Would an engine swap be in order...?
Does this sound right?
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 283
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From: Bogota, Colombia
Does this sound right?
Last weekend I drove my 300 I-6, 4x2, C-6, 3.08 gears, 29-inch tires, 1bbl carb Bronco (1992) for 160 miles mostly highway with some traffic, hauled 6 people and a full load in the back. It gave me 9 MPG and the tranny overheated and the engine a little bit, especially while I kept the A/C on! Does this sound right?, don't think so, the truck is in prime condition and maintenance is up-to-date, what could be the gas-guzzling factor? (performance was acceptable), maybe switching to 3.55 gears, headers and some head work or...? thanks, I ask since fuel prices keep going up like crazy here (Colombia), you can fill up a Bronco in Venezuela for the same money you pay here for 1.5 gallons' worth!!!
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 535
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From: Tucson, AZ
I've heard of automatics with A/C only getting 9 MPG but I would definately look into the overheating problem, would check proper operation of thermostat, radiator, radiator cap, waterpump if not leaking.
New User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12
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i had a bronco with an i6, all it ever got was 9mpg, and it didnt have air, but it didnt matter if it was loaded with weight, had big or small tires it got 9mpg, it does suck but might have to be somethin to just deal with
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 283
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From: Bogota, Colombia
Yes, 1bbl stock...
Mine is a venezuelan-assembled version which came with the old 1bbl carb fuel delivery system, EFI seems too much money for savings of maybe a couple MPGs. Some forum members (quite a few actually) agree that a bigger engine would not only give me better performance but maybe a slight improvement in fuel economy, and some others claim their I-6 gives them 20MPG!, mmmmh I'm confused...
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 535
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From: Tucson, AZ
I doubt 20MPG, but my '79 Carbed 300 with 3spd and no power steering or A/C usually delivers about 16mpg if I'm not heavy on the gas.
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Postmaster
Joined: May 2004
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Just got back from a 500 mile trip with my 83 300 3.08 4 sp OD w/ 170K miles.....
19.8 mpg (Can we call it 20?)! Drove between 55 and 65 all the way, on mostly interstate. That's only about 1 mpg less than what it got when it was brand new!
Think I'll keep her!
19.8 mpg (Can we call it 20?)! Drove between 55 and 65 all the way, on mostly interstate. That's only about 1 mpg less than what it got when it was brand new!
Think I'll keep her!
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 199
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From: Griffin. GA
My '78 gets about 15-16 mpg goin 70-75 and i don't have overdrive. My truck did overheat a little bit doin it, but i put a spacer to move the fan about and inch from the radiator and it fixed that(never came with a fan shroud).
