[jasonr8806]

Hey I put a brand new ATS wastegated turbo 3 inch downpipe to 4inch exhaust on my 93 7.3 idi. I have lots of power now with only a haze of smoke under acceleration, but my fuel milage has gone from preturbo 15-16 to somewhere around 10-11 after installing turbo and turning up pump 2 turns. What are you guys getting with your turboed 7.3 idi. Any suggestions as to why the big drop. I know that you dump more fuel to get power you lose some milage, but I didn't think it would be that bad, and Banks sidewinder kit says you should actually get a 2-3 mpg increase.

thanks
jason

 

[jasonr8806]

This truck is a 5 spd with 280,000 miles on it and 4:10 gears as well. just incase you were wondering

jason

 

[asauer]

Your right foot is the cause of the mileage drop.
But you shouldn't see that big of a difference, unless you're either pouring much more smoke than you think, or your right foot is heavier than you think.

 

[jasonr8806]

that is what I thought too but it doesn't seem to make a difference. what are you getting fuel milage wise

 

[chuckster57]

X2 what Asauer says about your right foot. I did the upgrades on my stock turbo and I will admit it was (still is) fun to feel the power increase. I haven't turned up my IP and I don't think I am going to anymore. We just did a 100 mi. round trip with the 5er ( 9K lbs.) 50 miles "up" the hill and50 mi. back down the hill. I used just about 11 gals. so I can't complain. Empty and light on the right foot I can see 14 MPH. E4OD and 4:10 gears. If your rolling smoke then you might want to try turning down the fuel a bit. My son was behind us on this trip and he said I NEVER blew any smoke even on the hard hills.

 

[dkorin1]

i agree

i have a 92 7.3 idi with a ats turbo and it is straight piped and i still get 15 to 16 mpg and im a lead foot

 

[Foz]

I'm getting 12.5 to 13 mixed in-town and freeway empty. You can't drive less than 70 here without getting run over. I get 10 towing 10k.

 

[Snotzalot]

24 to 25 mpg.

 

[sunstardude]

24 to 25 mpg.

How? Turn down the IP? Or just light on the right foot?

Another question... why does your signature say "no ELC"? Just curious. I'm new to diesels, just replaced my radiator, and about it fill it up with cheap SuperTech 50/50 antifreeze and with the SCA/DCA additive from the ford dealer. Should I use a different coolant?

Also, is the Motorcraft 15/40 "Designed for PowerStroke" oil ok in a 1990 7.3 IDI (non-turbo)?

 

[Snotzalot]

Oh, that's my wifes car, my E350 gets 14-17.

>No ELC! (Extended Life Coolant)

 

[asauer]

I got around15-16 with my '94, not being real easy on it. I don't know on the '89 yet (too few miles).
Just to rub it in, the running average for my Jetta is about 46mpg. Be jealous.

 

[Kaliburz]

Buddies 92 w/ an ATS gets about 15-17mpg (3.73 w/ E4OD). But he also has an exhaust (I'm thinking it was an ATS also.... hard saying it was on the truck when he bought it).

My 90 IDI van w/ no turbo gets 15-16mpg. And I have a 3.54 w/ E4OD.

 

[1987IDI]

just replaced my radiator, and about it fill it up with cheap SuperTech 50/50 antifreeze and with the SCA/DCA additive from the ford dealer. Should I use a different coolant?

As far as i know any good coolant will work fine with the right mix, but to save a ton of money, buy the unmixed coolant mix it yourself. You'll get twice as much for almost the same price.

I've never been a fan of any coolant additives, but that's just me.

I mixed 50/50 with Advance Auto Parts brand coolant and straight distilled water. Took about 6-7 gallons total i think.

 

[0steve0]

I get 13 in town and 16 on highway with an all stock turbo truck not towing anything.From what I have read on this forum this is pretty typical.

 

[dieseldirt]

i was getting a hair over 20 MPG with my '94 factory turbo (zf5, 4.10), but i recently went on a long trip and was not even getting 15!!!!

i guess my right foot has gotten a lot heavier.


the 20 mpg was measured on a trip averaging 55-60 mph, and this trip was averaging 65-70+ mph.... what a big difference!!!!

 

[LMJD]

Highway driving 65-68MPH 18.7-18.9 for 18 years now. Same mileage before I installed the turbo kit. That's with the 5 speed and high geared rear ends (3:55)

 

[7.3L F-250]

you guys are all luckey

i get 12.5 highway if im luckey and 8 around town if im luckey

but i do have a banks sidewinder full exhaust and a 6 inch lift with 38 superswampers with 4:56s (which rounds to 3:73 with the tires)

 

[perk]

Speed plays one of thei biggest roles in MPG's. Last time I checked my unloaded mileage I got 15-16. With our camper (Slide-in), I used to get 9mpg @ 70mph. I now drive 60mph and get 12mpg.

 

[Larry Thornhill]

i get any where from 14 to 16 usually 15 lead foot easy towing or non towing city and highway and that is with a 7.3 turbo with an automatic

 

[JohnBer]

I get 9.....uphill downhill engine off or wide open. it just likes fuel. wouldnt be bad if it showed some pep for all that fuel.