13.5-15 mpg. Is this as good as it gets?
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 368
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From: Angleton, Tx
The quickest route to better MPG is your right foot 
Keep your RPM's down to 1500 while accelerating. Let the converter lock up as soon after 40 MPH as possible.
If you want an education in what your right foot does to MPG, drive a Lariat with the MPG readout.
Keep your RPM's down to 1500 while accelerating. Let the converter lock up as soon after 40 MPH as possible.
If you want an education in what your right foot does to MPG, drive a Lariat with the MPG readout.
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 66
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From: Central, MA, USA
I have a 97' SCab, 4.6, K&N, Flowmaster 40 series(dual outlet), 4x4, 285's, with 3.55 gears and a cap on it, I just turned 107Kish and am averaging 13.5. I run 87 unless I am towing my boat or trailer. I just changed plugs and wires yesterday and am hoping for maybe a tad more. I popped a B302 code when cyl number two shorted out in the rain over the weekend...
If I remove the cap or when towing the MPG dips to about 11. These are both corrected via GPS comparsion to the odometer when I put on the 285's.
If I remove the cap or when towing the MPG dips to about 11. These are both corrected via GPS comparsion to the odometer when I put on the 285's.
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Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 99
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From: Montgomery, Al
I have been driving using the under 2k shifts & locking the trans early , drafting, coasting, etc to boost the mileage.
I had a little easy short hiway driving this weekend & ended up w/ a new high
of 15.60. So let the next 2 tanks of driving like I want to see what kind of mileage I will get. Passing when I want, keeping up w/ trafffic on the interstate, and getting back in the left lane (passing lane, for those that do not know what it it for) without holding anyone up by taking too long to pass. Oh, I also get to hear my magnaflow rumble a lot more.
Any guesses how low it will go?
Later
I had a little easy short hiway driving this weekend & ended up w/ a new high
of 15.60. So let the next 2 tanks of driving like I want to see what kind of mileage I will get. Passing when I want, keeping up w/ trafffic on the interstate, and getting back in the left lane (passing lane, for those that do not know what it it for) without holding anyone up by taking too long to pass. Oh, I also get to hear my magnaflow rumble a lot more.
Any guesses how low it will go?
Later
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 368
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From: Angleton, Tx
Originally Posted by babyhauler
I have been driving using the under 2k shifts & locking the trans early , drafting, coasting, etc to boost the mileage.
I had a little easy short hiway driving this weekend & ended up w/ a new high
of 15.60. So let the next 2 tanks of driving like I want to see what kind of mileage I will get. Passing when I want, keeping up w/ trafffic on the interstate, and getting back in the left lane (passing lane, for those that do not know what it it for) without holding anyone up by taking too long to pass. Oh, I also get to hear my magnaflow rumble a lot more.
Any guesses how low it will go?
Later
I had a little easy short hiway driving this weekend & ended up w/ a new high
of 15.60. So let the next 2 tanks of driving like I want to see what kind of mileage I will get. Passing when I want, keeping up w/ trafffic on the interstate, and getting back in the left lane (passing lane, for those that do not know what it it for) without holding anyone up by taking too long to pass. Oh, I also get to hear my magnaflow rumble a lot more.
Any guesses how low it will go?
Later
SPEED COST'S, HOW FAST DO YOU WANT TO GO?
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 414
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From: San Diego, California
Originally Posted by babyhauler
Hi guys,
Just looking for comparision & others thoughts. I have a 01 screw 5.4 2wd that I got in july. My first Ford & I am 41 years old so I drive a lot easier than I used to. It was really clean & I liked the 4 doors & big tires, 275/60-17 & the wife liked it. I usually fill up about once a week. 87 octane, chevron. I have no idea what was run in it for the prev. 113000 miles. I found this site & others for research. First week I added the magnaflow 2.5 DISO 3" y-pipe fix w/ an 18" magnaflow 3" SIDO 2.5" muffler & pipes @ a local perf. shop. I installed the Airforce one kit from Troyer Perf. Other items were a 2" rear drop, billit grill, bug deflec. & mud flaps, ooohhh, it's purty. My mileage for the first 8 weeks has been, 12,14.09,14.22,15.02,15.0,14.33,13.53,13.59, untill I installed new M.C. sparks plugs which replaced the originals. Most were worn to about .060-.065. Mileage since the change has been 14.37, 14.56, 14.06 and 14.69. It is 16 mi. to work, 1st 4mi are 45-60mph w/1/2 mi of waiting a few cycles on lites before getting on the interstate. Usual run is 70 mph, 2000 rpm shifts w/O.D. @2000rpm = 70 mph. Right lane, steady out of the way & drafting when I can. Lunch runs are 1/2 city, 1/2 hiway. Weekends are kids games & errand running, sames stuff, 2000rpm shifts, coasting.
