7.3 mods for MPG
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New User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Vandalia, IL
7.3 mods for MPG
Just got my first diesel (02 F250 Crewcab 7.3-every thing stock). 
My question is what modification I should do first. I mainly want to get the best MPG that I can. I am on a budget and will add the mods in stages as money (and the wife) allow. I am leary of the chips, I do not want anything that may reduce the dependability or lifespan of my motor!!!
With this, can you give me some real world numbers on what mpg gain from each mod and approx cost for each.
Thanks............
My question is what modification I should do first. I mainly want to get the best MPG that I can. I am on a budget and will add the mods in stages as money (and the wife) allow. I am leary of the chips, I do not want anything that may reduce the dependability or lifespan of my motor!!!
With this, can you give me some real world numbers on what mpg gain from each mod and approx cost for each.
Thanks............
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 453
Likes: 1
From: Montana
We need an admin to move this over to the 7.3 forum but I can tell you the answer. what mileage are you getting now? I'm getting 14 and am happy I only have the 6637 mod though but these trucks are for hauling not economy thats why my daily driver is a 90 Nissan. First of all check for boost leaks if you have any oily residue around your inter cooler boots you are leaking and waisting power. second try the 6637 mod for $20 you can open up your intake with a reliable filter instead of paying out $300. Then you need to think about your exhaust. if your on a budget you can straight pipe it or you can get a 4 inch system off eBay for $300 after that and your sure everything is running good and your still not happy its time to start thinking about a chip.
Enjoy
Enjoy
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 613
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
Originally Posted by 222mjh
Sorry, did not scroll down far enough to see the 7.3 forum.
I get 16.2 hwy and 13 city with winter blend.
I get 16.2 hwy and 13 city with winter blend.
I get 13 mpg,no matter what.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: Oxford, alabama
I'm with the Greendually on this one. I normally stay arnd 13 unless I'm pulling and Ive got the exhaust and intake mods done. Oh I also have it chipped but its set at the "pull safe" setting.
As the number of miles go up on the odo I'm hoping that I see a slight increase but only time will tell on that one.
As the number of miles go up on the odo I'm hoping that I see a slight increase but only time will tell on that one.
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 613
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
Originally Posted by whittaj2003
I'm with the Greendually on this one. I normally stay arnd 13 unless I'm pulling and Ive got the exhaust and intake mods done. Oh I also have it chipped but its set at the "pull safe" setting.
As the number of miles go up on the odo I'm hoping that I see a slight increase but only time will tell on that one.
As the number of miles go up on the odo I'm hoping that I see a slight increase but only time will tell on that one.
Im at 100,000 and no increase in milage yet.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,293
Likes: 10
From: Parker, CO
The best things you can do for mileage are:
- Keep RPM's under 2000.
- Keep EGT's as close to 600 or less as possible.
- Keep boost under 5 lbs.
- Get an economy tuned chip.
- Put a bed cover on (helps mostly with highway mileage).
Other than that, maintain your truck well and keep tires inflated. Every other mod that I've done such as exhaust, intake, fuel system, etc, do not affect mileage in any significant way. However, if you do plan to put a chip in, even just an economy tune, it is still a good idea to open up the intake and exhaust, as well as making sure you have a set of gauges.
Now if you want to go all out extreme on mileage, you could follow David Whitmer's example. Get a 6-speed 2wd, lower it, put smaller tires, and run 3.08 gears. Plus you can make a custom tonneau cover that tapers from the cab to the tailgate at almost a 45 degree angle. He averages just over 26 mpg. Of course, you have to do a LOT of driving to recoupe the costs.
- Keep RPM's under 2000.
- Keep EGT's as close to 600 or less as possible.
- Keep boost under 5 lbs.
- Get an economy tuned chip.
- Put a bed cover on (helps mostly with highway mileage).
Other than that, maintain your truck well and keep tires inflated. Every other mod that I've done such as exhaust, intake, fuel system, etc, do not affect mileage in any significant way. However, if you do plan to put a chip in, even just an economy tune, it is still a good idea to open up the intake and exhaust, as well as making sure you have a set of gauges.
Now if you want to go all out extreme on mileage, you could follow David Whitmer's example. Get a 6-speed 2wd, lower it, put smaller tires, and run 3.08 gears. Plus you can make a custom tonneau cover that tapers from the cab to the tailgate at almost a 45 degree angle. He averages just over 26 mpg. Of course, you have to do a LOT of driving to recoupe the costs.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: Oxford, alabama
I'm not sure that I could go that far. I would prefer a little better mileage but whatever it is then it is. I'm not leaving my SD. I guess that its one of those things that go with having the toys that you want....Staying with my 7.3.....
I just looked at the pics of that prettttty SD. you have just about done everything you can, with in reason that is. Danged........Super nice job.
I just looked at the pics of that prettttty SD. you have just about done everything you can, with in reason that is. Danged........Super nice job.
Last edited by whittaj2003; Mar 11, 2007 at 06:42 PM. Reason: additional information
