Hey guys, thinking about buying this truck,(76,000mi), what kind of milage can I expect from an 86 Dodge pickup 2WD w/ 318 auto? Also, any basic tips to improve it a bit?
thanks CC
Delray Dude
06-27-2008, 03:44 PM
my '87 gets around 10-14 and is the same setup at the moment (sorta).
318 / 904 (auto 3 speed) / 2wd / stock rear axle (I assume it's 3.23 gears - have not confirmed yet)
My 318 is a almost stock '70 motor running the 87 intake and exhaust - all emissions removed and true dual 2-1/4" exhaust. It's a long bed. Working a/c and power steering.
Ways to improve gas. Overdrive transmission would be a good start.
remove all the stuff you can.
Draft off of semi trucks....
Fnix
06-27-2008, 05:06 PM
Remove bumpers, tailgate and spare tire if you're into it
Speed Dragon
06-27-2008, 06:33 PM
In good condition, should get around 15 mpg.
doodlebug
07-07-2008, 03:08 AM
I just checked my '86 W150 with 318 and 727 tranny. Combination of highway and in town (60/40), I got 13.9 MPG. I ain't complaining either. :D
charlie1935
07-07-2008, 08:48 AM
My 87 with the 318, automatic, and 2.76 rear gets 14 to 17 to work and back (25 miles each way, two small towns and two lane roads),:gr_patrio
76D100
07-07-2008, 08:56 AM
76 D100, 318, 727, high gear rear end average normal 18mpg highway, with boat 9mph highway (on a 1000km trip!)
I broke down in Regina last week going home to get my boat. My fuel pump died and the store dident have a mechanical one so I riged in a generic electric one to limp me home. When I did this I took my power from my ignition where the ballast resistor plugs in because I had an open port that gave power when the key was on and no power when it was off... Well, it turns out that when you rob power from your ignition like that when your engine wants to go fast theres not enough power to go around for everything so it would sputter and hesetate ANYWHERE above 1500 rpm in gear. I drove 400km @ 1500RPM max 95kmh down hills average 85kmh flat on only 3/4 of my large under bed tank!
I dont know what that is in miles but its damn good to me.
Fnix
07-07-2008, 10:37 AM
I use my 87 318, 727 as a daily driver to work. I put $50 in every 8 days, 20 miles per day. I drive very frugile and get 12 MPG.
If you're a psycho you can remove both bumpers, tailgate, and spare tire. Those alone are about 150 pounds. Cutting off the emmisions and dumping your pipes out behind or under the cab reduces weight and helps on gas as well. All in all dont expect to get over 14 mpg easily.
Speed Dragon
07-07-2008, 03:01 PM
If you're a psycho you can remove both bumpers, tailgate, and spare tire. Those alone are about 150 pounds. Cutting off the emmisions and dumping your pipes out behind or under the cab reduces weight and helps on gas as well. All in all dont expect to get over 14 mpg easily.
Damn, I guess I'm a psycho then :D Well, I do still have the tailgate, so maybe I'm only half-psycho lol
mojavemark
07-08-2008, 08:14 PM
85 D150, same set up, 132000 miles. I never drive it hardly without a trailer full of quads and a bed full of camping gear and was getting around 11 mpg. Put a K&N air filter on it, getting around 12 or a bit better, and much more mid range pulling power.
Around here K&Ns run about $33, $11 for a standard Fram. Saving about 2 to 4 gallons of fuel per trip, depending on where I camp at, wont take long to make up the difference. I needed a new filter anyways.
The Prospector
08-13-2008, 10:13 PM
ive got an 85 w150 royale se with a 318 with a 2 barrel and a 727 3 speed auto. i just rolled over 100,000 miles (bought it last year with 94,000 on it). to get better mileage and performance i got a dynomax bullet race muffler (glasspack) coming out in front of the passenger side rear tire, then installed a k&n filter and with those and 3.11 rearend gears its not uncommon for me to get 15 to 16 mpg on average (city and highway), and in the winter time i can squeeze out close to 20mpg!!! (mainly highway driving). another thing that really helps with gas mileage is TIRE PRESSURE!!! ive noticed that when i run the max psi.(45) i get about a 1 to 2 mpg increase. also I use midgrade gas and ive noticed a mpg increase along with more power and smoother operation. trust me it pays off in the long run to pay a bit more at the pump
67coronet
08-13-2008, 10:24 PM
Hey speed, I thought you removed the bumpers, tailgate, doors, hood and floor pans didnt you?? Oh yeah they were naturally removed,RUST! JK!
Bruce88[81D150]
08-13-2008, 11:44 PM
I think I'm lucky if my /6 gets 12-14
Mope
08-13-2008, 11:54 PM
My dads 84 727 318 gets 16 if kept 65 or less. He has an older carter 2 bbl on it, and a 2.5 inch free flowing exhaust. He has removed all the emissions stuff. My slant 6 witht 904 will get 19, and the emissions stuff fell off it as well. They both have 3.55 gears as far as i know.
Speed Dragon
08-14-2008, 08:21 PM
Hey speed, I thought you removed the bumpers, tailgate, doors, hood and floor pans didnt you?? Oh yeah they were naturally removed,RUST! JK!
Close to it :D most of that's been replaced now though.
