Something very important that people never disclose when mentioning their gas mileage, perhaps they don't even know, but is the gears in the rear end. This will ultimately determine your highway mileage, along with your cruising speed and tire size.
This is very true. My 1996 Ram 12Valve 2WD runs 65mph @ 1800rpm and gets fantastic fuel economy. My 1997 F350 7.3 4X4 runs 50mph @ 1800rpm, anything over that and it really starts to lose fuel economy. My 1957 BlueBird 54 passenger bus got 14mpg on gasoline. It had a 5 speed transmission and a 2 speed axle.
Absolutely true, which is why there would be such a huge difference in both city and freeway driving with only the gear ratio being changes. I swapped to as low of a gear as possible on my 94 12v because I would be at 2800 rpm on the freeway with no possibility of ever hitting 100mph unless I setup the motor to run at 4000 rpm. Changed out from 4:10 to 3.55 and what a difference! Also deleted trans computer and have full manual control of my built 47rh. Much better gas mileage, and I can swap out for smaller wider tires if I need to tow something heavy behind me.
This is exactly why I swapped my gears in my rear during a rebuild to go from 4:10 to 3:54s. Much better fuel economy now plus better top speed. Truck makes enough power to not worry about loosing torque for towing 😊
Yep...that's about what they get. I have an 04 that gets about 22 mpg if kept under 60 mph. It's driving habits and or driving conditions that kill most drivers MPGs.
The terrain you drive has a HUGE effect. My truck(1984 D350 Crew Cab with 92 12V VE ) will tank to tank average 19-20 consistently on summer fuel. if I run in the mountains all the time it averages 17-18, if I drive across flat Indiana or Ohio on a non windy day 21-22. Drive across Nebraska with a 50mph tail wind and bank out 26!! Well I did once anyway. lol Wintertime fuel, thick oils, and increased idle times for cold weather shaves off about 3mpg.
My 1996 12V, 2WD, Auto Trans, Extended Cab Truck gets 25 mpg. It used to get 22 mpg before I made a few changes. - installed a K&N air filter. - installed straight pipe exhaust. - installed a non-A/C serpentine belt. - installed tall, narrow tires. (235/85/16)
I bought my 96 2500 12v brand new. It got 19 to 21mpg right out of the box. Has 203000 miles on it now. In 28 years other than routine maintenance, I have replaced the water pump, the starter, and had to reseal the front cover. It still gets the same mpg even pulling a boat, a 16ft car trailer, or hauling firewood, it just doesn't change. I will die owning this truck!
Thanks for the video. I heard people talking about getting over 20 miles per gallon in these, but I like to see proof, not just some people talking on a forum. Before you know what they're saying that they get 30 mi per gallon.
1994 12v has over 600,000 mi. Single cab 2wd. The interior is shot & bed is beat up. Body swap time. 1949 Ford F3 body is going on just for looks and to increase the value. Ford truck came out of a pasture. Beautiful black with pleasant patina. "Cross the million mile line, in a '49".
More than anything, I think people would be AMAZED at how much better mileage you actually get if you drive 55 mpg on the highway or 72 mph on the highway. The difference in that kind of driving is way under-appreciated. Not that anybody is going to actually drive 55, ha ha... but definitely a world of difference if all other things are equal. Interesting video! 👍
You're totally right. Definitely all in driving habits and keeping it at a reasonable speed. The best fuel mileage I've ever gotten is on hilly two-lane country roads.
I have a '95 12 valve, auto, 4x4, standard cab, mostly stock (ground straight fuel plate, 3k springs..cat and muffler still there) 285/16 tires etc. With topper and my normal load of junk behind the seat it is right about 7000#, with me, a 65# dog and a full tank of fuel. I've had the truck for over 230K miles and keep pretty good track of MPG, on everything from road trips (10+ hours a day at 70+) to hauling a trailer (2-9k depending on which trailer/ load). I get 20 or so on the hiway, average 18 running around and 16 towing fairly heavy. Dirty oil or air filter will reduce that some. I recently switched to Rottela T-6 full syn (vs T-4) and saw a 1-3 mpg gain, and easier starts in the cold. Real world experience, daily driven/ work truck for the most part of the last 11 years ;) 2 seconds into the video I was like "this guy is from Philly"... then you said you were at Wawa! LOL Born in Bucks CO PA myself, now reside out west ;)
Lol, what made you think I was from Philly area at 2 seconds? Also born and raised in Bucks County. Would love to live out in Colorado one day though! I go out there at least once or twice a year. We're out west are you? Thanks for sharing your numbers. Sounds spot-on and very close to what I get. These guys that can only max out at 17mpg on here must have something wrong with their truck or be driving like teenagers.
@@NoNonsenseKnowHow The accent ;) I went to CR, graduated in '84... then moved to Colorado in '86 :) now in Nebraska... Too many guys only figure their mileage on one tank/ fill. You have to use the same pump (when possible) and average all fill ups to get real numbers. If you are only getting 17 average from a 12v you need to change your oil and air filter, put smaller tires on and SLOW DOWN!
@@mikecollins8241 haha, didn't realize I had much of a Philly accent. That's awesome though man. Nebraska is a pretty sweet State also. I once rode my motorcycle straight through from DuBois Pennsylvania to Gothenburg Nebraska. I think it was something like 1240 miles without stopping except for gas.
@@NoNonsenseKnowHow Yea, Colorado has gotten too crowded/ expensive, Nebraska still has lots of open space ;) I'm working on another bike build this winter, hope to be back on the road next summer ;) '90 Kawasaki Vulcan 750, gonna be chopped into a "bobber" :)
Neat to here. I’m purchasing an f550 that has a 1994 5.9 Cummins. It will be cool to see what kind of mileage I can get with it. The gentleman who purchased it blew the 6.4 up in it. He claimed the 6.4 was getting 4 miles to the gallon so he installed a chip in it giving him 13mpg. Now she has the Cummins power plant mailed up with the Ford transmission.
