1997 F250 Heavy Duty 460 question

[NOTPRETTY]

GAS IS KILLING ME :mad3: :mad3: :mad3:

I have a 1997 F250 Heavy Duty with a 460/Auto and was wondering if there is anything I can do with a programer or to the computer to increase milage. I am running 33's...can adjust for them in the computer. Anything else I can do to maximize milage? I have seen the performance unlimited testing results. Don't want to spend 3 grand to get 4 miles to the gallon more...even at these gas prices it doesn't pay for itself.

I've found driving slower is the best way to increase the milage...hate that!!

[welndmn]

how bad is bad?
that truck should getting 10-14

[FordFascist]

What mileage is it getting? The carbed 460's expected 7-9 where the EFI 460's got anywhere from 10-14 unloaded depending on your driving style. I'm not sure there is anything you can do to a truck that size to make it get good mileage. Even the new Triton V-10's return nearly identical fuel economy results as the EFI 460 in actual driving. Sorry to ruin your day.

[NOTPRETTY]

Injected and I get about 10...maybe less...empty. On the low end of you scale probably due to it being the extended cab extra long wheelbase (Eight Foot Bed) and being an automatic. Towing is about 7.5.

It has been tuned up recently. Getting 14 sounds like a far off dream....that would be about a 40% increase in milage. It is totally stock...no exhaust or anything. Well...K and N filter but nothing else. Thanks.

Still wondering about the computer and programming it for better milage with 33's.

Another stupid question...In 1997 they called this truck a "Heavy Duty" not "Super Duty." What is the difference in 1997 from the Heavy Duty and Non heavy Duty? I believe Heavy Duty simply became Super Duty in the later years but don't really know.

[jopes]

if the millage is high have you ever replaced the O2 sensors?

Has the millage always been this crappy?

[NOTPRETTY]

Yes, the milage has always been 9-10 mpg, but frankly I thought it was normal for this truck. I hope I am wrong and you are right. Miles...61000. Low miles for the year. I did check to see if I am getting any codes...I'm not. It runs great...lots of power.

Again, this is a very big/heavy version of the F250 that year. It is an Auto, Extended cab, Long bed, 4x4. Only the 4 door 4x4 is bigger...well dually is too.

[FF3PM]

To answer your question on SD v/s HD. In the mid 90's they offered a light duty F250, a H/D 250, and a F-Super Duty. The LD F250 truck was based on the F150 body but it had 7 bolt rims, and semi floating axles. HD F250 trucks are the OBS trucks with full floating Sterling 10.25 rear gears. The F-Superduty was the equivalent of the F-450. In 99 the F-Superduty, and L/D F250 were dropped and all 250,350's were called Super Duty.

[Skedar2]

I think you are stuck with the crappy mileage, such a heavy rig ad lare displacement motor, driving like a granny should net you 12-13 mpg driving with a heavy foot around 8-10 mpg. Consider yourself lucky though, my old highboy 429 c6 combo nets me around 8 mpg on the highway going easy on the gas and maybe 2-4 mpg in town.

[NOTPRETTY]

I have a one word solutions...Unfortunately I can't afford to buy one right now....

Diesel!!!

[u2slow]

Or look into propane. New equipment will be expensive, but you may get lucky finding a used setup at a wrecking yard.

Diesel isn't too expensive either. I got my CC PSD for $8.5k CDN. Could have had IDI models and/or supercabs for less.

Manual trans and 3.xx axle ratio the way to go for mileage... it sounds like you have neither :(

[adrianspeeder]

To answer your question on SD v/s HD. In the mid 90's they offered a light duty F250, a H/D 250, and a F-Super Duty. The LD F250 truck was based on the F150 body but it had 7 bolt rims, and semi floating axles. HD F250 trucks are the OBS trucks with full floating Sterling 10.25 rear gears. The F-Superduty was the equivalent of the F-450. In 99 the F-Superduty, and L/D F250 were dropped and all 250,350's were called Super Duty.