The window sticker for this trk is 14-18. I have always split the diff for EPA mileage est in my vehicles. If I tried, I could achieve the hiway #s in my weekly travels. I am driving waaay slower & easier than I ever have and even with the efficient mods, I am only hitting on 14 mpg. I know it's a truck & they use gas but I hate not getting better when I am really trying too, even when it was .80 gal, much less $3.00 gal. Like turning a 18 second 1/4 mile when it should be 16.2 seconds. Hell, I don't even pay for my gas, but I hate being inefficient in any vehicle. If my old Honda said 28 mpg & I got 25, I want to know why.
Have I done what I need too and this is just as good as it gets? New O2 sensors or any tricks that I have not found. E-fans, computer mods, lowering kit? I guess this is a performance question as much as anything, and I want my vehicles perform where they should, speed or mileage. I have read many, many hours on this site for info about this and other items, so please don't kneejerk a search suggestion. I wanted to compare & hear some ideas about our trucks. Thanks for everyones helpful info on this site.
later
Just looking for comparision & others thoughts. I have a 01 screw 5.4 2wd that I got in july. My first Ford & I am 41 years old so I drive a lot easier than I used to. It was really clean & I liked the 4 doors & big tires, 275/60-17 & the wife liked it. I usually fill up about once a week. 87 octane, chevron. I have no idea what was run in it for the prev. 113000 miles. I found this site & others for research. First week I added the magnaflow 2.5 DISO 3" y-pipe fix w/ an 18" magnaflow 3" SIDO 2.5" muffler & pipes @ a local perf. shop. I installed the Airforce one kit from Troyer Perf. Other items were a 2" rear drop, billit grill, bug deflec. & mud flaps, ooohhh, it's purty. My mileage for the first 8 weeks has been, 12,14.09,14.22,15.02,15.0,14.33,13.53,13.59, untill I installed new M.C. sparks plugs which replaced the originals. Most were worn to about .060-.065. Mileage since the change has been 14.37, 14.56, 14.06 and 14.69. It is 16 mi. to work, 1st 4mi are 45-60mph w/1/2 mi of waiting a few cycles on lites before getting on the interstate. Usual run is 70 mph, 2000 rpm shifts w/O.D. @2000rpm = 70 mph. Right lane, steady out of the way & drafting when I can. Lunch runs are 1/2 city, 1/2 hiway. Weekends are kids games & errand running, sames stuff, 2000rpm shifts, coasting.
The window sticker for this trk is 14-18. I have always split the diff for EPA mileage est in my vehicles. If I tried, I could achieve the hiway #s in my weekly travels. I am driving waaay slower & easier than I ever have and even with the efficient mods, I am only hitting on 14 mpg. I know it's a truck & they use gas but I hate not getting better when I am really trying too, even when it was .80 gal, much less $3.00 gal. Like turning a 18 second 1/4 mile when it should be 16.2 seconds. Hell, I don't even pay for my gas, but I hate being inefficient in any vehicle. If my old Honda said 28 mpg & I got 25, I want to know why.
