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I have the 305/555 motor (late 2003-early 2004) which I believe is the last excellent choice for simplicity due to lack of emissions controls, but yet is run by the HPCR (high pressure common rail) system and other significant benefits of the Third Gen trucks (2003-2009). No third injection event, catalyst or other as began with the 325/610 engines in late 2004 (mid-December production dates); often referred to as 2004.5. The 6.7L engine shows up in latter 2007, and, while it is more powerful, with some excellent changes, one must delete the emissions devices (physical removal) and add aftermarket tuners to control engine performance in order to achieve 20+ mpg hwy. 24-26 mpg in the South Central US, driving at around 60-mph is not uncommon for these, dead-stock, with 2WD and the NV-5600 6-speed.
I can run 7,500-15,000 mile oil/filter changes, for example. This drops like a stone with the third injection event added for 2004.5. Stick with 2WD for better road performance and far greater reliability of front end & steering components. Larger tires and auto trans really hurt FE, as does 4WD. The added increases in maintenance and repairs of those options -- over a B50 lifespan of 350k miles -- make for a much more expensive truck to own. The addition of lift kits, oversize tires, etc, makes for a much higher operating expense per mile, not just an FE drop.
1,200+ miles on the stock tank is really impressive!
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