Better MPG? Ram 318
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2007
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Better MPG? Ram 318
Hello! I have a 97 Dodge Ram 1500 with the 318. I get about 15 mpg. I'm trying to figure a way to get a bit better gas mileage, because I need my truck (and love my truck) and don't want to give it up for a more gas friendly vehicle.
I know cold air intake will help, but can anyone give me an idea of how much? I know it adds horsepower, too. Anybody know about this?
Also, what about a Flowmaster catback system? Exactly how much will this help with the mpg? Is it worth it? I plan on keeping the truck on a very long term basis.
I know cold air intake will help, but can anyone give me an idea of how much? I know it adds horsepower, too. Anybody know about this?
Also, what about a Flowmaster catback system? Exactly how much will this help with the mpg? Is it worth it? I plan on keeping the truck on a very long term basis.
Champion
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,103
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RE: Better MPG? Ram 318
I mean, Dude-ette
The KN is a expensive filter that may or may not help with mpg. It will give you more throttle response. Recently, many have been switching to open air filters like on old muscle cars. The flowmaster is AWESOME! I've had mine for over a year and just love it. Best mod I've done with the Hypertech a close second. The flowmaster gave me about 1mpg gain as did the tuner.
The KN is a expensive filter that may or may not help with mpg. It will give you more throttle response. Recently, many have been switching to open air filters like on old muscle cars. The flowmaster is AWESOME! I've had mine for over a year and just love it. Best mod I've done with the Hypertech a close second. The flowmaster gave me about 1mpg gain as did the tuner.
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 281
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RE: Better MPG? Ram 318
look for my post on a "$59 cai"
a tune up with 180* t-stat and colder range plugs
check the plenum gasket
3"exaust
50mm tb(guy selling them for 139 on ebay)
all the above folks say they gained mpg I can say the first 3 got me 6 to 9 mpg I started out at 13 mpg fixed the plenum and gave it a tune up added the cai and I just got 22mpg driving 60mph on cruise control. Just did a 2k mile road trip and got 16 to 17 mpg running 70-80mph. The rest of the mods could only help.
a tune up with 180* t-stat and colder range plugs
check the plenum gasket
3"exaust
50mm tb(guy selling them for 139 on ebay)
all the above folks say they gained mpg I can say the first 3 got me 6 to 9 mpg I started out at 13 mpg fixed the plenum and gave it a tune up added the cai and I just got 22mpg driving 60mph on cruise control. Just did a 2k mile road trip and got 16 to 17 mpg running 70-80mph. The rest of the mods could only help.
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2007
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From:
RE: Better MPG? Ram 318
I get 17 mpg on the interstate with my 318. A K&N filter or intake will probably NOT help your MPG. It would be a waste of money. Here's what I do to get my 17 mpg:
1. Run a bottle of fuel injector cleaner every 3,000 miles. Clean injectors = better performance.
2. Keep the air filter as clean as possible. (Replace every 3,000 miles, if necessary.)
3. Dual Exhaust.
4. Get a cap for the back of your truck.
5. Don't drive like an idiot. (Going over 65-70 mph will KILL your gas mileage. Remember, these trucks are about as aerodynamic as a brick.)
1. Run a bottle of fuel injector cleaner every 3,000 miles. Clean injectors = better performance.
2. Keep the air filter as clean as possible. (Replace every 3,000 miles, if necessary.)
3. Dual Exhaust.
4. Get a cap for the back of your truck.
5. Don't drive like an idiot. (Going over 65-70 mph will KILL your gas mileage. Remember, these trucks are about as aerodynamic as a brick.)
Legend
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,663
Likes: 8
From: Central Oklahoma
RE: Better MPG? Ram 318
ORIGINAL: dusty_duster
I get 17 mpg on the interstate with my 318. A K&N filter or intake will probably NOT help your MPG. It would be a waste of money. Here's what I do to get my 17 mpg:
1. Run a bottle of fuel injector cleaner every 3,000 miles. Clean injectors = better performance.
2. Keep the air filter as clean as possible. (Replace every 3,000 miles, if necessary.)
3. Dual Exhaust.
4. Get a cap for the back of your truck.
5. Don't drive like an idiot. (Going over 65-70 mph will KILL your gas mileage. Remember, these trucks are about as aerodynamic as a brick.)
I get 17 mpg on the interstate with my 318. A K&N filter or intake will probably NOT help your MPG. It would be a waste of money. Here's what I do to get my 17 mpg:
1. Run a bottle of fuel injector cleaner every 3,000 miles. Clean injectors = better performance.
2. Keep the air filter as clean as possible. (Replace every 3,000 miles, if necessary.)
3. Dual Exhaust.
4. Get a cap for the back of your truck.
5. Don't drive like an idiot. (Going over 65-70 mph will KILL your gas mileage. Remember, these trucks are about as aerodynamic as a brick.)
As far as a Dodge being as aerodynamic as a brick, I have to disagree.
The VW Bus holds that distinction.
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
RE: Better MPG? Ram 318
[ A K&N filter or intake will probably NOT help your MPG. It would be a waste of money.quote][/quote]
I hate to disagree with any ony but the fact here is I did see a diffrence with my K&N look-a-like system. Just the filter has mixed results but the fipk does work a guy I work with has purchased the same intake and has gotten similar results. Sorry but we just have to disagree on this subject.
I hate to disagree with any ony but the fact here is I did see a diffrence with my K&N look-a-like system. Just the filter has mixed results but the fipk does work a guy I work with has purchased the same intake and has gotten similar results. Sorry but we just have to disagree on this subject.
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Legend
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,663
Likes: 8
From: Central Oklahoma
RE: Better MPG? Ram 318
ORIGINAL: dnfd737
I hate to disagree with any ony but the fact here is I did see a diffrence with my K&N look-a-like system. Just the filter has mixed results but the fipk does work a guy I work with has purchased the same intake and has gotten similar results. Sorry but we just have to disagree on this subject.
A K&N filter or intake will probably NOT help your MPG. It would be a waste of money.quote]
Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 730
Likes: 1
From: Columbus, GA USA
RE: Better MPG? Ram 318
All the items listed above will increase HP, but also they will decrease mileage. If an aftermaket intake has increased mileage I'd be suprised.
If they did increase mileage some, do the math, all the $$ spent on those items wouldn't be made back up for a long long time making them a poor choice... Kinda like buying a hybrid instead of it's regulargas burning version.
If they did increase mileage some, do the math, all the $$ spent on those items wouldn't be made back up for a long long time making them a poor choice... Kinda like buying a hybrid instead of it's regulargas burning version.