Have I done what I need too and this is just as good as it gets? New O2 sensors or any tricks that I have not found. E-fans, computer mods, lowering kit? I guess this is a performance question as much as anything, and I want my vehicles perform where they should, speed or mileage. I have read many, many hours on this site for info about this and other items, so please don't kneejerk a search suggestion. I wanted to compare & hear some ideas about our trucks. Thanks for everyones helpful info on this site.
later
New plugs & wires, O2 sensors, fuel filter, air filter, clean fuel injectors, reset ECU, Motorcraft 5W-20 motor oil, and make sure tires are pumped up to recommended pressure. Also maybe add 1/2 a tank of 89 to compensate for any low quality gas you may have used.
If this doesn't help, than you are probably getting the best mileage your truck can get due to it's configuration (i.e. size, weight, axle ratio, tire size, mechanical condition, etc.).
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Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 99
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From: Montgomery, Al
New items include,
new MC plugs
MC fuel filter
Airforce One air intake
Magnaflow Y-pipe w/sido muffler
44 psi in tires
5w20 oil
only Chevron fuel, 87, I have not tried 93 yet
several bottles of Techron
One bottle of Lucas fuel sys clnr
2" rear susp. drop
Things I have not tried but contemplating,
MAF cleaning
Carbon Clean (Motor Vac) fuel sys cleaner
then, new O2 sensors
I guess it will be a work in progress. Thank ya'll for the suggestions. If I cannot use a tip, or tried it already, maybe it will remind someone else. I am sure I am not the only one wanting more from their truck.
I will post my new "hard driving" results when I refill next week.
Thanks again &
War Eagle
new MC plugs
MC fuel filter
Airforce One air intake
Magnaflow Y-pipe w/sido muffler
44 psi in tires
5w20 oil
only Chevron fuel, 87, I have not tried 93 yet
several bottles of Techron
One bottle of Lucas fuel sys clnr
2" rear susp. drop
Things I have not tried but contemplating,
MAF cleaning
Carbon Clean (Motor Vac) fuel sys cleaner
then, new O2 sensors
I guess it will be a work in progress. Thank ya'll for the suggestions. If I cannot use a tip, or tried it already, maybe it will remind someone else. I am sure I am not the only one wanting more from their truck.
I will post my new "hard driving" results when I refill next week.
Thanks again &
War Eagle
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 0
From: Texas in the heart
get yourself a Scanguage. It really opens your eyes to how driving habits make a diff in fuel mileage. Shows real time mileage, current,today's, previouse day, and mileage for the tank. Also has a way to adjust for tire changes and speedometer error. I was amazed at how just keeping my tank filling procedures consistent, makes for a much more accurate reading on miles and gallons remaining. Also shows intake temp, water temp, volt, and will even show codes. If you let someone else drive your truck, it will even show max rpm and speed for that day.
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 610
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From: Orlando
One more thing to keep in mind is the effect that additives to your gas play on milage. For example, in DFW, we have extra addititves that reduce emissions added to the gas before it ever hits your tank. From studies of the gas in Dallas, that saps about 1.5 MPG on everybody - Honda Civics & big F150s alike.
So...it's really true what they say - your milage may vary.
So...it's really true what they say - your milage may vary.
Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Washington State
Originally Posted by expy03
get yourself a Scanguage.
As for mileage, like I said, I'm only getting 13.5mpg. That's all city driving, but I baby this truck to death. I seldom push it over 2000rpms and only went to 4000rpm once. I average 17mph (according to the Scangauge). Have never been over 60mph. Maybe the city driving is what's killing me, but the sticker said 15mpg city. I could see getting 13.5 if I were gunning it at every stop light. But I don't.
I may try a SuperChips 1745 soon.
Good luck.
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Member
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Montgomery, Al
Thanks,
I was going to ask what it is & where to get a scan guage from.
Now I know where to look.
BTW, this hard driving is really sucking the fuel out. I will post the results.
later
I was going to ask what it is & where to get a scan guage from.
Now I know where to look.
BTW, this hard driving is really sucking the fuel out. I will post the results.
later
Thread Starter
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Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 99
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From: Montgomery, Al
As was suggested , what will a reflash do? Do you need to be throwing codes before it is effective or does it put the settings in their proper place if you are not? Inquiring minds want to know.
later
later
Thread Starter
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Member
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Montgomery, Al
Okay, results from the 1st hard driving tank full.
