Best RPM range?

[gzartman]

Hey guys; I've got a 2000 F350 crew cab. I drive 58 miles round trip to work and back. I cruise at 60mph all the way on cruise control and the RPM's are around 1400 to 1500 max getting about 16 miles per gallon. My question is, should I gear down so I run a higher RPM? I believe I have stock gears (3.73) What is the optimal RPM's for cruising 60mph? I would like to get close to 20mpg if I can. Oh, almost forgot: I have a tymar intake, 4" turbo back exhaust with muffler delete, and Edge Evolution programmer set @ 80 horse, Trans., Pyro, and boost gauge. The boost runs at about 4 psi at 60mph, if I gear lower would it get the boost up and get better mpg? Thanks for all you help, this site is AWESOME!!!!!!

[7.3XSC]

I usually run at 1900 on trips which is 70mph and I get 19mpg. I would think that more rpm and more boost would use more fuel.

[Dave]

stick with the 3.73's going up to 4.10s will use more fuel

[payne5757]

When I travel I cruise at a constant 68mph which is barely over 1900rpms and I get 19+ through hills in TN and VA and 21+ on flat land like in TX.

[Rob]

i think that if you raise the RPM's you will use more fuel. i may be wrong but thats my opinion!!!! man 58 miles round trip....whew!

[gzartman]

Thanks guys! yeah, I've been doing the same round trip to work and back for over 10 yrs now. I usually have a smaller car that gets good gas mileage but now I have this great powerstroke and I won't drive anything else. Just trying to get the best MPG's I can. I work in Portland, Or. but don't like the city crowds so we live out in the country.

[payne5757]

Originally Posted by Rwalker29

i think that if you raise the RPM's you will use more fuel. i may be wrong but thats my opinion!!!! man 58 miles round trip....whew!

Every vehicle has an optimum rpm to speed ratio and Im pretty sure its 1800-1900rpms for our trucks. Meaning whichever speed that is at is the peak of good mileage while going the fastest before engine speed is detrimental to mileage.

[NOVAJOE105]

My ol beast has 4.10's and I run about 2,000 on the tach at 60-65 and get around 18-18.5 going back and forth to work. WE jsut got back from a trip to the Outer Banks and South Carolina and we got around 19-20 most of that trip running 70-75 most of the time. It all depends on the truck I guess...lol

[Southpaw]

I'm jealous--58 miles roundtrip. I drive 62 miles one way! Every day.
I have 3.73's in mine and i'm at 2000 rpms at 70 mph. With my mods, I get almost 20 MPG. I think the best way to get the best milage is like I was told, Keep your boost under 5 lbs. and keep your EGT's about 700, no matter what gear or speed, that will give you the best milage.

[bigcountrysg]

For fuel Mileage you would want to go to 3.55:1 gear ratio. That will lower your engine speed while cruising but you will loose acceleration if you do that. I suggest you turn your edge down to give you more mpg.