Pretty good, but one little thing is that the LD F250 came with 97 bodystyle chage for the F150 and ran till 98. After the introduction of the superduty in 99, you could still get a LD F250 up till '03, but it was badged as a F150 7700, for the increased GVWR rating over the F150.

Adrianspeeder

[NOTPRETTY]

Excellent information...Since you know way more them me...one more question

Mine is a 97 Heavy Duty 4x4 extended cap long bed. The front is saging...springs (I guess is normal...sort of. What lift do I look for in the mags/rags. I don't want more than 2.5" of lift? Just not low rider as is now. Its got 33's. Recomendations.

[JJS]

Pretty good, but one little thing is that the LD F250 came with 97 bodystyle chage for the F150 and ran till 98. After the introduction of the superduty in 99, you could still get a LD F250 up till '03, but it was badged as a F150 7700, for the increased GVWR rating over the F150.

Adrianspeeder

the 7700 has a plow rated front end and the standard f-150 does not. i have never understood why someone would buy one of those over a super duty.

someone already said this, but i would sell the 460 and look for an older IDI diesel. they can be had for quite a bit less than the psd models. they also have a lot less power, but they ain't bad. had 21.5:1 compression but were highly detuned supposedly so they would not show up the powerstroke due out in '95.

[BUZZISCRAZY2]

someone already said this, but i would sell the 460 and look for an older IDI diesel.


Lay off the Drugs.......... :smokin:

[ImNotRight]

Well, since your talkin about reprogramming the computer, did you after recal your speedo? Running 33's (or anything other than stock, obviously) is throwing your speedo off. Are you compensating for that when you figure your milage?

[NOTPRETTY]

Nope, but it still doesn't change the fact that I am pouring $70.00 into this truck everytime I fill up both tanks.

34 gallons x $2.35/gallon = $79.90 That lasts one trip from Folsom to the Loon Lake entrance on the Con and back. I usually have about 5-6 gallons left.

Its just not worth trailering. I drive the Bronco now instead.

Reprogramming...What can be reprogrammed? Can I set tire diameter??? I have no clue.

[rabidranger]

Search over at FTE and look for speedo relibration. It is real easy to do with a paper clilp and the two buttons by your speedo.

If you have 4.10's, find someone with 3.55's who wants to trade. The 460 should have more than enough power for you to do that.

Change your o2 sensors (some have 2 others like mine have 1)and make sure the cat is clear as well.

If you really want to spend a dollar to save a dime look into doing a MAF conversion. You can get one from Ford for a old SD (speed density) lightning and make a few changes to that package to get it to work with your SD 460. That will also allow more radical engine mods later if you want (and gas prices drop again). That should net you about 1-3 mpg due to the SPFI change.

A cheap leveling option is a front add-a-leaf and aftermarket camber bushings. After that, a D60 is needed for good lift unless you are in love with your TTB.

I get 12 mpg highway and 9 with a lead foot around the city. Club cab short box 4x4.

[BUZZISCRAZY2]

Speedo re-cal, and gear swap are not gonna do enough to matter.........try Acetone !!

[87 Ford]

Only thing I've found that works is get a 6" 2x4 block and some duct tape..........
Tape the block under the skinny peddle.....Increases my #'s from 4mpg to a whopping 5mpg unless the TC is engaged..... would sell my left nut for your #'s :flipoff2:

[Skedar2]

Only thing I've found that works is get a 6" 2x4 block and some duct tape..........
Tape the block under the skinny peddle.....Increases my #'s from 4mpg to a whopping 5mpg unless the TC is engaged..... would sell my left nut for your #'s :flipoff2:



Hehe Ill have to try that one

[BUZZISCRAZY2]

:laughing: :laughing:

[NOTPRETTY]

Only thing I've found that works is get a 6" 2x4 block and some duct tape..........
Tape the block under the skinny peddle.....Increases my #'s from 4mpg to a whopping 5mpg unless the TC is engaged..... would sell my left nut for your #'s :flipoff2:


Sorry, got two now. I'll let you know if anything changes. :flipoff2: :flipoff2: