KevinsOffroad
SDD Junior Member
Hi all. Let me first state, I'm a little misguided sometimes, and sometimes find pleasure in doing things the hard way, for no apparent reason, normally.
That said, I'm exploring ways in which to improve the fuel economy of my 7.3L. Here are some half-****ed thoughts, in no particular order:
1) Going to taller tires (one gear ratio taller) to experiement with lower RPMs, and then deciding whether or not to go to a 3.54 or lower ratio, if one exists. My theory is that with the Edge Juice, I can run it in Economy or Tow mode, keep the fuel curve light, and keep the RPMs down so that I get better mileage. Here are the details:
o I drive about 6 miles to/from work, normally around 55mph average. Stop and go is only three or four times during a one-way trip.
o I'm getting about 17mpg currently, with the pattern above
o I will tow a trailer several times a year...5k-7k lbs worth. I'm not a leadfoot, so I don't mind slowing down when going up hill, if necessary (due to the ratio being too high, having to shift into 3rd gear).
**Has anyone gone to a higher ratio (lower numerically) and found an increase in fuel economy? Bear in mind, adjusted numbers (including the change on the odometer).
2) Installing a manual transmission. I know...crazy. I'd probably never be able to make up the cost of the swap with the difference in fuel economy savings, but it would be cool to have a 6sp tranny for towing purposes, as well as improved fuel economy. Again, refer to the first paragraph...sometimes a "long way around a short problem" kind of guy.
o Has anyone ever done this successfully? What about in a 2wd Excursion? Any differences versus the pickup that I should be aware of? Feedback?
o What would a swap cost me? I figure a net of around $3-4k after selling off the auto tranny, which is still in good shape. I have a shop, and a hoist, so labor is not a concern.
So, those are my crazy ideas. What do you guys think? Feel free to berate me publicly, LOL, but bring facts, not just your feelings when you do. I'm here to learn.
Thanks,
Kevin
That said, I'm exploring ways in which to improve the fuel economy of my 7.3L. Here are some half-****ed thoughts, in no particular order:
1) Going to taller tires (one gear ratio taller) to experiement with lower RPMs, and then deciding whether or not to go to a 3.54 or lower ratio, if one exists. My theory is that with the Edge Juice, I can run it in Economy or Tow mode, keep the fuel curve light, and keep the RPMs down so that I get better mileage. Here are the details:
o I drive about 6 miles to/from work, normally around 55mph average. Stop and go is only three or four times during a one-way trip.
o I'm getting about 17mpg currently, with the pattern above
o I will tow a trailer several times a year...5k-7k lbs worth. I'm not a leadfoot, so I don't mind slowing down when going up hill, if necessary (due to the ratio being too high, having to shift into 3rd gear).
**Has anyone gone to a higher ratio (lower numerically) and found an increase in fuel economy? Bear in mind, adjusted numbers (including the change on the odometer).
2) Installing a manual transmission. I know...crazy. I'd probably never be able to make up the cost of the swap with the difference in fuel economy savings, but it would be cool to have a 6sp tranny for towing purposes, as well as improved fuel economy. Again, refer to the first paragraph...sometimes a "long way around a short problem" kind of guy.
o Has anyone ever done this successfully? What about in a 2wd Excursion? Any differences versus the pickup that I should be aware of? Feedback?
o What would a swap cost me? I figure a net of around $3-4k after selling off the auto tranny, which is still in good shape. I have a shop, and a hoist, so labor is not a concern.
So, those are my crazy ideas. What do you guys think? Feel free to berate me publicly, LOL, but bring facts, not just your feelings when you do. I'm here to learn.
Thanks,
Kevin