lousy mileage
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New User
Joined: Sep 2001
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lousy mileage
Hi, guys. New to the group. I have an '83 F-150 4x4 with the 302 and c-6. This is the gas-drinkinest 302 I have ever seen. The best milage I can wring out of it is 10mpg. This is driving like my grandmother! Is this normal for this size engine in this size truck? I installed a NEW 2 bbl. carb., new distributor, new cam and lifters, new t.chain, new plugs, no vacuum leaks, new wires,cap, rotor. I love the truck but hate having to see a loan officer just to drive to work all week! It has a 3.55 rear gear and 33 x 11.50 tires. I guess I'll try unplugging the exhaust next. Any comments are welcome! Hey, I love this forum!
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 1,100
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From: Durham
lousy mileage
K&N Filter is worth 1-2 mpg
Side gapped plugs should give you another couple mpg
Advance your timing as far as possible (14-18 degrees)
Remove smog pump
Replace your stock fan with electric fans
Headers/hi-flow cats
Just some thoughts...
'82 F150 2WD w/351W (orig 300 I6)
Slik
Side gapped plugs should give you another couple mpg
Advance your timing as far as possible (14-18 degrees)
Remove smog pump
Replace your stock fan with electric fans
Headers/hi-flow cats
Just some thoughts...
'82 F150 2WD w/351W (orig 300 I6)
Slik
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New User
Joined: Sep 2001
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lousy mileage
Hey, thanks slik
The K&N will be ordered shortly. Timing is already advanced pretty far (I forgot to mention that) It's hard to start hot now. Side-gapped plugs are on the way, as well as 3" exhaust(single). I just don't see room for duals and can't find anyone who offers a kit. I'll give this a try. Thanks alot!
The K&N will be ordered shortly. Timing is already advanced pretty far (I forgot to mention that) It's hard to start hot now. Side-gapped plugs are on the way, as well as 3" exhaust(single). I just don't see room for duals and can't find anyone who offers a kit. I'll give this a try. Thanks alot!
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2001
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lousy mileage
A 2 bbl carb is not the best answer for milage. The stock carb flows 500cfm (I think) That is not the right way to go at part throttle settings. Perhaps a change to a better intake manifold and 4 bbl carb would be a better way to go. The primary side is more efficient due to the smaller size of the bores usually giving better milage. Good luck, SR.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,019
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From: Bismarck, ND
lousy mileage
A couple of more thoughts...... when you go after your exhaust, look into a high-flow cat (epecially if you've still got your original on.... it could be partially plugged)in addition to a high-flow muffler(s) and larger diameter pipes. Also, you may also consider adding an electronic (aftermarket) cruise control - usually around $90.00 for the kit, $190.00 installed. Finally, do you really want or need the 33's? True, they're cutting your revs down, but you may well be keeping your foot into it more trying to keep them turning, especially having only three forward gears. 31's, for example, would create less work for the engine.
