IDI mpg
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8,005
Likes: 7
From: Ottawa, Ontario
I'd love a 4BT for that reason, but i'm no big fan of the sound of it. I love the sound of an old Perkins though.
And I'd try and make it fit to a Diesel or BB ZF, so I have the external Slave, easier to service.
And I'd try and make it fit to a Diesel or BB ZF, so I have the external Slave, easier to service.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
Back when he bought it new in 91', my dad got 24 MPG going cross country at about 70 MPH.
F-250 7.3 5 speed regular cab 4x4 w/ 3.55's.
I credit the mileage to sulfur, and the cap on the back of the truck.
I bought ZWilson07's F-250 about a month ago and that was the same thing as dad's, but with 4.10's.
We got 18 consistently back from KY going about 65
F-250 7.3 5 speed regular cab 4x4 w/ 3.55's.
I credit the mileage to sulfur, and the cap on the back of the truck.
I bought ZWilson07's F-250 about a month ago and that was the same thing as dad's, but with 4.10's.
We got 18 consistently back from KY going about 65
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,573
Likes: 5,609
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
Back when he bought it new in 91', my dad got 24 MPG going cross country at about 70 MPH.
F-250 7.3 5 speed regular cab 4x4 w/ 3.55's.
I credit the mileage to sulfur, and the cap on the back of the truck.
I bought ZWilson07's F-250 about a month ago and that was the same thing as dad's, but with 4.10's.
We got 18 consistently back from KY going about 65
F-250 7.3 5 speed regular cab 4x4 w/ 3.55's.
I credit the mileage to sulfur, and the cap on the back of the truck.
I bought ZWilson07's F-250 about a month ago and that was the same thing as dad's, but with 4.10's.
We got 18 consistently back from KY going about 65
like i said, back in 88 my 4X4 truck with a C-6, 4.10 gears, and 35 inch tires used ot get over 20 mpg on the highway. the 88 with the 4 speed would get 24+
mow days with the garbage they call diesel fuel i am lucky to get 14 mph with the C-6 truck.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2014
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it was more the high cetane rating than it was the sulfur
like i said, back in 88 my 4X4 truck with a C-6, 4.10 gears, and 35 inch tires used ot get over 20 mpg on the highway. the 88 with the 4 speed would get 24+
mow days with the garbage they call diesel fuel i am lucky to get 14 mph with the C-6 truck.
like i said, back in 88 my 4X4 truck with a C-6, 4.10 gears, and 35 inch tires used ot get over 20 mpg on the highway. the 88 with the 4 speed would get 24+
mow days with the garbage they call diesel fuel i am lucky to get 14 mph with the C-6 truck.
And yeah, diesel's come a long way. Unfortunately it's not worth it to buy a new diesel when you think about it... but would I if I had the reason and money to buy a new truck? Hell yeah. Stripped down blue diesel dually 4x4... but no more 6 speeds. Damn autos
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 20,383
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From: Mi'kma'ki
Gas Mileage of 2000 Ford Focus
personally though,this isn't good enough.you should aim higher.there are lots of auto's that can grab the 35 range.my beater is now dead and im on the lookout for another.i wont settle for anything out of a little car that doesn't at least bring in 30 mpg.this is easy though cus to me all modern cars look like crap anyway lol (and im not out to impress) so any little econo box fits me just as fine as any other.
i know the feeling.im a car guy.id rather be in a 60's big block muscle car myself but sometimes we've got to go with what make sense for us for a while.........which unfortunately for me probably means all the way until retirement lmao.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Chino Hills
of course not.lets be realistic.but one of these will and on much lower priced fuel to boot.
Gas Mileage of 2000 Ford Focus
personally though,this isn't good enough.you should aim higher.there are lots of auto's that can grab the 35 range.my beater is now dead and im on the lookout for another.i wont settle for anything out of a little car that doesn't at least bring in 30 mpg.this is easy though cus to me all modern cars look like crap anyway lol (and im not out to impress) so any little econo box fits me just as fine as any other.
i know the feeling.im a car guy.id rather be in a 60's big block muscle car myself but sometimes we've got to go with what make sense for us for a while.........which unfortunately for me probably means all the way until retirement lmao.
