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Login to post Forums » Grassroots Motorsports » Gas Mileage with a V10?

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July 18, 2011 11:08 a.m. Ian F SuperDork

My 95 Cummins 4x4 5 spd usually gets around 20 mpg under normal puttering around (mostly short trips to the dump). 22 mpg if I drive more hwy... with a high of 24 mpg driving like a granny. Low was 18 mpg driving it like a moron (lots of echoing the exhaust off under passes).

The last full-size truck I had was a 78 F150 4x4 4 spd. It would get 10 mpg when driven sedately witha bone-stock 351M 2V. Going much above 60 mph would practically make the gas guage drop on command... The sad part being others I knew said I got good mileage out of the truck. Apparently, a set of headers and a Holley 4V carb would have netted a few more.
July 18, 2011 11:33 a.m. Klayfish HalfDork

Someone mentioned earlier that the Dodge V-10 was the basis for the Vipers' motor. When I had my Viper GTS, I could actually well into the 20's if I was just cruising on the highway. But that's because it was turning something like 1300rpm while going 65mph. That, and the Viper weighs a few thousand less pounds, is more aerodynamic and isn't towing anything.

I'd say you might get mid-teens if you were easy on it, substantially less with towing, etc...
July 18, 2011 12:00 p.m. Strizzo SuperDork

JohnGalt wrote:

Upside: I am 99% sure that the viper V10 started out as this motor.

Soooo its sorta like a 1st gen Ram SRT 10 maybe.....

IIRC, its an iron block version of the viper v10
July 18, 2011 12:54 p.m. Osterkraut SuperDork

Wrong way. The Viper engine is an aluminum block version of the Ram V10
July 18, 2011 2:07 p.m. Strizzo SuperDork

Osterkraut wrote:

Wrong way. The Viper engine is an aluminum block version of the Ram V10

the V10 was introduced to the dodge truck lineup in 1994 along with the new body style, the viper started producion in 1991.

from the Dodge wiki page (dodge truck section):

"Dodge introduced the Ram's all-new “big-rig” styling treatment for 1994. Besides its instantly polarizing looks, exposure was also gained by usage of the new truck on the hit TV show Walker, Texas Ranger starring Chuck Norris. The new Ram also featured a totally new interior with a console box big enough to hold a laptop computer, or ventilation and radio controls that were designed to be easily used even with gloves on. A V10 engine derived from that used in the Viper sports car was also new, and the previously offered Cummins turbo-diesel remained available."
July 18, 2011 2:10 p.m. Grizz Reader

Strizzo wrote:

Osterkraut wrote:

Wrong way. The Viper engine is an aluminum block version of the Ram V10

the V10 was introduced to the dodge truck lineup in 1994 along with the new body style, the viper started producion in 1991.

Yes, but Chrysler started designing the engine in the 80s for use in HD pickups, then gave the design to Lambo, who took the iron block and replaced it with aluminum and other go fast bits. Still a truck motor.

Klayfish wrote:

Someone mentioned earlier that the Dodge V-10 was the basis for the Vipers' motor. When I had my Viper GTS, I could actually well into the 20's if I was just cruising on the highway. But that's because it was turning something like 1300rpm while going 65mph. That, and the Viper weighs a few thousand less pounds, is more aerodynamic and isn't towing anything.

I'd say you might get mid-teens if you were easy on it, substantially less with towing, etc...

I still say, if I could get 18 with my 360 powered 2500, I have no doubt in my mind that a V10 driven the same way could get 15 or 16.

Also, I dislike you intensely for having a viper
July 18, 2011 2:54 p.m. 1988RedT2 Dork

Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote:

1988RedT2 wrote:

Wait. 10 mpg is BAD?

I would think 10-ish is about as good as you could expect to get. Heck, my neighbor with his F-250 diesel is getting 12. My antique C-30 dooley gets 9, 10 on a good day.

My Duramax Chevy gets 18cty/23hwy/13-16 towing a 22' enclosed car trailer so... yeah. 10 is bad. Really bad.

I applaud your thriftiness, but I still would be very surprised to see a V-10 truck get significantly better than 10 mpg. Heck, I've known people to get 10 mpg with grocery getters like the Hummer H2.
July 18, 2011 3:08 p.m. Grizz Reader

1988RedT2 wrote:

Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote:

1988RedT2 wrote:

Wait. 10 mpg is BAD?

I would think 10-ish is about as good as you could expect to get. Heck, my neighbor with his F-250 diesel is getting 12. My antique C-30 dooley gets 9, 10 on a good day.

My Duramax Chevy gets 18cty/23hwy/13-16 towing a 22' enclosed car trailer so... yeah. 10 is bad. Really bad.

I applaud your thriftiness, but I still would be very surprised to see a V-10 truck get significantly better than 10 mpg. Heck, I've known people to get 10 mpg with grocery getters like the Hummer H2.

Not sure if serious....

Doesn't the H2 weigh as much if not more than a 3/4 ton pickup?
July 19, 2011 9:24 a.m. joepaluch Reader

DeadSkunk wrote:

I came across a 1998 Dodge pickup in exceptionally good shape for Michigan, but it's got the V10 engine. I've no doubt it would pull my trailer with any load I want, but the prospect of 10 mpg (my guess) is scary. Anyone got one and can share real world gas mileage experience? I like the look of that model and it's really well equipped, just the one big "but" where the operating cost is concerned.

I have 99 V10 2500, Quad cab, short bed, 2wd.

Empty... 12-13 mph hwy Towing 16ft open car trailer = 10mpg (maybe 11) Towing 24ft enclosed trailer = 8 mpg (maybe 9)

My truck has 65k miles on and I have had it since 2002. Tows great, just sucks down the gas.

I have towed my 24 ft trailer over 8000ft mountain passes and it did just fine. Truck tows at 1800 rpm in overdrive on level ground at 65 mph. Plus it has a 3000+lbs payload. Better than most 3/4 ton diesels even today. Mostly because the big gas motor is lighter and the truck body is bit lighter too. Plust 450-lbs of torque at 2400 rpm is very nice. Great towing truck, but it just sucks gas down. I don't daily drive the truck so I am ok with poor mileage.
July 19, 2011 2:21 p.m. wclark New Reader

We bought our 2002 2500 4WD LWB Quadcab V10 auto new in 2001. I use full synthetic lube everywhere and run tire pressure closer to max than the book normal pressures. It is at 80k miles now.

Normal mileage is around 12mpg. 8-10 towing the race car (3500 pounds car+trailer).

We got a low ratio final drive hoping to help the economy since the V10 is a torque monster at low revs but that doesnt seem to have made much of a difference. RPM at cruising speeds is low though. 1800RPM in OD at 65.

I think the weight (6600 pounds) and 4WD are contributors to the low mileage. A short wheel base, 2WD would probably do better, maybe 14-15 highway - unloaded.

Pretty reliable though. The cats were replaced right at 5 years and the O2 sensors around then. Had a front wheel bearing done last year. Other than brakes and fluids that is it.

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