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Needs new Dak
Dodge Dakota
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4/03/2003
23:14:26

Subject: Gas mileage improvements for 4.7l
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ok, i am hoping to get another truck soon, but because of the gas prices and gas mileage of the dak, i am leaning towrds a car. I want to get a 4.7 CC 5-spped, what do you guys usually get as far as gas mileage and what can be don to the 4.7l to improve gas mileage.




Chris
Dodge Dakota
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4/04/2003
10:35:56

RE: Gas mileage improvements for 4.7l
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my mileage: 16.5 average

The truck: 2000, cc, 2wd, 4.7, 5-speed, 3.92's, heavy too with the stereo

My driving habits: Floor, shift, Floor, shift, Floor, shift, floor, shift, floor... 80+

I usually drive with the tach around 3k RPM... 85k miles and no problems yet.

as for improving mileage: HO cams, exhaust... lighter right foot, lower gears, reg cab...

Chris



Salinas 4x4
Dodge Dakota
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4/04/2003
13:19:51

RE: Gas mileage improvements for 4.7l
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2000 4x4 4.7
I was getting 14 highway-11 in town. Now I get about 13.3 and 15.5 with a Jet stage II chip, tornado air insert, throttle body spacer, Air Force One aluminum air filter system, and a 180 degree thermostat.
I'm still trying to get better mileage. My old 93 Yukon 5.7 with 192k miles got better mileage!
Anyway the chip, throttle body, and direct air intake system improved power.
The tornado (slightly), air intake system, and especially the thermostat helped the mileage.
I would be happy with 13.5 in town and 16 highway.
BTW, I've got 32's. BFG at's
If you're on a budget go for the thermostat first- only six bucks...





Texas Todd
Dodge Dakota
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4/04/2003
13:36:02

RE: Gas mileage improvements for 4.7l
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The t-stat making a measurable change in the MPG?

uh...............

OK, I guess????



CThomp
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4/04/2003
13:39:52

RE: Gas mileage improvements for 4.7l
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You actually bought one of those tornado air inserts? Sorry you wasted your dollars on a shiny tin can.

If the t-stat did anything it hurt you mileage.

Tighten up your suspension (lower it or anti sway bars and good shocks. Reduce drag(tonno cover), light billet wheels, Improve the breathing (air intake, throttle body, headers, free-flow cat, and muffler). If you really want to spend the big bucks you can buy a carbon fiber hood, light bucket seats, and a carbon fiber bumper(being designed by elitecustoms.net)

All of these things even together won't do alot. You might pick up 2-4 if you are really really lucky. Its a truck...thats just the way it is.


I get about 14-16 in the city and about 18-21 on the highway.



Salinas 4x4
Dodge Dakota
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4/04/2003
14:51:49

RE: Gas mileage improvements for 4.7l
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Texas Todd: with the lower running temps it definitly gained 1 mpg or more. That's a lot. Think about it...
CThomp: Yup, it was worth the effort. It will pay for itself if it does much at all. I do know it helps more than lightweight seats...
With all the crap I put on mine I'm getting about a 2mpg improvement. with gas in California at $2.00 to $2.45 I'll take any improvement I can get.
Take care



Texas Todd
Dodge Dakota
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4/04/2003
16:12:49

RE: Gas mileage improvements for 4.7l
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I did the 180 t-stat along time ago. Mainly b/c of removing the viscous clutch/fan. And b/c lower operating temps overall are better for the motor long term.

Salinas, you still running your belt clutch/fan?



Texas Todd
Dodge Dakota
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4/04/2003
16:18:07

RE: Gas mileage improvements for 4.7l
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Oh, and salinas, nothing personal, but you lost my interest, when you said you had many of these 'gadgets'on your truck. The dyno showed no improvement for any of that crap.

I've got some land in Florida with water on it I'll sell you.

Got any stickers?



Salinas 4x4
Dodge Dakota
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4/04/2003
17:16:24

RE: Gas mileage improvements for 4.7l
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I guess what they say about 'steers and queers' is on the mark.
So you're agreeing that the lower temps improves mileage? Good. It really helps with the Jet chip, which recommends the lower t-stat.
Who's dyno are you talking about? I can feel the difference when I burnout. And I can see the difference on my ave. and current mpg computor. The option came with the truck (much cheaper than a dyno).
I'm sorry you needed to jump on my simple advice to 'need new dak'. Obviously he wasn't going to get his questions answered with people like yourself trying to profess their superior knowledge.
Uh,..........Get it?
Check ya later



BlkDakDave
Dodge Dakota
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4/04/2003
18:10:54

RE: Gas mileage improvements for 4.7l
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My 2000 QC 4x4 gets 19 hwy and 16 in the city and that’s with a Leer fiberglass cap. I’m running on 265/75/16’s with an Airaid filter and synthetic oil. I got the same mileage with my ’97 V6 CC and when I had a Chevy S-10 ZR2. Both of these trucks had 31x10.5x15.

AND Salinas 4x4, why did you have to bring the state of Wyoming into the conversation?




01Motorsport
Dodge Dakota
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4/04/2003
20:30:29

RE: Gas mileage improvements for 4.7l
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My '01 RC/5-speed/3:92 gets 18-19 mpg routinely. Snugtop cab-hi shell/ lowered 3"front,2" rear (weight of shell)/ custom 3" aluminum intake w/flap and snorkel removed/ 70 series Flowmaster w/2 1/2" duals.



FLDak
Dodge Dakota
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4/04/2003
21:17:19

RE: Gas mileage improvements for 4.7l
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My 02, SLT, CC+, auto, 4.10 gears (just installed), roll-n-lock bed cover, 360 intakez, 3rd cat removed, FM 70 series single in/dual out. Just drove to Tallahassee tonight, cruise @ 70mph, 21.2mpg.



g0t0ne
Dodge Dakota
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4/04/2003
23:53:28

RE: Gas mileage improvements for 4.7l
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Your worried about saving a few cents on gas. then you probably don't want to pay for modifcations.

but the lighter you make it the better performance and gass milage you'll get. ripp out the seats, pull off the hood, remove the whole bed get small tires.



BlkDakDave
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4/05/2003
00:25:10

RE: Gas mileage improvements for 4.7l
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OOPS, I'm bad! My 2000 QC 4x4 rolls on 265/70/16's. Texas Todd, I got your back man!



Micah Roy
Dodge Dakota
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4/06/2003
04:03:45

RE: Gas mileage improvements for 4.7l
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First, I just wanted to say hi, it's my first time on this board. We are getting ready to order a 03 QuadCab (4.7, 5-speed auto, 3.55 gears), and this seems to be the best board to be on for our new truck. I was wondering, which should I order for better mileage-3.55 or 3.92 gears? FYI-we were planning on getting a Snugtop XTR shell, so that will definitely add weight, but everything else we do on this truck will be to make it as effecient as possible.

I also was planning-360(?) air tube kit, better flowing exhaust (Flows or comparable), maybe a better flowing throttle body. Is this the best plan of attack. We want to maximize mileage first, then build power.

Thanks!



blackbeauty
GenIII
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4/06/2003
04:57:29

RE: Gas mileage improvements for 4.7l
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Don't listen to any of these idiots. First of all, I have a fiberglass tonneau cover and any gain in aerodynamics, I lost in added weight. The air intake, exhaust, headers, chip, standard cab, skinny driver, doesn't matter. The 4.7L drinks gas like no other. I have all of the above, including the skinny driver, and I average 12.6 mpg and my right foot is heavy only at times, mostly I'm thinking about my wallet. Don't get me wrong, I love this truck and the 4.7L but don't buy it for gas mileage, there's nothing you can do.

clean&shiny is good, mud&dirt is better

bakindak
Dodge Dakota
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4/06/2003
08:23:43

RE: Gas mileage improvements for 4.7l
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If you want some decent mileage without the mods get an older truck, I got a 91 Dak with a 5.2 pre magnum engine and I get 17-18 mpg(highway) and that is 100% stock, figure somewhere in the 13-15 range in town



Micah Roy
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4/06/2003
19:29:25

RE: Gas mileage improvements for 4.7l
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Thanks for the replies, maybe you misunderstood me. I'm not buying it for gas mileage, first and foremost I'm buying it for function, and its the best deal for what I need. Since I'm getting it, I just want to know the best ways to maximize its mileage potential. I too like the old ones, but we are most definitely getting a new one. I'm under no false impressions of future mileage-of course this is a V8 powered truck, I just want it to run as good as possible.

Shoot-I have a 1970 Bronco, and all the Bronco guys told me you can never get good mileage with them. Well, I threw some fuel injection and an overdrive tranny in the equation (and this on a 5.8, not 5.0, with 33" tires), and I pull 20 mpg on the highway. I just figure this Dakota should be able to do that no problem. Am I just completely wrong on my assumption of the 4.7's mileage capabilities? Thanks again for the responses.