4 miles per gallon? A chip that gives 13? That guys all over the place. I could see maybe 8 out of a 550 6.4L, then maybe 10 with a tune. Tuners don’t help with mpg as much as people think they do.
That's really impressive w/4:10 on 33's. I've owned my 97 gen 2, 4x4 w/35's, 3:54 gears, 5sp factory stock (except wheels and tires) Dodge for 3 months. I haven't checked mileage yet but your numbers are giving high hopes. My 4x4 2010 V6 Frontier only gets 19mpg (@75mph). I'm thinking my diesel may be better (than Nissan) on fuel mileage after viewing your numbers.
@@sonandsanford4963 Honestly, the 35" and the 3.54 aren't going to help you too much for mileage. I would suspect you'll see high teens and maybe low 20s if you are gentle in flat lands. A small bump in timing helps as would having injectors pop tested. All depends on what you do with the truck an your goals. I would read up on something like www.mopar1973man.com if you want really good information on mileage and stuff. Lots of 2nd gen stuff on there. Tires make the biggest difference below 45, then aerodynamics become a far bigger concern.
It’s so asinine that the next “improvements” to this diesel motors hurt fuel economy significantly. EGRs and DPFs and ULSD made the exhaust cleaner but at the expense of 20 to 40% loss of fuel economy. When I bought a diesel I looked for a 5.9 pre-DPF era Cummins and got an 06. I love it but I know I’m not getting as good as it could be like a pre 2003.
Yeah it's true. But if everybody owned one of these old dirty 12 valves, we would be breathing some pretty dirty air with the amount of people on the road these days. I love the reliability of the 12v,, but I will admit she runs dirty. lol. What kind of fuel mileage are you getting with your rig?
Mine is a four-wheel-drive long bed Dually automatic 2006. My overhead meter is off about 3 1/2 to 4 miles a gallon. Measured I can get 20 miles a gallon on 60 mile an hour road trips it drops to 17 for 75mph runs. In reality I only use the truck when I’m hauling trailers and I get about 8 to 9 with a 40 foot fifth wheel race trailer and 12 with a 30’ 5th wheel. I have a Chevy equinox for daily driving. I do love my dodge truck for it does for me. It’s all stock . I do add a diesel lubricant in the fuel for the injectors and that did add a trace of better fuel economy I think. Very happy.
Nice KZ1000. Have an 83 im rebuilding. Solid powerful and scary bikes of built, hell even stock they're scary. Glad to see a solid video on the mileage from a 6BT 12V. Looking in to buying one, or building the vehicle I want with this valve train. Any recommendations on which year 12V to get?
I have a 03 Dodge Ram Cummins Quad cab 24v 250 hp automatic trans ( with the dreaded 47re lol) that has now 145K to date mileage. Most of my trips are in town and it's about 13-14 on mileage doing that. The best I've done hwy mileage and this was awhile back was 20 mpg. The thing I like about my truck is in 03 to early 04 they was none of the emissions b.s. on them. I have people wanting to buy my truck often and I tell them sorry I just can't replace it if I sold it.
Sounds like a sweet truck. And yeah definitely hold on to it, all that emissions crap is just such a headache. I think they'll be cracking down in the future on these people deleting their trucks as well
I have a gas Chevy that is gas. I leave it at a trailhead for a week or two in the winter where it can down to -30f. I run synthetic oil. I know diesels won’t always start at those temperatures unless plugged in. I worked north of the Arctic Circle for years and if your plug in breaker tripped on a diesel it would take hours to get the temp up to start. Even with block and oil pan heaters it sounds like it is going to come apart until it starts to warm. A diesel makes quite a racket at temps down to -60.
Yeah gas definitely better for the extreme cold. Those diesel hate the cold weather! Although I will say mine start very well down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Haven't had it in anything less than that
@@NoNonsenseKnowHow I worked for 8 months at a mine in Irian Jaya, Indonesia in 1994 and we had a Dodge Diesel pickup. The road from the lowlands to the mine town climbed to 10,000 feet and many places it climbed 1000 feet a mile. I remember one time I had a huge spool of fiber optic cable in the back and you could feel the torque even at high altitudes. We ran in low range. My other vehicle over there was a Toyota Lamd Cruiser with the seats behind the driver facing each other. It also had a turbo diesel and split rim tires. We drove on the opposite side of the road and you had to be good with shifting left handed.
I have a 97 5 speed with a attitude fuel adjuster, when I turn it down to 4-5( fuel limits how fast you can go as well... three people in truck with a/c on the truck has average around 24 mpg.....( freeway and highway only)the attitude fuel adjuster is bullet proof and can add power on the go and or save lots of fuel, it’s fully mechanical and corkscrews the fuel plate forwards and backwards... way way way better than afc live which uses boost pressure to move fuel plate and is never the same each time you press the gas and or turn dial, also has constant problems with pressure regulating exact fuel gain and efficiency
Was just watching new dodge mpg. Thinking of upgrading. They were happy with 14.8 solo... sitting here told the wife my 12v ever got 14.8 solo id shoot it and put it out of its misery. 12v lives on new trucks out
Yup my 01 24v gets 23-24 mpg hwy and 12.5-14 city🤷🏼♂️ im bone stock though With rv275s straight pipe s&b intake 26-28 mpg hwy on mine and my cousins last truck
My 95 got 24-28 driving from halfway through Idaho to halfway through Washington pulling a trailer with 4000-5000lbs. I don’t know how because the around town mileage is around 14. But I got 22 mpg from Washington to colorado pulling a trailer too. Beyond me, but I’ll take it…
I think because hold a speed is more fuel efficient than the accelerating part. Also the first few gears aren't as as fuel efficient as the over drive gear.
That's pretty good. My '93 automatic with 3.54 gears and 235/85r16 BFG all terrains (stock size) has never gotten better than 21.5, and that is all highway at 55 or less, unloaded. My odometer is dead accurate, verified with GPS. The first gen club cabs only weigh around 5,000 lbs. I normally get around 19 on my commute, mix of 65-70 on the interstate and some city driving. Always put in 2oz of hot shot secret EDT every fillup. I'm sure that mine being an automatic costs me quite a bit of MPG. The first gens did not have a lockup converter.
Man I need one of these in my E450 shuttle bus. I currently have a healthy 7.3 but all these electronics and sensors are the devil. 12v p7100 and 4x4 is my plan for this winter.
Yeah, the 7.3 are definitely great engines! But not as easy to work on and more prone to failures. 5.9 Cummins 12 valve all day long! Just make sure to put lots of sound insulation in there since it's a pretty noisy engine. Good luck on the swap! You should make some videos on it. Huge demand for those kind of videos
@@NoNonsenseKnowHow I know that alone would start its own channel if I could pull it off. Its gonna take some fabrication for sure but that's what a welder is for.
my stock 96 auto trans gets closer to 15mpg.. got no fuel guage in it and im up in canada had it run out of fuel at like 420km (260miles) from a full tank once in the winter i guess from all the hard starts and idling.. usually gets over 700km before i fuel it up, it died another time in the low 600s so it definitely varys have a buddy with a 5 speed and a dial adjustment for his fueling and he can turn the power down below stock and he showed me an app that tracks his fuel mileage and on one trip through the mountains even it was up in the 40s.. i find it hard to believe
That's very good mpg. I think they are the best trucks to run larger tires like 35's and get decent mpg. Main thing for me is living in California, it's Smog Exempt if 1997. Another thing is many people run it on Free Gas= Recycled used Vegetable Oil. You have to Filter it really good. And I heard you can mix 5 gallons of vegetable oil with 1 gallon of 87 Octane gas, let it sit for 5 days to mix well then pour it straight in the gas tank. Many use Kits to keep it warm and prevent clogged injectors and filters.
Yeah the smog exempt is definitely a big bonus! I feel like they're going to crack down on these old Cummins trucks in the future though. Especially with the way people are rolling coal. I'm not a big fan of that. It's like a big FU to the EPA and one day they might lash back. Unfortunately we will all pay the price. But yes as far as universal fuels that was one of the big reasons I got this truck. I don't run alternate fuels yet, but I like having the option to in the future. While diesel is available and cheap I would rather run that through it to keep everything healthy. A true Mad Max end of the world engine. Cummins 6bt is great. Also EMP proof! No computers. All mechanical.
@@NoNonsenseKnowHow Smog test on Diesel is very tricky. There was a big scandal with VW and even BMW X5 35d/Diesel the 2010-2012 or newer models can't get Smog test and most are selling them. I found a few Biodiesel stations but they are spread out, not convenient location like regular gas stations. Plus the prices are almost the same....
That would be good thanks. Because if it does 22.8 mpg I'm going work on my truck more. I have 97 180hp ,5speed, rear end Dana 60, and a standard cab. I've done everything I can to get to the 20 + mpg I can thanks.
The best my 12v did and only 3 times is 22.3. The thing people don't think about is you have to to fill the tank to were you see in the neck and it take time to do that. So 1 or 2 gal off can put you in the 20 mpg gallon range which is not a true reading.
No you don't. As long as you use the exact same fill mechanism each time it should be the same. For example, use the exact same pump, wait for it to self click off, wait thirty seconds and then top off until it clicks off.
My 91 D250 352,000 miles with 45RH and VE gets around that 22-24 . pretty much bone stock besides the K&N Airfilter. Rotella T5, a bit of Lucas oil additive, Phillips 66 VersaTrans ATF (NOT LV) w/ three coolers and 3.07's in lucas synthetic rear end lube. Pickup starting to leak a tiny bit from tappet cover, no other leaks, burns almost nothing. 1/16 " down on the dipstick at 5000 miles on oil change. Blackstone says I can easily go 7500--9000 between changes. Nope. 5000. Good ole pickups oh pac nw with NO Rust, 2nd owner since 1999.
I like the numbers they are putting down, but I don't trust the quality and reliability yet. All these new engines I see are overly complicated and they skimp out in quality.
Stay away from the dodge eco diesel. I was a service writer for dodge and they are trash. One of the guys I worked with still sends me 2 or 3 a WEEK that he has to replace the engine on with under 20k on the vehicle
@@Likeamamagoose I'm not surprised to hear that at all. Thanks for chiming in, appreciate the input. One of my co-workers is thinking about buying one and I think he's crazy
I had a low miles 93 first gen automatic (big square grills and profile so less aerodynamic) with a shell on the back and averaging 55-65 on a long trip I got a solid 19 MPG. I think that 3 or 4 mpg more you get is from your manual transmission because you bike/sail is probably the same drag is my big square grill was. Goddamn best truck I ever had and I need another 12 valve again. (I do love my 2004 Tundra tho. 4.7 2UZFE is probably the next best truck engine of all time after the 5.9 Cummins.) Hey someone put a 4 BT in an MG sports car. I wanna see that kinda shit. I love the smell of diesel in the morning.
@@NoNonsenseKnowHow yeah I was a needle shy of 1200rpm I'm a turtle but the fuel gauge stays put alot longer easy drive on the eyes at that chill speed.
Engine at stock timing? Is there anything else done to the fuel system? I actually noticed my MPGs went up when i deleted the fuel plate, everything else is stock in my pickup.
Getting ready to drop a 12v into my 98 K3500 crew cab. It's too bad Dodge didn't build a 2nd gen crew cab. The family needs more space than an extended cab and I'm not interested in a newer and more problematic new truck.
That sounds like a great plan. I totally agree with you on the problematic new trucks. They don't build things like they used to at all. My plan is to hopefully one day find a really good deal on a made it 2000's F350 and put a Cummins in that.
NoNonsenseKnowHow you ever seen Westin champlins f350 12? I’m not sure he ever got it but toned down but it would certainly help to look at one sitting in the swap truck already!
@@whydoihave6neutrals772 Westen's swap is neat but his channel lacks any real info on his projects. He omitted soooooo many aspects of his swap, his swap videos are more just entertainment.
Amen! It took me a while to find this one. I actually flew out to Vegas to buy one and the guy ended up being a piece of crap and lying about a bunch of stuff. found this one in New Jersey about a week later. It has a little bit of rust, but not much
I have a 98.5 24v cummins. Used to get 16-18mpg all the time. I put a tuner in it and now get 18-22mpg. I guess a Stock VP44 truck with a tuner doesn’t do any better than the good old 12v!
You get air and everything else use same pump is going to help. You fill to neck were you can see it and then tell me what you get for mpg. When you can see it there no doubt It is the same. Try it only thing you will lose is mpg.
🙄 Didn't even do a full tank for research... A 12 valve ain't getting better than 20 mpg. I'm so tired of these ridiculous videos. And I don't give a damn about your brother's uncle's first cousin's grandad that "has a Cummins that gets 28 mpg," it's bologna. It's an 8000 lb truck. Be glad to get 16-18. That's what I get with mine
I average over 18 miles per gallon every tank but that's all short trip driving. Yes I should have done a full tank. But I wasn't going anywhere 500 miles away. My calculations are dead accurate. If I drive superlite on the foot and keep it under 65, I can get well over 22mpg.
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Something very important that people never disclose when mentioning their gas mileage, perhaps they don't even know, but is the gears in the rear end. This will ultimately determine your highway mileage, along with your cruising speed and tire size.
This is very true. My 1996 Ram 12Valve 2WD runs 65mph @ 1800rpm and gets fantastic fuel economy.
My 1997 F350 7.3 4X4 runs 50mph @ 1800rpm, anything over that and it really starts to lose fuel economy.
My 1957 BlueBird 54 passenger bus got 14mpg on gasoline. It had a 5 speed transmission and a 2 speed axle.
my 4 in lift 4wd ram2500 5spd wit 35's does 80mph at about 1950rpms.20mpg. i love the powerband now vs the original 285 tires lol
Absolutely true, which is why there would be such a huge difference in both city and freeway driving with only the gear ratio being changes.
I swapped to as low of a gear as possible on my 94 12v because I would be at 2800 rpm on the freeway with no possibility of ever hitting 100mph unless I setup the motor to run at 4000 rpm.
Changed out from 4:10 to 3.55 and what a difference! Also deleted trans computer and have full manual control of my built 47rh. Much better gas mileage, and I can swap out for smaller wider tires if I need to tow something heavy behind me.
This is exactly why I swapped my gears in my rear during a rebuild to go from 4:10 to 3:54s. Much better fuel economy now plus better top speed. Truck makes enough power to not worry about loosing torque for towing 😊
Yep, 95 Cummins 12v. 19.6 - 20.9, consistently. 670 miles to a tank 32 gallons
Nice
Drove from California to Texas and back, 2800 miles, in my 2020 cummins and averaged 19.5mpg. I’m guessing that would go up with a delete.
@@Polskmofo wow that’s wonderful
Holy smokes these are my exact numbers 😂
Yep...that's about what they get. I have an 04 that gets about 22 mpg if kept under 60 mph.
It's driving habits and or driving conditions that kill most drivers MPGs.
Totally agree and well said
The terrain you drive has a HUGE effect. My truck(1984 D350 Crew Cab with 92 12V VE ) will tank to tank average 19-20 consistently on summer fuel. if I run in the mountains all the time it averages 17-18, if I drive across flat Indiana or Ohio on a non windy day 21-22. Drive across Nebraska with a 50mph tail wind and bank out 26!! Well I did once anyway. lol Wintertime fuel, thick oils, and increased idle times for cold weather shaves off about 3mpg.
Couldn't agree with you more
My 1996 12V, 2WD, Auto Trans, Extended Cab Truck gets 25 mpg.
It used to get 22 mpg before I made a few changes.
- installed a K&N air filter.
- installed straight pipe exhaust.
- installed a non-A/C serpentine belt.
- installed tall, narrow tires. (235/85/16)
My 91 4x4 got 25 on the highway all the time since new. Haven't checked it in a long time though.
I bought my 96 2500 12v brand new. It got 19 to 21mpg right out of the box. Has 203000 miles on it now. In 28 years other than routine maintenance, I have replaced the water pump, the starter, and had to reseal the front cover. It still gets the same mpg even pulling a boat, a 16ft car trailer, or hauling firewood, it just doesn't change. I will die owning this truck!
Impressive! Don't see a lot of trucks that are just kissing 25 MPG.
Its all in the Finesse of that throttle. And keeping it under 65
I have a few P- Pumped 12 valves. You sound about right. I noticed significantly better mileage with the timing advanced. I got 22- 23 tops.
Thanks for backing me up. Some of these guys calling me a lier liar. LOL
Yeah, I am glad you mentioned the sound, I love the sound of 12v Cummins.
Nice Cummins AND KZ1KP! Always wanted both of these.
Thanks man. Yea they both top notch machines for sure!
Thanks for the video. I heard people talking about getting over 20 miles per gallon in these, but I like to see proof, not just some people talking on a forum. Before you know what they're saying that they get 30 mi per gallon.
1994 12v has over 600,000 mi.
Single cab 2wd.
The interior is shot & bed is beat up.
Body swap time.
1949 Ford F3 body is going on just for looks and to increase the value.
Ford truck came out of a pasture.
Beautiful black with pleasant patina.
"Cross the million mile line, in a '49".
I have a 96 single cab 4wd with 467000 miles on it. I run my truck from full to empty got almost 700miles on one tank.
Hells yea man! Sounds like you got yourself a good runner. And that you drive conservatively
More than anything, I think people would be AMAZED at how much better mileage you actually get if you drive 55 mpg on the highway or 72 mph on the highway. The difference in that kind of driving is way under-appreciated. Not that anybody is going to actually drive 55, ha ha... but definitely a world of difference if all other things are equal. Interesting video! 👍
You're totally right. Definitely all in driving habits and keeping it at a reasonable speed. The best fuel mileage I've ever gotten is on hilly two-lane country roads.
Man.. got to love those 5.9 12valve engines. Sure hold their value as well, good luck getting one in good condition in Canada for under 12k lol
Just buy a whole truck and have it shipped up. 4800 buys the whole truck down here in America.
I scored huge. 97’ dually in great shape. 13k in Alberta.
I have a '95 12 valve, auto, 4x4, standard cab, mostly stock (ground straight fuel plate, 3k springs..cat and muffler still there) 285/16 tires etc. With topper and my normal load of junk behind the seat it is right about 7000#, with me, a 65# dog and a full tank of fuel. I've had the truck for over 230K miles and keep pretty good track of MPG, on everything from road trips (10+ hours a day at 70+) to hauling a trailer (2-9k depending on which trailer/ load). I get 20 or so on the hiway, average 18 running around and 16 towing fairly heavy. Dirty oil or air filter will reduce that some. I recently switched to Rottela T-6 full syn (vs T-4) and saw a 1-3 mpg gain, and easier starts in the cold. Real world experience, daily driven/ work truck for the most part of the last 11 years ;) 2 seconds into the video I was like "this guy is from Philly"... then you said you were at Wawa! LOL Born in Bucks CO PA myself, now reside out west ;)
Lol, what made you think I was from Philly area at 2 seconds? Also born and raised in Bucks County. Would love to live out in Colorado one day though! I go out there at least once or twice a year. We're out west are you? Thanks for sharing your numbers. Sounds spot-on and very close to what I get. These guys that can only max out at 17mpg on here must have something wrong with their truck or be driving like teenagers.
@@NoNonsenseKnowHow The accent ;) I went to CR, graduated in '84... then moved to Colorado in '86 :) now in Nebraska... Too many guys only figure their mileage on one tank/ fill. You have to use the same pump (when possible) and average all fill ups to get real numbers. If you are only getting 17 average from a 12v you need to change your oil and air filter, put smaller tires on and SLOW DOWN!
@@mikecollins8241 haha, didn't realize I had much of a Philly accent. That's awesome though man. Nebraska is a pretty sweet State also. I once rode my motorcycle straight through from DuBois Pennsylvania to Gothenburg Nebraska. I think it was something like 1240 miles without stopping except for gas.
@@NoNonsenseKnowHow Yea, Colorado has gotten too crowded/ expensive, Nebraska still has lots of open space ;) I'm working on another bike build this winter, hope to be back on the road next summer ;) '90 Kawasaki Vulcan 750, gonna be chopped into a "bobber" :)
Is your truck stock? I got a 98 12v NV4500. Performance clutch? I like the way it shifts. Awesome video man. I just subscribed to your channel.
It's mostly stock with some very mild upgrades. Factory clutch far as I know. And thanks, I really appreciate that
Neat to here. I’m purchasing an f550 that has a 1994 5.9 Cummins. It will be cool to see what kind of mileage I can get with it. The gentleman who purchased it blew the 6.4 up in it. He claimed the 6.4 was getting 4 miles to the gallon so he installed a chip in it giving him 13mpg. Now she has the Cummins power plant mailed up with the Ford transmission.
4 miles per gallon? A chip that gives 13?
That guys all over the place. I could see maybe 8 out of a 550 6.4L, then maybe 10 with a tune. Tuners don’t help with mpg as much as people think they do.
I just did my 1999 24 valve test the same way...and got 19.8 but mine is 3500 dually.
97 12v 5sp 4x4 CCLB w/ 4.10 rears and 33" tires, all numbers in rolling hills
18 city, 19.5 @ 75mph, 22 @ 55, 26.5 @45 mph
pretty good! I appreciate you sharing your numbers
That's really impressive w/4:10 on 33's.
I've owned my 97 gen 2, 4x4 w/35's, 3:54 gears, 5sp factory stock (except wheels and tires) Dodge for 3 months. I haven't checked mileage yet but your numbers are giving high hopes. My 4x4 2010 V6 Frontier only gets 19mpg (@75mph). I'm thinking my diesel may be better (than Nissan) on fuel mileage after viewing your numbers.
@@sonandsanford4963
Honestly, the 35" and the 3.54 aren't going to help you too much for mileage. I would suspect you'll see high teens and maybe low 20s if you are gentle in flat lands. A small bump in timing helps as would having injectors pop tested.
All depends on what you do with the truck an your goals.
I would read up on something like www.mopar1973man.com if you want really good information on mileage and stuff. Lots of 2nd gen stuff on there.
Tires make the biggest difference below 45, then aerodynamics become a far bigger concern.
Clean looking truck!
Thanks man
It’s so asinine that the next “improvements” to this diesel motors hurt fuel economy significantly. EGRs and DPFs and ULSD made the exhaust cleaner but at the expense of 20 to 40% loss of fuel economy. When I bought a diesel I looked for a 5.9 pre-DPF era Cummins and got an 06. I love it but I know I’m not getting as good as it could be like a pre 2003.
Yeah it's true. But if everybody owned one of these old dirty 12 valves, we would be breathing some pretty dirty air with the amount of people on the road these days. I love the reliability of the 12v,, but I will admit she runs dirty. lol. What kind of fuel mileage are you getting with your rig?
Mine is a four-wheel-drive long bed Dually automatic 2006. My overhead meter is off about 3 1/2 to 4 miles a gallon. Measured I can get 20 miles a gallon on 60 mile an hour road trips it drops to 17 for 75mph runs. In reality I only use the truck when I’m hauling trailers and I get about 8 to 9 with a 40 foot fifth wheel race trailer and 12 with a 30’ 5th wheel. I have a Chevy equinox for daily driving. I do love my dodge truck for it does for me. It’s all stock . I do add a diesel lubricant in the fuel for the injectors and that did add a trace of better fuel economy I think. Very happy.
@@tmc.318 nice! Those are some pretty good numbers.
Nice KZ1000. Have an 83 im rebuilding. Solid powerful and scary bikes of built, hell even stock they're scary.
Glad to see a solid video on the mileage from a 6BT 12V. Looking in to buying one, or building the vehicle I want with this valve train. Any recommendations on which year 12V to get?
I have a 03 Dodge Ram Cummins Quad cab 24v 250 hp automatic trans ( with the dreaded 47re lol) that has now 145K to date mileage. Most of my trips are in town and it's about 13-14 on mileage doing that. The best I've done hwy mileage and this was awhile back was 20 mpg. The thing I like about my truck is in 03 to early 04 they was none of the emissions b.s. on them. I have people wanting to buy my truck often and I tell them sorry I just can't replace it if I sold it.
Sounds like a sweet truck. And yeah definitely hold on to it, all that emissions crap is just such a headache. I think they'll be cracking down in the future on these people deleting their trucks as well
I have a gas Chevy that is gas. I leave it at a trailhead for a week or two in the winter where it can down to -30f. I run synthetic oil. I know diesels won’t always start at those temperatures unless plugged in. I worked north of the Arctic Circle for years and if your plug in breaker tripped on a diesel it would take hours to get the temp up to start. Even with block and oil pan heaters it sounds like it is going to come apart until it starts to warm. A diesel makes quite a racket at temps down to -60.
Yeah gas definitely better for the extreme cold. Those diesel hate the cold weather! Although I will say mine start very well down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Haven't had it in anything less than that
@@NoNonsenseKnowHow I worked for 8 months at a mine in Irian Jaya, Indonesia in 1994 and we had a Dodge Diesel pickup. The road from the lowlands to the mine town climbed to 10,000 feet and many places it climbed 1000 feet a mile. I remember one time I had a huge spool of fiber optic cable in the back and you could feel the torque even at high altitudes. We ran in low range. My other vehicle over there was a Toyota Lamd Cruiser with the seats behind the driver facing each other. It also had a turbo diesel and split rim tires. We drove on the opposite side of the road and you had to be good with shifting left handed.
I have a 97 5 speed with a attitude fuel adjuster, when I turn it down to 4-5( fuel limits how fast you can go as well... three people in truck with a/c on the truck has average around 24 mpg.....( freeway and highway only)the attitude fuel adjuster is bullet proof and can add power on the go and or save lots of fuel, it’s fully mechanical and corkscrews the fuel plate forwards and backwards... way way way better than afc live which uses boost pressure to move fuel plate and is never the same each time you press the gas and or turn dial, also has constant problems with pressure regulating exact fuel gain and efficiency
Sounds like a good setup! ill have to look into doing something like that
That's awesome especially how old it is
Was just watching new dodge mpg. Thinking of upgrading. They were happy with 14.8 solo... sitting here told the wife my 12v ever got 14.8 solo id shoot it and put it out of its misery. 12v lives on new trucks out
Yeah man that's for sure! The 6bt is a legend. I hope to one day swap one into a newer truck
A heavy duty truck like this probably doesn't even notice a 600-lb KZ1000 Police motorcycle in the back!
Yeah for sure! Definitely didn't feel it back there at all
Yup my 01 24v gets 23-24 mpg hwy and 12.5-14 city🤷🏼♂️ im bone stock though
With rv275s straight pipe s&b intake 26-28 mpg hwy on mine and my cousins last truck
Nice! Those are some pretty good numbers
Man that truck is so clean. Im a bit jelly
plus, it's a six cylinder, like the big trucks use
My 95 got 24-28 driving from halfway through Idaho to halfway through Washington pulling a trailer with 4000-5000lbs. I don’t know how because the around town mileage is around 14. But I got 22 mpg from Washington to colorado pulling a trailer too. Beyond me, but I’ll take it…
I think because hold a speed is more fuel efficient than the accelerating part.
Also the first few gears aren't as as fuel efficient as the over drive gear.
That's pretty good. My '93 automatic with 3.54 gears and 235/85r16 BFG all terrains (stock size) has never gotten better than 21.5, and that is all highway at 55 or less, unloaded. My odometer is dead accurate, verified with GPS. The first gen club cabs only weigh around 5,000 lbs. I normally get around 19 on my commute, mix of 65-70 on the interstate and some city driving. Always put in 2oz of hot shot secret EDT every fillup. I'm sure that mine being an automatic costs me quite a bit of MPG. The first gens did not have a lockup converter.
Man I need one of these in my E450 shuttle bus. I currently have a healthy 7.3 but all these electronics and sensors are the devil.
12v p7100 and 4x4 is my plan for this winter.
Yeah, the 7.3 are definitely great engines! But not as easy to work on and more prone to failures. 5.9 Cummins 12 valve all day long! Just make sure to put lots of sound insulation in there since it's a pretty noisy engine. Good luck on the swap! You should make some videos on it. Huge demand for those kind of videos
@@NoNonsenseKnowHow I know that alone would start its own channel if I could pull it off. Its gonna take some fabrication for sure but that's what a welder is for.