That is why you am aiming for a easy to achieve mpg scale that I can live with as I have a work van for dding. Which is why I said no cars. I just looking at alternatives to keep my life happy.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Chino Hills
I guess the IDI is off the list since the mpg can not be high enough even with full mods.
Also since diesel vs gas price is stupid I would have to get 30 just to break even, and a 4 BT is not a option since I need something ready to roll. That I can play with as time permits.
So I will look into ditching my FE concept I stashed some parts for for my F100. So now I will research the 3.7 mustang V6 for a swap. It does 20 easy in a bigger, heavier truck. Although it is slightly mor aero then mine.
Also since diesel vs gas price is stupid I would have to get 30 just to break even, and a 4 BT is not a option since I need something ready to roll. That I can play with as time permits.
So I will look into ditching my FE concept I stashed some parts for for my F100. So now I will research the 3.7 mustang V6 for a swap. It does 20 easy in a bigger, heavier truck. Although it is slightly mor aero then mine.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2008
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The way i look at it is like this, mine gets 15ish, im expecting 17-18, maybe more when im done "upgrading" to get even comparable power to stock youre talking 460 which is 10mpg on a good day. So even at 15 in the IDI (imo, worst case scenario) i still win with fuel. 100miles x 10mpg = 10 gallons @ 1.75 = $17.50 100milesx 15mpg = 6.7 gallons @ 2.50 = $16.75
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Chino Hills
The way i look at it is like this, mine gets 15ish, im expecting 17-18, maybe more when im done "upgrading" to get even comparable power to stock youre talking 460 which is 10mpg on a good day. So even at 15 in the IDI (imo, worst case scenario) i still win with fuel. 100miles x 10mpg = 10 gallons @ 1.75 = $17.50 100milesx 15mpg = 6.7 gallons @ 2.50 = $16.75
So for a long haul I would prefer to get 20+, and with today's engines it is simple. Provided one does not get stupid with tire, and rim selection.
My F100 should be pretty close to 900 pounds lighter then a current F150, and it under ideal circumstances has done 22-25 highway. Going on forum post. It is a larger truck, heavier rims, and just larger. So the more I look at it. It begins to look like I should get serious on buying a wrecked Mustang. I have found a few in my area selling for less then $1000 if not just above.
I would prefer other motors, but I would rather have it be a budget build that I can tweak later on. Like the hopeful turbo build I been wanting to do. Also having minimal cost in it if I do not like it I can walk away with out getting upset.
Personally I want my FE, but getting to 20mpg is not likely. Even if I build the truck around the motor for mpg.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 221
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Another random option might be the mitsu/dodge mini trucks. They were offered for a while in diesel and turbodiesel. Parts availability is a little tough, and they are IDI so no wiggle room for mods, but 35mpg isn't unusual, and you still have a truck.
RE perkins/4bt: Perkins is quite similar and I see the appeal. But there are pretty serious advantages of the cummins- HUGE aftermarket support, large availability, and they bolt right up to an off the shelf 5 speed. There is also the issue of on-road epa ratings if that matters in your state.
The OD is key to maximize fuel efficiency *if* hd axles are used since 3.55/3.42 are pretty much the tallest. But once you start looking at 1/2 ton axles, ratios can make the OD irrelevant, though it might have long legs between gears. Even that issue is somewhat minimal if properly tuned since the low rpm HP delivery of a properly tuned turbodiesel will compensate. IE a junkyard 2.73:1 car third dropped into the truck 9" is pretty durned easy and cheap. This type of option is NOT available in the bigger axles.
1/2 ton ford w t18 or t19, drop in a ford IDI (use diesel bell) swap the 9" third member for a junkyard car third for a tall ratio?
RE perkins/4bt: Perkins is quite similar and I see the appeal. But there are pretty serious advantages of the cummins- HUGE aftermarket support, large availability, and they bolt right up to an off the shelf 5 speed. There is also the issue of on-road epa ratings if that matters in your state.