Vince
Dodge Dakota
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4/06/2003
22:03:32

RE: Gas mileage improvements for 4.7l
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You won't be changing out the tranny for something better on this truck. It already has an overdrive for its overdrive. 3.55's are going to get you a LITTLE better gas mileage, assuming you don't throw 33" tires on it. If you do that, you should go with the higher gears. It sounds very simple, but by throwing the K&N or any other better flowing intake (I have the Intense Performance Z-tube) and a good catback (MBRP), you should easily be able to pull 19-22 mpg on the freeway. I tend to drive about 90-95 on the freeways on very uneven terrain, and I get about 16 mpg. If I slowed down a little, and was on some flatter terrain, I would be at 20 mpg. In the city, there is very little help for you. I tried staying under 3500 rpm's for an entire tank of gas, and I still only got 13.5 mpg. I have to believe that these people getting 15 mpg around town aren't driving in such stop-and-go conditions as what I'm driving. I've been thinking about buying some little piece of crap that gets 35 mpg to get to and from work. I would never get rid of my truck, though. I was informed going in, and I don't regret a thing. By the way, your throttle body is already 68 mm, which is a very healthy size. The R/T drivers on this board are changing theirs' out to a larger-than-stock 52 mm. That's on a 5.9 liter engine. You probably don't need to do anything to yours until you do some internal engine mods, like cams and intake (which should give you better power and mpg). Maybe that will help a little.

Vince



mjhipp
Dodge Dakota
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4/07/2003
03:49:33

RE: Gas mileage improvements for 4.7l
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I get about 20 mpg, and I know I can get better when I cruise slow, like 65 70.. I can probably get 21 or so, but its never any fun to go slow, when theres all these BMW 325s and V6 Mustangs/ camaros to pick on... I usually get about 16 or 17 avg, sometimes 14, BUT, if you drive responsibly like an adult ;) you can get up to 22 with a good cold air intake, a good synthetic oil (can be good for a few horses), and a chip would sure help....

There is a good possibility that a properly set up turbo with that new hi tech fuel mgmt. equipment could be adjusted for maybe 23 or so mpg on the hiway and still be turned up for 12.5's in the 1/4..................... Hmmmm

When my truck was stock it got 20 when I drove it right, but since I downsized tires, added an intake, removed the clutch fan, added straight pipes behind the cat, and a TB spacer ( I think those are useless, but Im not sure), I probably got 1 or 2 more mpg. Im sure a chip and headers with the rest of the mods could help it get 23 at best.
But as far as HO cams are concerned, I would think letting more gas and air flow would kill your mileage, dont ya think Chris?!



McyMike
Dodge Dakota
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4/07/2003
08:21:26

RE: Gas mileage improvements for 4.7l
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Potential buyer:

I have a new 2003 4 X 4, 4.7 with the 3.92 on 265X75X16 tires (not stock issue). Have K&N and Gibson exhaust. 3000 miles.

Heres the no s_it on what I get with no "fun" on the pedal - trying my hardest to squeeze every last mpg:

City: 12
Hwy (cruise 65 Mph): 15 - 16



Texas Todd
Dodge Dakota
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4/07/2003
08:35:50

RE: Gas mileage improvements for 4.7l
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heavy quad, 4.7, 5spd manual, Leer cab high shell, trailer towing, tire and handling, SLT with the heavy chrome bumpers, etc.

HO cams, home brew air intake, etc.

hwy only @75-85, w/ A/C on, family and luggage, 21+ MPG

I think the 4x4 kills alot of the mpg it seems.

BlkDakDave, thanks

blackbeauty, What are you doing wrong? Do have mudders, 4x4, etc? The 4.7 is a very efficient motor.



dweishaar
GenIII
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4/07/2003
11:09:32

RE: Gas mileage improvements for 4.7l
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2001 4.7L Club Cab 2wd
HO Cams and Intake Manifold
Intence Performance 3" Z-tube intake(modified)
3923 autolite plugs
180* T-Stat
Removed A/C
Removed Clutch Fan
Removed ABS
Removed Engine Fan
Custom Exhaust w/removable cat, Delta 50 flowmaster Turndown after muffler
Front Suspension- custom longtravel with Fox 2.5 coil-overs with remote resivoir(cycles at 15.75 inches)
Rear Suspension- flip axel conversion with Fox 2.0 with remote resivoir
Glassworks Unlimited Bedsides
Glassworks Unlimited Fiberglass Fenders
Premier Automotive GTS Hood w/ functioning scoop
33x1250x15 BFG Mud-Terrains
fuel tank skidplate
40 gal Aux Fuel Tank
Full size aluminuim readiator with 2 16" electric fans mounted in aluminium shroud
Engine and Bed Cage