You could get the older 7.3 zero electrics one power wire to run.
my stock 96 auto trans gets closer to 15mpg.. got no fuel guage in it and im up in canada had it run out of fuel at like 420km (260miles) from a full tank once in the winter i guess from all the hard starts and idling.. usually gets over 700km before i fuel it up, it died another time in the low 600s so it definitely varys
have a buddy with a 5 speed and a dial adjustment for his fueling and he can turn the power down below stock and he showed me an app that tracks his fuel mileage and on one trip through the mountains even it was up in the 40s.. i find it hard to believe
I have a lifted 12 valve that gets about that with 100 over injectors and a different fuel plate. It's hard to keep the foot out of it though lol.
Damn nice!
Same except mines dually stock rode height, does have different fuel plate and 5x12 vcos
That's very good mpg. I think they are the best trucks to run larger tires like 35's and get decent mpg. Main thing for me is living in California, it's Smog Exempt if 1997. Another thing is many people run it on Free Gas= Recycled used Vegetable Oil. You have to Filter it really good. And I heard you can mix 5 gallons of vegetable oil with 1 gallon of 87 Octane gas, let it sit for 5 days to mix well then pour it straight in the gas tank. Many use Kits to keep it warm and prevent clogged injectors and filters.
Yeah the smog exempt is definitely a big bonus! I feel like they're going to crack down on these old Cummins trucks in the future though. Especially with the way people are rolling coal. I'm not a big fan of that. It's like a big FU to the EPA and one day they might lash back. Unfortunately we will all pay the price. But yes as far as universal fuels that was one of the big reasons I got this truck. I don't run alternate fuels yet, but I like having the option to in the future. While diesel is available and cheap I would rather run that through it to keep everything healthy. A true Mad Max end of the world engine. Cummins 6bt is great. Also EMP proof! No computers. All mechanical.
This guy did all the research and tried it out many times- Mixing Gas with Vegetable Oil for Diesel fuel:
th-cam.com/video/-FB8uGFeeNQ/w-d-xo.html
Cool. I'll have to check him out!
@@NoNonsenseKnowHow Smog test on Diesel is very tricky. There was a big scandal with VW and even BMW X5 35d/Diesel the 2010-2012 or newer models can't get Smog test and most are selling them.
I found a few Biodiesel stations but they are spread out, not convenient location like regular gas stations. Plus the prices are almost the same....
www.biodiesel.org/using-biodiesel/finding-biodiesel
Do all 12v trucks play miserable music over the sweet engine tones ?
My ‘95 is turned up a bit, has a built auto in it, and I drive it kinda hard sometimes, but I still get 17 MPG average.
Can't argue with that!
That would be good thanks. Because if it does 22.8 mpg I'm going work on my truck more. I have 97 180hp ,5speed, rear end Dana 60, and a standard cab. I've done everything I can to get to the 20 + mpg I can thanks.
That is a clean 12v, mine is all beat up
was near mint when I got it. She's starting to get beat up in my possession though.
You can filter used oil and run these for cheap. Some shops give used oil away.
Love the 12 value I have a 96&01 nothing better
Heck yeah man, they don't build them like they used to that's for sure
2001 12 valve wow how did you get that ?
NATE DOGG 96 is a 12 01 is a 24
@@Unwrapasmile what do you like better? The 12 valve or the 24 valve?
Really enjoy them both
The best my 12v did and only 3 times is 22.3. The thing people don't think about is you have to to fill the tank to were you see in the neck and it take time to do that. So 1 or 2 gal off can put you in the 20 mpg gallon range which is not a true reading.
No you don't. As long as you use the exact same fill mechanism each time it should be the same. For example, use the exact same pump, wait for it to self click off, wait thirty seconds and then top off until it clicks off.
My 03 liberty does 20mpg and that's on a good day which isn't many. Weighs less, tows less. Smh so sad
My 91 D250 352,000 miles with 45RH and VE gets around that 22-24 . pretty much bone stock besides the K&N Airfilter. Rotella T5, a bit of Lucas oil additive, Phillips 66 VersaTrans ATF (NOT LV) w/ three coolers and 3.07's in lucas synthetic rear end lube. Pickup starting to leak a tiny bit from tappet cover, no other leaks, burns almost nothing. 1/16 " down on the dipstick at 5000 miles on oil change. Blackstone says I can easily go 7500--9000 between changes. Nope. 5000. Good ole pickups oh pac nw with NO Rust, 2nd owner since 1999.
Those wheels 17x9? Do you remember the offset?
What do you think about the new "Eco" diesels that the big three have?
The Dodge 3.0L V-6 diesel?
Ford 3.0L V-6 diesel?
GM 2.8L I-4 diesel?
I like the numbers they are putting down, but I don't trust the quality and reliability yet. All these new engines I see are overly complicated and they skimp out in quality.
@@NoNonsenseKnowHow Check out GM's new 3.0L inline 6 diesel.
th-cam.com/video/NFNsg7bCtdA/w-d-xo.html
Too bad it a GM.
Stay away from the dodge eco diesel. I was a service writer for dodge and they are trash. One of the guys I worked with still sends me 2 or 3 a WEEK that he has to replace the engine on with under 20k on the vehicle
@@angelocardoc I was turned off right away when they said rear Timing System. LOL
@@Likeamamagoose I'm not surprised to hear that at all. Thanks for chiming in, appreciate the input. One of my co-workers is thinking about buying one and I think he's crazy
I had a low miles 93 first gen automatic (big square grills and profile so less aerodynamic) with a shell on the back and averaging 55-65 on a long trip I got a solid 19 MPG. I think that 3 or 4 mpg more you get is from your manual transmission because you bike/sail is probably the same drag is my big square grill was. Goddamn best truck I ever had and I need another 12 valve again. (I do love my 2004 Tundra tho. 4.7 2UZFE is probably the next best truck engine of all time after the 5.9 Cummins.) Hey someone put a 4 BT in an MG sports car. I wanna see that kinda shit. I love the smell of diesel in the morning.