352 mi/23.1 gal = 15.2 on 87 oct.
The results are not accurate as I had a 80 mi. trip on this tank. I did drive 75-85 mph on a state hwy in very lite traffic. I had to hurry back to watch Auburn lose to LSU !%*#%$@!.
Maybe I am spending more time in slow traffic than I realize & that is sucking the fuel out.
Later
352 mi/23.1 gal = 15.2 on 87 oct.
The results are not accurate as I had a 80 mi. trip on this tank. I did drive 75-85 mph on a state hwy in very lite traffic. I had to hurry back to watch Auburn lose to LSU !%*#%$@!.
Maybe I am spending more time in slow traffic than I realize & that is sucking the fuel out.
Later
Thread Starter
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Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 99
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From: Montgomery, Al
I have been driving like I want to. Passing, hard starts, 2500-3000 rpm shifts instead of 1500-2000. Results again not typical because of an 80 mi roundtrip on the interstate, still at 75-85 mph in traffic though. Ended up with 322 mi./22gal =14.64mpg. So, hard driving is not killing it and easy driving has not produced high results. It just don't add up.
So, back to my original question, is this as good as it gets? Seems so.
Anyone else get these type comparisons? So my truck is not great, but it is not the worst. Any more comparisons or info is certainly welcome as others may extract some useful info from your replies.
Later
So, back to my original question, is this as good as it gets? Seems so.
Anyone else get these type comparisons? So my truck is not great, but it is not the worst. Any more comparisons or info is certainly welcome as others may extract some useful info from your replies.
Later
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,506
Likes: 6
From: Puyallup, WA
It's hard to do, but I found that slowing down on the hwy from 70+ to <65 mph produced the most mpg gain I have ever seen. Now, this was a straight hwy run of over 320 miles round trip in a single day. Very little in city driving, as it was leave house, get on hwy (about 2 miles) set cruise, couple hours later, get off hwy, 3 miles to destination and repeat....
I got gas at the same station, same pump, same day and netted just a tad over 19 mpg! I have never gotten over 16-17 mpg before with this truck on previous runs of the same trip. Only difference, slowing down to around 64 mph.
My truck had over 145,000 miles on it at that time. My only mods.... Well, if you can call it 'mods', it's a K&N drop in filter, 3" single cat back exhaust and I've got 31" tall tires with 3.55 gears. My speedo/Odo has been recalibrated for the taller tires too.
If you have recalibrated for your different size tires (your 275/60/17 are only 30" tall, where your stock 265/70/17 were 31" tall) then you are pulling a little more rpms because of the smaller dia tires.... Dunno how much difference that makes, but there you go!
I think the listed 18 mpg on the sticker is a 'best case' senario and since you have changed the vehicle from it's totally stock state, you are no longer comparing 'apples to apples' and I don't think the mpg rating was figured at a speed greater then 60 mph either......
Good luck! Sounds like a nice ride, and I would just enjoy it and not worry too much about a couple of mpg's......
Mitch
I got gas at the same station, same pump, same day and netted just a tad over 19 mpg! I have never gotten over 16-17 mpg before with this truck on previous runs of the same trip. Only difference, slowing down to around 64 mph.
My truck had over 145,000 miles on it at that time. My only mods.... Well, if you can call it 'mods', it's a K&N drop in filter, 3" single cat back exhaust and I've got 31" tall tires with 3.55 gears. My speedo/Odo has been recalibrated for the taller tires too.
If you have recalibrated for your different size tires (your 275/60/17 are only 30" tall, where your stock 265/70/17 were 31" tall) then you are pulling a little more rpms because of the smaller dia tires.... Dunno how much difference that makes, but there you go!
I think the listed 18 mpg on the sticker is a 'best case' senario and since you have changed the vehicle from it's totally stock state, you are no longer comparing 'apples to apples' and I don't think the mpg rating was figured at a speed greater then 60 mph either......
Good luck! Sounds like a nice ride, and I would just enjoy it and not worry too much about a couple of mpg's......
Mitch