300 "sweet spot"
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Joined: Jun 2004
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300 "sweet spot"
What would you guys say is the 300's best rpm is for cruising, when it gets best mileage? could say its sweat spot.
Another question is this. I have been read the old frums, and lots of people blow rods through the block, i have a rod rap, is that a sign of a rod bout to go through the block?
Another question is this. I have been read the old frums, and lots of people blow rods through the block, i have a rod rap, is that a sign of a rod bout to go through the block?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,860
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From: Metro Detroit (Redford)
I don't know the best cruising RPM or sweet spot. But I have had three 300 I6s (1977, 1984, and 1995). Never noticed this before, and maybe it is the EFI, but with the '95, when you're stepping on it, right at the torque peak (2000 rpm) it peps up like you gave it a kick in the pants and keeps on going right up to the mid upper 3000s which is my imposed rev limit.
The most efficient fuel usage (not necessarily same as best economy) is wide open throttle at torque peak rpm. So, apart from hauling a big trailer flat out, whatever gets you closer to that condition would be efficient, or so I think I read somewhere. So half throttle around 2000 supposedly would be better than maybe 3/4 throttle at 1500 rpm. Ultimately you should test it running a few tankfuls under each scenario to see which really is best.
The most efficient fuel usage (not necessarily same as best economy) is wide open throttle at torque peak rpm. So, apart from hauling a big trailer flat out, whatever gets you closer to that condition would be efficient, or so I think I read somewhere. So half throttle around 2000 supposedly would be better than maybe 3/4 throttle at 1500 rpm. Ultimately you should test it running a few tankfuls under each scenario to see which really is best.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,439
Likes: 6
From: Spokane WA
I seem to get the best milage at around 2000 RPM in overdrive with light pressure on the throttle.
about 16mpg. Not bad for for a big old 2wd truck.
The 300 in the bronco gets the best milage when I don't drive it
about 16mpg. Not bad for for a big old 2wd truck.
The 300 in the bronco gets the best milage when I don't drive it
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 997
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From: Weston, Nebraska
There was this one time I actully tried to drive to get the best fuel milage I could and I was so happy, 15MPG, wow (Sarcasism) Anyway my 1 barrel carb, finds a way to dump 8 to 9 mpg pulling a trailer, 10 to 12 beeten the crap outta of it (usual milage) and if i'm just cruzin the country roads road trippin, pretty much 4th gear all the time running like 1200 to 1800rpms a whoppin 13 to maybe 14. Down the road at 60 i'm runnin 2300rpms and since me and this truck know each other real well all I can tell you is that 1100 rpms is where you hit montrous lugging power, it'll drop the sweep of the rpm guage in a few seconds and finish climbing the hill at 1100 or 1200 rpms. Now when you get on it emptyn (not pullin nothin) right before you hit 2000 in 3rd gear it'll start breakin em loose on gravel, so it must be hitting the start of it's HP range. Idealy i'd wanna be runnin bout 2000rpms at 60 for a drivin truck, but after pullin my 12,500 lb. trailer today I'd like to see it runin about 2700 @ 60.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: redding U.S.A.
I'd have to agree with everyone here - about 2000 rpm, my 1995 300 really starts pulling. This is also where it has the most part throttle torque, so logic would tell me that this is probably where its getting the best fuel economy.
She does love to putz around though. I find myself putzing around in 4th gear at really low speeds (1000rpm on the tach) and i don't even notice untill i look at the tach. Or... try to accelerate.
300 really is a wonderful beast.
She does love to putz around though. I find myself putzing around in 4th gear at really low speeds (1000rpm on the tach) and i don't even notice untill i look at the tach. Or... try to accelerate.
300 really is a wonderful beast.
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Postmaster
Joined: May 2004
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First of all, 2000 rpm in overdrive means you're going about 75. (My 83 with OD turns 1600 at 60). That's nowhere near fuel efficient. The faster you go, the more air resistance you're fighting....NO GOOD.
I've read over the years somewhere from 45-50 mph is ideal.....low resistance, low rpm. In mine, I could drive 50 at 1333 rpm......right past that fuel pump we just past!!
I've read over the years somewhere from 45-50 mph is ideal.....low resistance, low rpm. In mine, I could drive 50 at 1333 rpm......right past that fuel pump we just past!!
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Magrath
Mine seems to gets the best around 2000 or just above for everyday driving. Doesn't lug going up hill and perfectly drivable without shifting down at 2000 rpm's Quite often I run it in 4th just to get the RPM's up a little.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,860
Likes: 4
From: Metro Detroit (Redford)
Originally Posted by couleeman
Mine seems to gets the best around 2000 or just above for everyday driving. Doesn't lug going up hill and perfectly drivable without shifting down at 2000 rpm's Quite often I run it in 4th just to get the RPM's up a little.
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