Well done bro .. I hit 26mpg but was at 50mph I have the 4 speed :( mine is a 98 dually
Nice man! I believe it. These things sip fuel if you're under 55mph for sure
@@NoNonsenseKnowHow yeah I was a needle shy of 1200rpm I'm a turtle but the fuel gauge stays put alot longer easy drive on the eyes at that chill speed.
Thanks
Engine at stock timing? Is there anything else done to the fuel system? I actually noticed my MPGs went up when i deleted the fuel plate, everything else is stock in my pickup.
The timing is advanced 2 degrees and a #10 fuel plate in it. Also 4 inch Diamond eye exhaust with resonator and Muffler
Thumbs up 👍 you could recalibrate your speed 🤔
Just a question of n what temperature runs your engine when it’s on operating temp ?
What gears are you running?
fuck, this is better than my v6 s10 😩 i should get a diesel
Yep amazing truck keep it alive as long as you can and then put that 6bt in a dead Ford 6.4 they'll be popping up cheap soon.
That around what my 1st gen 12 valve gets
I got 25 mpg at 80 mph 2200 rpms going from Cali to WA
That's dam good
Not too bad!
Getting ready to drop a 12v into my 98 K3500 crew cab. It's too bad Dodge didn't build a 2nd gen crew cab. The family needs more space than an extended cab and I'm not interested in a newer and more problematic new truck.
That sounds like a great plan. I totally agree with you on the problematic new trucks. They don't build things like they used to at all. My plan is to hopefully one day find a really good deal on a made it 2000's F350 and put a Cummins in that.
NoNonsenseKnowHow you ever seen Westin champlins f350 12? I’m not sure he ever got it but toned down but it would certainly help to look at one sitting in the swap truck already!
@@whydoihave6neutrals772 yeah I've seen some of it. Definitely a sweet swap!
NoNonsenseKnowHow oh yeah for sure glad I found your channel today! Always a good day when you get months of good videos to watch at your disposal😎
@@whydoihave6neutrals772 Westen's swap is neat but his channel lacks any real info on his projects. He omitted soooooo many aspects of his swap, his swap videos are more just entertainment.
When that truck was new diesel was less expensive than gas.
98 12v. 2500, 747 Auto w/Gear Vendors Under/Overdrive. Tell me more about this fuel plate business...pleasePlease!
Mine has a number 10 fuel plate. Easy to put in and give one a try
Good looking truck not all butchered up with a bunch of Hideous bullshit, simple ,reliable , effective , wish I didn’t live in the rust belt
Amen! It took me a while to find this one. I actually flew out to Vegas to buy one and the guy ended up being a piece of crap and lying about a bunch of stuff. found this one in New Jersey about a week later. It has a little bit of rust, but not much
And yeah those guys with their stacks and other pointless stuff crack me up
I have a 98.5 24v cummins. Used to get 16-18mpg all the time. I put a tuner in it and now get 18-22mpg. I guess a Stock VP44 truck with a tuner doesn’t do any better than the good old 12v!
she a pretty truck
She sure is!
What is the rea axle in those trucks
Dana 80
Whered you get that cup holder
It was in the truck when I got it
Im getting 27 mpg with my 96 12v and itll tow anything you throw at it lol
I get about 10mpg in my Cummins empty lol
Must be something wrong, or you are hammered down all the time. Or maybe the pumps turned up a bunch
@@NoNonsenseKnowHow no lol i got a Cummins isx in a 08 international 9400
Oh okay yeah that makes sense then
I've heard those ISX motors are pretty troublesome
@@NoNonsenseKnowHow i got the pre def version before got worse knock on wood no major issues yet 800k on the clock.
$2023 6.75 diésel xgalón
You get air and everything else use same pump is going to help. You fill to neck were you can see it and then tell me what you get for mpg. When you can see it there no doubt It is the same. Try it only thing you will lose is mpg.
Okay I'll do that on the future vid.
And I did use the same pump in this video
But if you go back to the numbers in this video. Even if you added another gallon and a half and made it 12gal. I would still be at 20mpg
Wanna sell it?
I get 28 mpg in my fummins ve 12v
What year and is it two wheel drive?
@@NoNonsenseKnowHow 2004 regular cab and no its 4wd but im gonna convert it to 2wd soon
@@NoNonsenseKnowHow landscaper special lol
@@timallred6789 I'm surprised to hear it would get 28 miles to the gallon. Is that driving at like a steady 50 miles an hour?
@@NoNonsenseKnowHow its at 70 for a hour a day. Everyday with stock injectors and such it does have a high rear gear
Look how cheap your gas is
Good ol Pennsylvania
FTP!
thats sick mpg
🙄 Didn't even do a full tank for research...
A 12 valve ain't getting better than 20 mpg. I'm so tired of these ridiculous videos.
And I don't give a damn about your brother's uncle's first cousin's grandad that "has a Cummins that gets 28 mpg," it's bologna. It's an 8000 lb truck. Be glad to get 16-18. That's what I get with mine
I average over 18 miles per gallon every tank but that's all short trip driving. Yes I should have done a full tank. But I wasn't going anywhere 500 miles away. My calculations are dead accurate. If I drive superlite on the foot and keep it under 65, I can get well over 22mpg.
Appreciate your comment though and I promise the next chance I get to run a full tank through, I will do a quick video on it
And I edited the title for you by the way. lol
That's what I get with my 96 12 valve also. Never got over 17. That's stock with big exhaust and filter which made pretty much NO difference.
@@alanbehnke9615 never over 17? damn.
28-30mpg all day long