Improving gas mileage!?!
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2000
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Improving gas mileage!?!
I own a 1988 Ford E-150 (van) that has a tryed and true V-8 351W that i swear by. I has the C4 trans and 3.08 gears in the rear. I'm intrested in getting alittle more mile to the all mighty gallon. Right now it gets a good 8-10 miles to the gallon no matter what kind of driving is ocorroing (loaded, full throttle starts, empty, hiway driving, etc.) I was thinking of replacing the plugs, wires, fuel filter and maybe start running 89 oct. (if i can afford it). My question is, is that all or is that a good start. I already have a whole new exhaust system manifolds, into 3-inch off road race cat to a flowmaster muffler, and out in front of the rear wheel, 3-inch all the way. I alos think I need a new O2 sencor, the stupit check engine light comes on. All and any help will help me in ways that you can only dream of. Thanks in advance!
DAVE!
David73796(No Email Addresses In Posts!)
88 Ford F-150 4x4 I-6 300 CUSTOM Reg Cab
88 Ford E-150 V-8 351W
89 Ford F-150 4x4 I-6 300 LARITE X-Cab
97 Ford Explorer 4x4 V-8 302 XLT 4-Door
DAVE!
David73796(No Email Addresses In Posts!)
88 Ford F-150 4x4 I-6 300 CUSTOM Reg Cab
88 Ford E-150 V-8 351W
89 Ford F-150 4x4 I-6 300 LARITE X-Cab
97 Ford Explorer 4x4 V-8 302 XLT 4-Door
Junior User
Joined: Sep 1999
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Improving gas mileage!?!
have you considered a K & N air filter? they run about $52 -- yes, 52! -- but add power and mileage. My 93 F 150 6 cyl went from 15 to 17 mpg's immediately. I didn't notice any power difference. Usually people say they see immediate power difference and only slightly better gas mileage. Talk to an auto parts guy about it....
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2000
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Improving gas mileage!?!
Get your CEL checked first. It may give you an idea about any problems that may be reducing fuel mileage. It sounds like you put a better flowing exhaust system on your vehicle, so it could be from the EGR. It needs an amount of backpressure to work properly. About the O2S, if your vehicle has a few miles on it, I'd replace it. They have a habit of getting 'lazy' over time, so they do hurt fuel mileage. Antifreeze, silicone, and carbon also hurt them, these things can coat them so that they do not read as well if at all. Try this and see if it helps. It should, even if a little bit, which would be a start to your goal.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 1999
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Improving gas mileage!?!
Definitely replace the O2 sensor.
You've reduced most of your backpressure so that's good. The next step for you is the K&N filter or the filtercharge kit and I would recommend the MSD6 ignition system. It can add a mile or two per gallon and really help idle conditions.
If your mileage is really bad, I'd start replacing sensors. The ones that really pay a big part are the MAP sensor, the air temp sensor and the engine temp sensor. You can tap a voltage reading off of each of these and compare it to the manual to see if it is reading properly.
Other than that, I'd suggest staying off of WOT and shift under 2500rpm.
Later.
Randy
You've reduced most of your backpressure so that's good. The next step for you is the K&N filter or the filtercharge kit and I would recommend the MSD6 ignition system. It can add a mile or two per gallon and really help idle conditions.
If your mileage is really bad, I'd start replacing sensors. The ones that really pay a big part are the MAP sensor, the air temp sensor and the engine temp sensor. You can tap a voltage reading off of each of these and compare it to the manual to see if it is reading properly.
Other than that, I'd suggest staying off of WOT and shift under 2500rpm.
Later.
Randy
