better fuel mileage
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better fuel mileage
Hello everyone 
We recently bought a 2000 f-350 v-8 7.3 super duty power stroke turbo dually diesel. We bought it to pull a 32 ft. travel trailor but my husband want's to be able to use it to get back and forth to work also. The fuel milage is 13 mpg , we hope to do better than that. The truck runs fine , but I noticed that others have done some modification and I thought we might get some ideas. We are new to diesel's and my husband and I are very interested in what others recomend we try first. Thanks in advance
We recently bought a 2000 f-350 v-8 7.3 super duty power stroke turbo dually diesel. We bought it to pull a 32 ft. travel trailor but my husband want's to be able to use it to get back and forth to work also. The fuel milage is 13 mpg , we hope to do better than that. The truck runs fine , but I noticed that others have done some modification and I thought we might get some ideas. We are new to diesel's and my husband and I are very interested in what others recomend we try first. Thanks in advance
Last edited by heckel; Jan 12, 2005 at 06:10 AM. Reason: added information
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Joined: Sep 2004
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Starting at the front of the truck ... change out the factory air box, get a programmer/chip, new, bigger exhaust system, and gauges ( turbo, exhaust temp., and tranny temp if auto, ) and enjoy. The truck will have different power levels, and in most cases better mileage, depending on how heavy the right foot gets.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Sapulpa OK
Hello, heckel. I own an '02 F350 PSD W / DRW and I too only get about 13 MPG. I weigh 12,500 pounds though and I have 4:10 rear axle gears. You may have that ratio also. You can check, there is a tag with the number stamped into it attached to the axle housing cover. Mine was attached with a screw about the 10 O:Clock position. These guys that are getting 20 MPG are probably running 3:50 gears and only weigh 6000 pounds. With those kind of gears though your towing ability would suffer.
Modifying your engine will gain you a few points in mileage but don't know if they will return your money soon enough to justify the costs. You can make lots more power though. But more power is more fuel.
Modifying your engine will gain you a few points in mileage but don't know if they will return your money soon enough to justify the costs. You can make lots more power though. But more power is more fuel.
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Yep, I just traded up to '02 F250 7.3 4x4 from a '97 GMC Z71 350 (gas) 4x4 last Monday. All stock (for the time being, but have similar aspirations), and am enjoying more power, fun, and about 2mpg better performance out of the chute. going to diesel from gas. I've been advised the same by some pretty savvy PSD'ers (who happen to be professional mechanics also) - the advice above is dead on - open up your intake and exhaust so that it's less restrictive, research for the performance programmer or chip that's right for your needs, and don't forget your gauges so you won't be driving and towing blind-flolded! These are all my agenda too. Keep us posted on progress, I'll do the same.
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Chips or Programmers will not give you better fuel mileage!! Go ahead and spend the money for it though!! You will enjoy the performance alot better the the mileage!!
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Thanks for the advice. I can't make all the mods at once so I think I'll start with a cold air intake kit. Any recommendations? And yes fixnair my truck sounds like an 00 version of yours. Mine is a 6 speed trans.
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Roaring Branch, PA
Your cheapest, and in my opinion, your most quality decision is to start running some good fuel conditioner. I personally realy believe in Stanadyne. You will "in most cases" notice better fuel economy and more power. You can find your nearest dealer by going on their websight. Diesel Kleen is a fairly good product also. I used that for a while before switching to Stanadyne. Stanadyne will also do alot of justice for your injectors! It keeps them babies clean.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Tallahassee,FL
Do the exhaust and air filter change over. I must disagree with MobeyDick, at least on my truck, When i remove the CHIP/Programmer, my fuel mileage goes down.
I am running F250 crew cab 4x4 with 6in lift on 35inch tires, with the 80hp chip i get 16-17 on the highway (not towing). Take the chip out and it goes to 11-12mpg.
I am running F250 crew cab 4x4 with 6in lift on 35inch tires, with the 80hp chip i get 16-17 on the highway (not towing). Take the chip out and it goes to 11-12mpg.
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Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Helotes, Texas
I'm with rufaast, I installed a Delta Diablo chip in my truck and get a solid 2mpg better mileage. Went from 15 to 17 loaded, and 13 to 15 hauling. Worked for me. I'd also recommend a full exhaust upgrade, Tymar intake, and full gauges before chipping it though.
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