And I still get 14.3 MPG

The Baja Dak

DALLY
Dodge Dakota
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4/07/2003
21:28:37

RE: Gas mileage improvements for 4.7l
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Hi. Anybody who is interested in the truth, listen up. A bone stock 2000 4wd 4.7/3.55/4spd-auto on factory 31" tires is only ever gonna get 10/city and 17 hi-way. you can piss your $$ away on all kinds of gadgets and snake oils, and the best bang for your $$ is the peace of mind that you got the nicestlookin and most reliable rig on the road and you can kick the ass clean off of any other truck that is remotely comparable. Dodge trucks drink gas. period. Fords and GM's break down. do you wanna cry about a little gas or would you rather tow your ford/chev in for repairs!!!!! I LOVE MY MOPAR, GAS OR NO GAS



mjhipp
Dodge Dakota
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4/07/2003
22:35:28

RE: Gas mileage improvements for 4.7l
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He really said it.....




blackbeauty
GenIII
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4/08/2003
02:55:26

RE: Gas mileage improvements for 4.7l
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Texas Todd, I think Dally said it best, Dodge trucks drink gas. I do have 4 wheel drive, and it is full time. My wheels are stock size (31 inches) but all-terrain. I agree fully that 4x4 sucks gas more that 2 wheel drive especially a full time 4 wheel drive like mine. I do have cold air intake (K&N FIPK) My Control Module hurts my mileage, so I usually have it turned off. Even then and a light foot, I average 12.6 MPG. If I burned an entire tank of gas on a completely flat highway, I would probably get 20-25 MPG, but I live in the great Northwest. However, I do commute 10 miles in each direction to and fro work on the freeway. Also, I have 3.92 gears. I don't know, but I would love to average 20 MPG especially with these gas prices.

clean&shiny is good, mud&dirt is better

Dally
Dodge Dakota
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4/08/2003
09:54:27

RE: Gas mileage improvements for 4.7l
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Thanx for the affirmation guys. The rig that I described is my own, and I do love it. I 4-wheel with it all the time(I live in Saskathcewan), and I compete with many Jeep owners. This is the one time that my truck doesnt use the most gas. I have extensively researched to find the golden arrow that would get me better gas mileage. The best thing that I did was to convert completely to Amsoil(a full synthetic) Amsoil is the most expensive synthetic on the market, and they've been at it pretty much the longest. I gained 2mp/g and it cost me about $350.00 Cdn. It will take a little while to pay me back. If it doesnt get really cold where you are than you may not notice as much of a gain as I did (cold means -35 degrees F or colder) We get "cold" for 3-5 months of the year



00dak
Dodge Dakota
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4/08/2003
10:07:23

RE: Gas mileage improvements for 4.7l
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You people suck, in some cases but moere twords most cases that I just say you are getting the same or better gas milage as my 3.6L. I think its about time for a bigger motor.



JerryK
Dodge Dakota
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4/08/2003
11:36:53

RE: Gas mileage improvements for 4.7l
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I did some research into fuel mileage for trucks. There are some interesting experiments by Universities. What it boils down to on a truck is aerodynamics. Less drag will get more gains. Interestingly those tailgate nets actually increase drag by disturbing the flow of air. A light tonneau cover did well, and a belly pan helps. Engine mods didn't gain as much. So if you would duct tape up all the gaps in the front, remove the mirrors, install a lightweight cap, you can get 5-7 mpg gains. Naturally, your truck would look like crap.
I've had luck with full synthetics throughout, a vinyl tonneau cover, 3923's and clutch fan toss. I'm up to 17 mpg city with a '02 QC 4.7 Auto.



01Motorsport
Dodge Dakota
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4/08/2003
16:13:58

RE: Gas mileage improvements for 4.7l
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Don't forget weight, and the energy to move that mass. Regular cab w/4.7/5-spd weighs 3759lb. Add 300lb for club cab. Even RC R/T's weigh 4000+. D-C doesn't make lightweight GenII's anymore, however....



WarDamnEagle
Dodge Dakota
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4/08/2003
23:11:39

RE: Gas mileage improvements for 4.7l
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I don't know what those of you are doing that state you only get 13mpg. I have an '01 Quad lowered 3/5 with a 2 chamber muffler, air intake, and Jet stage II chip with the 3.55 lsd. Nothing special. I drive my truck pretty hard and it runs at 95mph anytime it gets on the interstate and when it's in town occasionally has the tendancy to play with rice rockets or anything else made by a company that also makes my lawn mower, and I still manage to pull at least 17mpg out of it. Don't ask me how, but I'm not complaining



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