Notices
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Dentsides Ford Truck
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Moser

MPG's

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 16, 2015 | 05:59 PM
  #1  
Spoonman75's Avatar
Spoonman75
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
MPG's

What's the mpg's capabilities of these trucks? I realize it will vary depending on many factors so i'll try to be specific. My truck is a '75 F100 2WD with the inline 300-6 engine and NP435 4-spd. trans, and 3.23 gearing w/31" tires.

The engine is basically stock with the exception of an aftermarket carb/intake and header. On the highway over the course of 1K miles, driving a steady 70mph I'm averaging 21mpg. Is this pretty much par for the course?
 
Reply
Old Aug 16, 2015 | 09:17 PM
  #2  
Blue and White's Avatar
Blue and White
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,553
Likes: 10
I'd say 21 MPG is outstanding even unusual. You have about the best "theoretical" combo for mileage (1/2 ton, 2 wd, manual transmission, 300 I6, moderate rear ratio). With 4 WD and V8, high single digits are the norm. Your tuning is probably well sorted out.
 
Reply
Old Aug 16, 2015 | 09:23 PM
  #3  
PA74F250's Avatar
PA74F250
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,099
Likes: 8
From: York, Pa
I had a bud with same setup you have basically and he usually could get around 18 highway. Slow speed wasn't really that great but highway it was so nice drive. I loved how soft it rode at how little gas it seemed to use.
 
Reply
Old Aug 17, 2015 | 09:59 AM
  #4  
Spoonman75's Avatar
Spoonman75
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
I was pleasantly surprised myself. The previous owner told me to expect 20-21mpg on the hwy. but I assumed he was just giving me his best sells pitch. After two months of driving I now know he was correct.

If I go above 70mph the mileage does drop off, to about 18mpg, same goes for driving around town, about 18mpg, which is to be expected. 65-70mph seems to be the "sweet spot" for best mileage when cruising the interstate.
 
Reply
Old Aug 17, 2015 | 10:25 AM
  #5  
ShaneNP123's Avatar
ShaneNP123
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 682
Likes: 15
From: NB, Canada
That is exceptional mileage for these trucks. I could push 20 MPG in my '79 with a 300 and C4. It had 2.72 gears and 235/75/15 tires
 
Reply
Old Aug 17, 2015 | 10:50 AM
  #6  
77&79F250's Avatar
77&79F250
Moderator & parts slinger
Veteran: Army
15 Year Member
Community Builder
Liked
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,247
Likes: 5,815
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Club FTE Gold Member
Only way I could get that outa mine is if it were on a roll back wrecker. That is outstanding mileage and you have the best set up for it it seems like.

It might not win the race, but is will sure let you drive by a few gas stations. And these days that the best deal going.
 
Reply
Old Aug 18, 2015 | 03:05 PM
  #7  
Ford3901973's Avatar
Ford3901973
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 69
Likes: 1
From: Sweden
FE mpg figures...

390, C6, 9" 3.50:1, Holley 350 61 jets, MSD Blaster 2, breaker points, synthetic oil with additiv, 20" vacuum at idle,*
Mr Gasket 925D, thermal fan clutch, dual exhaust, 38 psi in P-metric tyres, 235/75-R15, 18.8 mpg below 55mph.
 
Reply
Old Aug 18, 2015 | 03:14 PM
  #8  
somethingclever's Avatar
somethingclever
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,221
Likes: 323
From: SW PA
anything north of 15mpg is pretty good IMO.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-4

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
Old Aug 20, 2015 | 08:49 AM
  #9  
Damifiknow's Avatar
Damifiknow
Elder User
10 Year Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 940
Likes: 4
From: Illinois
I get 12-14 MPG on my 2 barrel 360ci with a C6 and 3.25 rear end if I use a light foot on accelerator pedal.
 
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2015 | 10:29 AM
  #10  
berry1234's Avatar
berry1234
Logistics Pro
20 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,157
Likes: 3
78' F250. 400ci, C6 tranny. 10mpg no matter what I do. Tow a Sherman tank uphill or cruise on the freeway empty at 60mph.
 
Reply
Old Nov 22, 2015 | 07:11 PM
  #11  
Grimm13's Avatar
Grimm13
New User
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
1975 F100 4x4 SB 360 NP435 4.56 gears with 33 tires, spinning 3k rpm at 65mph I get 13mpg
 
Reply
Old Nov 22, 2015 | 08:13 PM
  #12  
mountain dewd's Avatar
mountain dewd
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 2,769
Likes: 7
From: O-O-O-Oreilly's
I miraculously got almost 13 mpg out of my '73 4x4, 360, 4sp, 33s and 4.10s.
 
Reply
Old Nov 22, 2015 | 08:16 PM
  #13  
Grimm13's Avatar
Grimm13
New User
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
all the emission equipment is off my truck with the exception of the PCV. From Prescott AZ to Tucson I get 13 mpg, going from Tucson to Prescott I get 12.5.

I am working on swapping in some sort of Overdrive, thinking a Auto swap to a E4oD to reduce the RPM at highway speed.
 
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2015 | 08:30 AM
  #14  
Steven@nd's Avatar
Steven@nd
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 759
Likes: 0
From: North Dakota
74 F100 390 two barrel Motorcraft, stock except for dual exhaust, c6 auto 3.50 rear gears, 235/75r15 tires, around 2750 rpms at 65 mph. So far getting between 12 and 14 mpg highway.

Thinking about swapping to 2.75 rear gear... but will it help the mileage? I would like to get over 15 mpg and be able to drive 70 mpg without winding it out so much...
 
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2015 | 09:05 AM
  #15  
Mustangking1's Avatar
Mustangking1
Tuned
10 Year Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 419
Likes: 1
From: Oklahoma City
My 460 in my f250 gets 10-11 mpg. Holley 750 cfm carburetor. 3:11 gears. 16.5 x 8.75 tires.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:46 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE