Shran
Junk Collector
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
Article Contributor
V8 Engine Swap
Solid Axle Swap
Truck of Month
- Joined
- Mar 4, 2008
- Messages
- 8,700
- Reaction score
- 4,800
- Points
- 113
- Location
- Rapid City SD
- Engine Type
- V8
- Engine Size
- 5.0
None of my 4 cylinder trucks have been modified. I have gotten better mileage out of 2.9's and 4.0's... it is all about the power to weight ratio. I like the 2.3's because they are incredibly durable and there is a lot of room in the engine bay to work on them.Looks like you run lifts, I haven't gotten that far into the project yet but if I'm at 20 now I'll get better mileage in my F250... Not surprised about the heavy engines or Ford under-gearing the 2wds. What do you make of the stock mileage chart on this site? 80s trucks at 35 MPG on carbs?
The mileage charts you are looking at are nowhere near accurate. I have a magazine page from the early 80's that claims that full size trucks were getting 30+ IIRC. It's just an impossible number to reach.
FWIW I did get 26mpg on one tank of 85 octane in my Explorer between CO Springs and Cheyenne, WY one time and I hit 26 several times in my '86 Ranger before I V8 swapped it. The conditions had to be just right in order for those things to happen.