88 e150 fuel economy theory
 

Hello, I am new to the forum and didnt see any discussion on this topic. I have a 1988 e150, 5.8l, california emmisions. I got the thing running really sweet now, it idles smooth, takes off smooth, really a pleasure to drive. The only problem is it only gets 9 miles to the gallon, combo expressway and city driving. About 12 when mostly expressway.

I understand that the emission controls have to stay on there and all, but is the california emission system cutting into the economy? If the same van didnt have those emissions systems on them, would the economy improve. Or maybe some other things that would theoretically improve the fuel economy.

Any help would be appreciated, I only drive a little now, but if the gas goes up very much more, I wont drive it at all.

Thanks
Darrell

Don't wanna bust your bubble, but that mileage is about the best they get. Is the van carrying any extra unnecessary weight ?

Its a custom van, but not a hightop. It has 4 captain chairs and a fold down rear bench, but it is a mechanical fold down, not electric.

I have a 1988 E250 with the 5.8 engine newly refurbished but it is a high top Class B RV with sink, bath, shower, refrigerator, stove, roof air, central heat, TV, etc. The couch makes into a bed and it has a table for eating. All in all it weighs about 6700 pounds with the water tank and both fuel tanks full. It also has a 1 ton rear end with 3/54 gears in it. It gets 12 mpg with all the California smog emissions on it at a freeway speed of 60 to 65mph. I can get 13 to 14mpg if I slow to 50-55mph but I would probably get rear-ended on the freeways out here. I will be installing a Gear Vendors overdrive this winter to try and improve the mileage.