again until you find a balance between power and efficiency that suits you. It's a truck, mileage won't be super great, but the 300 can be tuned pretty efficiently. 4 or 5 speed OD trans also helps if you know how to be conservative. I once achieved right on the brink of 30 mpg with a 302/5spd. I'd imagine the 300 should be about as capable.
Oh, and one other thing, if you can still find non-ethanol fuel where you live, that'll help too.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2014
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From: Bastrop
I wish I could find ethanol-free gas here. Every gas station around here has E10 fuel. But that's a rant for another thread.
The more I think about it, the more I'm leaning toward the DS2 conversion. What's the best place to find the wiring harness for it? Are the new conversion kits worth it (~$100 from what I've seen). I'm going to the salvage yard this week and that'll be on my list.
Dan
The more I think about it, the more I'm leaning toward the DS2 conversion. What's the best place to find the wiring harness for it? Are the new conversion kits worth it (~$100 from what I've seen). I'm going to the salvage yard this week and that'll be on my list.
Dan
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From: Virginia
I don't agree with the above statement, but I think we have debated that before?
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Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Owensboro, KY
I probably missed it. Seemed to me like mine squeezed out a few more miles when I reconnected it, could have been in my head though. I certainly don't see how it could have any adverse effects though.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Sheffield, AL
Just a couple of thoughts:
Gary you asked re: "limp home" mileage and Jim answered that his was ~11 mpg. That is what my truck [1986 F150 4.9L] delivered when I purchased it and it, too, was definitely "limping home".
When replacing carburetors, I first used one from a 1982 and it worked well, but had a vacuum leak around the throttle shaft. I found a remanufactured Carter YF from a 1970 F350. The reasoning was that w/o EGR and having switched to DS, this carburetor would be calibrated for little or no emissions and for operation w/o EGR. Other than having to slightly elongate the mounting holes, it was a direct bolt on and I have been very pleased with its performance.
Gary you asked re: "limp home" mileage and Jim answered that his was ~11 mpg. That is what my truck [1986 F150 4.9L] delivered when I purchased it and it, too, was definitely "limping home".
When replacing carburetors, I first used one from a 1982 and it worked well, but had a vacuum leak around the throttle shaft. I found a remanufactured Carter YF from a 1970 F350. The reasoning was that w/o EGR and having switched to DS, this carburetor would be calibrated for little or no emissions and for operation w/o EGR. Other than having to slightly elongate the mounting holes, it was a direct bolt on and I have been very pleased with its performance.
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Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Northeast, OK
And that's the one you are using - right? Do you have the # off of it? Your truck runs so well and delivers such good MPG that it should serve as a good target for others with the 300. So if we can get all of the parameters nailed down it might really help.
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From: Virginia
I agree, if you are using the tune that factory used that incorporated the EGR, it will run better. If you are out there with aftermarket everything, or old 50's -60's components and carbs, I have seen them run better without the EGR.
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From: Bastrop
Dan
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From: Northeast, OK
We'll check out the timing when he comes here in September. He already knows what the mechanical advance is, so we will determine what he has in vacuum and static. In fact, we could weld a bung on the exhaust and put my wideband air/fuel + vacuum meter on and record AFR vs RPM vs manifold vacuum.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6,477
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From: Sheffield, AL
We'll check out the timing when he comes here in September. He already knows what the mechanical advance is, so we will determine what he has in vacuum and static. In fact, we could weld a bung on the exhaust and put my wideband air/fuel + vacuum meter on and record AFR vs RPM vs manifold vacuum.
I would be honored for my truck to be a "test mule", if it would help others. You and danintexas have shown interest [thanks!]. Perhaps a new thread [Recipe for gas mileage - 4.9L/300] should be started with the technical details which have led to the mileage mine returns. That is not to say that others do not get even better mileage. If another thread is a good idea (?), what should it be called to facilitate future searches and what items might be of interest [useful]?
When making the upcoming trip to OK, there will be many opportunities to check sustained highway mileage. This mileage will be recorded and could be added to the thread as an update.
Earlier, Gary asked me to identify the carburetor. On the throttle body, it is stamped: YF 4901 S. Near the fuel filter, it is stamped: 6-1962. On some carburetors, I have seen something like, Manufactured for Motorcraft by Carter. On this one, it has: Made in U.S.A.
Perhaps NumberDummy can shed more light on this.
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From: Bastrop
I am most definitely interested. I think a new thread is a great idea. It would allow folks to post new and relevant data as it becomes available. "Gas Mileage Recipe for 4.9L/300" sounds good to me!
Are there any cross reference lists for Carter's stamped numbers on the 1B YF/A and Ford's numbers as listed in the Master Parts List? It seems like there would have to be something somewhere that would allow the dealership parts guys to correctly identify a carb without a MotorCraft tag attached.
Also, in the Master Parts List Section 93A/B they list the incredible amount of Engine Calibration codes. Any clue how to determine what the specific differences are for each calibration code? It would be interesting to compare the calibration of a 1981 F50 with a '86 F150 or whatever a person would wish to look at.
I'm really looking forward to seeing the data y'all come up.
Dan
Are there any cross reference lists for Carter's stamped numbers on the 1B YF/A and Ford's numbers as listed in the Master Parts List? It seems like there would have to be something somewhere that would allow the dealership parts guys to correctly identify a carb without a MotorCraft tag attached.
Also, in the Master Parts List Section 93A/B they list the incredible amount of Engine Calibration codes. Any clue how to determine what the specific differences are for each calibration code? It would be interesting to compare the calibration of a 1981 F50 with a '86 F150 or whatever a person would wish to look at.
I'm really looking forward to seeing the data y'all come up.
Dan