At 04:05 PM 1/24/2005 -0500, Mark Andy wrote:
>Howdy,
>
>Anyone got a 2003+ Dodge 2500/3500 quadcab 4wd diesel with an auto?
>
>I'm looking to see what sorta mileage people are getting. Sammy tells me
>he gets 18 mpg or so with his, but its a stick.
>
>I'd be interested in any real world results. Also what configuration in
>terms of gears (3.73's or 4.10's).
I have a 2004.5 Cummins "600". On the forums you hear some complaining
that the fuel mileage is poor. It's rare, but some claim crappy mileage
like Mark's lovely 8.0 liter V-10. I think that's fishy. Overall the
sentiment is the mileage is poor, but I say it's relative. Yes, the newer
engines seem to get a little less mileage than the older 2002 and before
engines, but power means fuel, and I think folks are just now getting used
to the idea...... Plus many folks are seeing 1-2 mpg improvements with
Edge and BullyDog type boxes on the lower settings (I've sold a few and
have gotten rave reviews). I will have one once I have a pyrometer
installed....
The mileage on my truck is getting a little better with time. Towing to
and from Florida before Xmas I got 14.5 with my open trailer and Camaro @
about 72 mph. I got 11, sometimes 12 with my 6.0 Chevy. I have just over
200 miles on this current tank of diesel (and it's "winter" fuel which is
not as good for mileage). 150 miles of this tank has been short hops,
literally 5-10 minutes in town. The other 50 was messing around in the
snow-storm ('cause I can!). Overhead shows 14.2 mpg. It's usually about
.3-.5 optimistic, but even high 13's is a damn sight better than the 9-10 I
got in either of my gas 2500HD's. While in Florida I drove around for
about 150 miles. Mixed driving, overhead showed 20, then hooked up and ran
into Georgia from Orlando on the same tank. Filled up and averaged almost
17.
I'd actually expect an auto to get the same, if not better mileage. The
taller OD turns about 100 less RPM than 6th in my trans, and it's not like
you need a lot of throttle to get it moving. Sometimes I start in 3rd, but
normally empty go 2,4,6 and hit 6th by 35 or 40 easily.
No way on 4.10's. You don't tow that much, that often. Besides, peak
torque is 1600 rpm, and 70 mph = just over 2000 with 3.73's. Unless you
are trying to pull a house, 4.10's are complete overkill, and will hurt
your non-towing mileage too.
Some notes: '03's and '04's had two engines, low and high output. No
converters either. The high output is a 305 hp/555 ft/lb engine. Can't
remember the lower output numbers.... who cares anyway! The '04.5 only has
one engine, which is a 325 hp/600 ft/lb piece known as the "600". Both are
common rail injection engines and are very quiet, but the newer ones are
more so. for '05 they get a 325/610 version, but that seems to be all
mapping since there are no changes to the mechanicals and the 600's have a
TSB for "mileage" that most feel is the new mapping anyway. I had it done,
truck seems the same to me, but the mileage went up a bit.
Also, today I pulled a FedEx box truck (and not a tiny one either) out of a
snowbank, and never hit the throttle. ;-) 4-low let the clutch out and
yanked him right out without spinning a wheel (snow covered road). Torque
is your friend.
Sam Strano Jr.
Strano Performance Parts
www.stranoparts.com
800-729-1831 orders/price info.
814-849-3450 technical info.
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