The OD is key to maximize fuel efficiency *if* hd axles are used since 3.55/3.42 are pretty much the tallest. But once you start looking at 1/2 ton axles, ratios can make the OD irrelevant, though it might have long legs between gears. Even that issue is somewhat minimal if properly tuned since the low rpm HP delivery of a properly tuned turbodiesel will compensate. IE a junkyard 2.73:1 car third dropped into the truck 9" is pretty durned easy and cheap. This type of option is NOT available in the bigger axles.
1/2 ton ford w t18 or t19, drop in a ford IDI (use diesel bell) swap the 9" third member for a junkyard car third for a tall ratio?
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 8,476
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From: Madison, WI
Also, a lot of those small truck diesel engines were belt-timed, which always gives me the heebie-jeebies.
These guys - https://www.youtube.com/user/ShadeTreeConversions - have put tractor engines in a few "street" vehicles. I'm sure that the viability of such options would depend heavily on your state's level of vehicle inspection.....
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 20,383
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From: Mi'kma'ki
yeah i had a ranger once.couldn't really do anything with it worthwhile besides drive it like a car so it was really pointless.under powered 4 cyl.it got ok fuel economy,but it was a real drag to drive.miserable and dangerous merging into traffic.high mileage so no doubt down on power from what it should have been too probably lol.sold it and got an f150 with a 4 spd and 300-6.holy crap what an upgrade that was all the way around.some things might be out there,that can do specific objectives,but it's not going to mean your going to enjoy the underpowered slugs getting it lol!
- no mine wasn't the diesel.gas......but something tells me the little diesels may not be exactly a peppy little bugger either lol.
- no mine wasn't the diesel.gas......but something tells me the little diesels may not be exactly a peppy little bugger either lol.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 8,476
Likes: 37
From: Madison, WI
Was your Ranger an automatic? I find generally, smaller engines really wheeze with automatics behind them. And not much good for fuel economy. Any truck that small, any engine that small, really needs a manual behind it in order not to feel 
in traffic.
My wife had an F150 300 4-speed. Carbureted. Power was "okay", but for the smallest engine available at the time, it sure guzzled the gasoline. I reckon the FI trucks were better wrt both performance and fuel.
That Isuzu could be had with an 8-foot bed, BTW. Decent combination of real utility and fuel economy. Very few made; there are probably about 11 of them left in the whole world....
'Course, in addition to fuel economy, another major feature of any mechanically-injected diesel is its simplicity (no computers, sensors, etc) and the options to fuel it, er, off-grid.
in traffic.My wife had an F150 300 4-speed. Carbureted. Power was "okay", but for the smallest engine available at the time, it sure guzzled the gasoline. I reckon the FI trucks were better wrt both performance and fuel.
That Isuzu could be had with an 8-foot bed, BTW. Decent combination of real utility and fuel economy. Very few made; there are probably about 11 of them left in the whole world....
'Course, in addition to fuel economy, another major feature of any mechanically-injected diesel is its simplicity (no computers, sensors, etc) and the options to fuel it, er, off-grid.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 20,383
Likes: 846
From: Mi'kma'ki
no i always had manuals.i didn't make the upgrade to the auto (in trucks) until my first diesel.
nah it was just a really small 4 cyl.they didn't have the good power of todays with the dual overhead cams........ah well shoot or turbo's for that matter too (im looking at some saab cars in current beater car quest too,but though turbocharged,the cars don't have a good overall rep,so not likely going to bite on a turbo saab.apparantly gm owns them now or some foolishness and they went downhill.im in the 98-2003 ish range of car hunt.)
nah it was just a really small 4 cyl.they didn't have the good power of todays with the dual overhead cams........ah well shoot or turbo's for that matter too (im looking at some saab cars in current beater car quest too,but though turbocharged,the cars don't have a good overall rep,so not likely going to bite on a turbo saab.apparantly gm owns them now or some foolishness and they went downhill.im in the 98-2003 ish range of car hunt.)