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5.0 Underpowered

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Old Aug 12, 2003 | 10:46 PM
  #1  
big_black_4x4's Avatar
big_black_4x4
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From: Carl Junction Missouri
5.0 Underpowered

Hi Ya'll, I have a 1988 3/4 Ton 4 wheel drive. It has the 5.0 in it. I am only getting 8 Miles per gallon. Is the engine underpowered/lacking power. Is a New bigger engine the correct answer and if so which engine should i go with. I would like to keep the 5 speed that is in it. I need horsepower/tourqe/ and fuel milege. Please help me.,,,,,,,,,, tyrell brown
 
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Old Aug 12, 2003 | 11:50 PM
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From: St Croix Falls,WI
5.0 Underpowered

well depending the the axle gearing you have i'd might suggest upgrading to the 351. other wise i'd go with the straigh 6. it has the same power a 5.0 does but it would be better on gas. although i dont know if your tranny would bolt up or not. either way has its pros and cons
 
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Old Aug 13, 2003 | 12:02 AM
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5.0 Underpowered

I have a 1990 F150 with the 302 EFI. I get about 7 and 1/2 miles to the gallon, however, I am pretty sure that my truck has an underlying problem. So, I don't believe that your truck is underpowered as such.

ken
 
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Old Aug 13, 2003 | 12:47 AM
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From: St Croix Falls,WI
5.0 Underpowered

either way both you should be getting around 12-15 miles to the gallon i'd think. since i have a 1991 4X4 F-250 with the 351 and 4.10 axle gearing and i get about 10 mpg
 
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Old Aug 13, 2003 | 01:45 AM
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From: San Jose, CA
5.0 Underpowered

I have a 1990 F-250 4x4 with the ZF-5 and 4.10 gears. i have a 351 and i get 12 mpg, so i think there is something wrong with your 302. check to see if your cat is plugged, and check your o2 sensor.
 
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Old Aug 13, 2003 | 08:12 AM
  #6  
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From: CT
5.0 Underpowered

I have a 302 in a 88 F250 4x4 with the 5 speed. On the highway I get 16+ mpg at 65mph. Around town no idea.

My F350 was out of service and I used the F250 to trailer a backhoe from NY to CT and averaged 14mpg - the weight of the backhoe & trailer (no tractor just the backhoe ) was 7000lbs.

I'd think you should be able to average 15mpg when running right.
 
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Old Aug 14, 2003 | 03:22 PM
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From: North Texas
5.0 Underpowered

Start with a full tune up to max out what you already have...

Fuel Filter
O2 Sensor
PVC
Air Filter
Plugs
Wires
Cap
Rotor
Etc.

Inspect the catalytic converters also

How many miles are on your truck currently?
 
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