8.1+6spd=what mileage?

[cpoosch]

Thinking about 8.1 6spd 2wd reg cab and wondering how much better mpg is with stick and also does a lighter truck like this help?

 

Also, how come you can't order the 8.1 6spd with 3.73 rear end?

 

Thanks,

 

CP

[midnight8100]

I have a 2001 8.1/6sp 4x4, it's a beast! If you are really concerned with mileage the 8.1 is not for you, mine is just a toy (I have my 5.3L half ton 2wd as a daily driver). However, the ol 8.1 did suprise me a time or two with 15~15.5 mpg. Mind you this was setting the cruise at 60 and back when I still had the smaller (265/75-16) tires on it. A 2wd might do a little better as might a reg cab (mine is extended). I do feel the 6 speed helps a little on the highway, but might hurt in town -- at least for me, I like to run hard thru the gears after long red lights. Real world average though I woundn't expect much more than 13~14 in mixed driving. I once saw as low as 7.5~8 when pulling my half ton on a U haul trailer (but I was running hard, and would have expected worse). You wouldn't want less than 4.10 gears with the 6 speed, especially if you ever plan to step up in tire size from those factory dOnuts! Bottom line, with gas prices on the rise I can't imagine having it as my only vehicle-- If gas was still $1.00 a gallon I might slap a supercharger on it and drive it every day! It hauls ass for a 6000+ pound truck, but it does seem that they could get more that 340 horses (a few less now I think) out of 496 c.i. There are some great heads and a cam packages on TBYRNE's site for the 8.1, maybe one day (after my solid front axle swap ) I'll look into it.

[midnight8100]

Almost forgot, you can check out some pictures of it here (before I cranked it up / blocked it another inch). There may even be a picture of the interior - REAL TRUCKS HAVE 3 PEDALS!

 

http://www.mcttrucks.com/torquemonster

[cpoosch]

I readily realize that big engines aren't the answer for mpg. I am curious to see where it stacks up because I know that a friend handily out does me with a 98 454/5spd vs. what I get with my 99 Ford V10/slushbox (yeah, yeah, yeah, I know ). I have owned a 6spd psd before and saw much better mileage with the stick vs. a similarly equipped auto. I guess where I'm going with this is I need a tow/haul capable vehicle, but not daily or even weekly (and can't afford 2 vehicles) and am struggling to justify the cost of ownership/buy in on a diesel (and the smaller gassers won't cut it when I do need it ). Should my financial situation improve in the next 18 months, then it doesn't matter --> diesel it will be .

 

Thanks for the responses.

 

CP

[Split1atom]

Cp, Last June I traded in my 2002 4 door, short bed, 2500HD 2 wheel drive with the 8.1/Ally for a 2004, 4 door, long bed, dual 3500, 4x4 with the 8.1/Ally. Both pulled 9.6 around town (maybe a touch higher for the 02). On the highway from Cincy Oh to Florida, loaded with 8 people and all the supplies for a 2 week vacation, locked in cruise at 67, they both got right at 11.9. My father also just bought the matching dually except without the 4x4. He is not seeing much, if any difference in gas. He actually was goofing around this weekend and told me that at like 54 mph he gets the best Has way too much time on his hands. Oh yea, with our trailers (his is 33' 12,500lb, mine 31' 5650lb) we both are back at the 9.6 area. Hope it helps. Bob

[Split1atom]

Oops, missed something. All vehicles discussed were the automatics. Sorry. We too looked at the diesels although we are gas kind of guys, but its impossible to justify unless you are just on the road day in and day out. Between capital cost and maintenance, it doesnt return for the normal guy. Other option is you just like them

[tvandevelde]

I have a 2001 6-speed dually 2wd 8.1. I've only had it long enough to run one tank of gas through it. I got it just for a toy and to pull the boat occasionally. I have no idea what the mileage is, I just know it's not great. If I had to guess I'd say 9-10. It does have over 100k on it though.