1st Gen. Ram - All Topics Discussion for all Dodge Rams prior to 1994. This includes engine, drivetrain and non-drivetrain discussions. Anything prior to 1994 should go in here.

Stretching fuel economy

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Old Jul 12, 2007 | 12:49 AM
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From: Port Orchard, WA
Post Stretching fuel economy

I own a 93' club cab 4x4 that is bone stock. I understand that these pickups are heavy to begin with and commonly get 15-18mpg on the highway/freeway. Are there any tricks or things a guy could do to get his 1st gen Dodge into the lower 20mpg range? I heard that "straight piping" the exhaust helps out tremendously and that turbo swapping/hybrid helps too. Any ideas or comments would be appreciated. Firstgenfanatic
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Old Jul 12, 2007 | 12:52 AM
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From: cornelius oregon
i bought my 93 from a older fellow and it gets 20 plus on a road trip at 65mph or more. empty. several times same road trip. stick shift . stock tires.
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Old Jul 12, 2007 | 01:42 AM
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From: Oak Lawn, IL
20mpg plus all the time in the summer. Stock truck other than the straight pipe.
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Old Jul 12, 2007 | 07:17 AM
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I've been getting 22mpg, 89 2wd with the 3 speed. Mostly highway, empty truck running at about 60-65
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Old Jul 12, 2007 | 07:29 AM
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From: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Originally Posted by Firstgenfanatic
I own a 93' club cab 4x4 that is bone stock. I understand that these pickups are heavy to begin with and commonly get 15-18mpg on the highway/freeway. Are there any tricks or things a guy could do to get his 1st gen Dodge into the lower 20mpg range? I heard that "straight piping" the exhaust helps out tremendously and that turbo swapping/hybrid helps too. Any ideas or comments would be appreciated. Firstgenfanatic
What are you getting for milage now?
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Old Jul 12, 2007 | 07:40 AM
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From: Dallas Baby!!!!
I'm getting 17 mpg empty. I plan on going with stans 4" exhaust because mine is straight piped now.
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Old Jul 12, 2007 | 08:43 AM
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From: SW Michigan
Straight piped and a little bit on the full power screw and I get around 22 on the highway.

Is yours an auto or manual?
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Old Jul 12, 2007 | 09:57 AM
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My truck is like a TANK and weighs around 9800 at all times, before hooking a trailer, or loading the flat.

I was getting close to twenty-MPG, with the main-fuel-screw turned way up.

In an attempt to bring down EGTs, I backed it out 1-1/2 turns.

The EGTs came down a little; BUT, my mileage also suffered a loss.

I believe these engines do much better when cranked up a little.


The wife consistently tops twenty, with her auto.
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Old Jul 12, 2007 | 10:34 AM
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From: Washington State
I used to get 15-16 city and about 21 highway, now with mods Im lucky to see 15-17 loaded or empty. Power is awesome and so much fun to drive to stay out of it, so there are trade offs.

Father in laws 1992 stock except 3200 spring, gets close to 20 most of the time. Towing a fiver he sees 14.
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Old Jul 12, 2007 | 10:36 AM
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if you don't want to mess with the full power screw look in the sticky and do the "timing bump" along with straight pipe and BHAF that will give you a slightly better flow. then take a closer look at your exhaust housing to see if you have the 18 or 21... 93 SHOULD be 18 from what i know but with these trucks you never know, lol. if it's a 21 consider swapping it out with a 16cm housing that will give you a little better spool on take off and more air at highway speeds. with a stock fuel screw you don't have to worry at all about the 16 restricting on the highway. but over all that IMO speed is the biggest mileage killer. keep the motor around 1800rpm and you will love the mileage, get it over 2100-2200 and it drops like a rock.
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Old Jul 12, 2007 | 11:07 AM
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From: Katy, TX off north Mason Road.
timing bump is the biggest gain for mpg. Also opening up the exhaust and intake will help too. I was getting a steady 18mpg with my 89', then with the pump turned up, 4" exhaust, and K&N intake I was getting a steady 23mpg at 60mph, thats in a 4x4 3 speed auto.
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Old Jul 12, 2007 | 11:31 AM
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
I get about 17-18 mpg with freeway and some in town driving, but then I have 4:10's
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Old Jul 12, 2007 | 01:01 PM
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From: Port Orchard, WA
I appreciate all the responses at this point. Lots of good information! My truck has an auto transmission (815). and the rearend gears are 3:54 out back. The stock huge muffler canister is still on the truck and the air filter setup is stock and unmodified. My turbo is the H1C model. I really want to get the pickup straight piped.
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Old Jul 12, 2007 | 01:22 PM
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From: Philly PA
I have done several mods, and driving 70-80 I average 23 mpg, Remember your tire pressure and alignment will have a great affect on your mileage,
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Old Jul 12, 2007 | 01:26 PM
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From: Smithfield, VA
Mine is a regular cab W350 auto. Best mileage with my setup is 17 mpg on six Wild Country mud treads. Truck weighs 7000 pounds with me in it.
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