new to the eco scene

[dmodified1]

I am a 20 year old college student currently i am training to be an automotive "technician". I have a few questions
1. is there anyone who has ecomodded a carbureted car, if so what kind of car
2.Is there anyone who has experience with "ecomodding" older engines
3.I have a 1994 ford F150 with a 300 I6 i currently get 12 mpg on average, the truck is used for hauling and driving to school every day so i cant have a cover on it for the bed any tips would be helpful

I am all for performance going fast and quick i would just like to do it a little farther

[Frank Lee]

12?!? First thing you need to do is fix that thing!

[dmodified1]

I have done a complete tune up oil change, plugs, wires air filter tire pressure, all the fluids.
driving slow or fast doesnt change the mpg at all!!!

[wmjinman]

Yeah, like FrankLee's comment suggests, it sounds like something's wrong with it. Is the compression ok in all the cylinders? Do you drive like a maniac? Is it full time 4 wheel drive? Do you have an ultra-low rear-end ratio? Are you sure your odometer is correct?

How far is your commute to school, and what kinds of speeds do you go (freeway, surface streets, ??)

Because, if it's mostly highway speeds, slowing down and improving aerodynamics should help the most... air dam and/or grille block, etc. You say covering the bed isn't an option. Are you sure? Even one that opens or removes easily? If you do much highway speed driving, that could make a big difference.

But if it's mostly slow stop & go, then lightening the overall weight and learning to coast up to the lights & overall hypermiling techniques will probably help the most.

Airing up the tires as much as you dare, lighter weight motor oil & tranny fluid should help in both cases. Replacing the mechanical fan with a thermostatically controlled electric one should help, too.

[wmjinman]

Sorry dmodified, overlapping posts. Check compression, maybe? A "dead" cylinder or 2 could really hurt things. It sure did with my Suzuki Swift!!

[dmodified1]

I havent done a compression check but i have done a power balance test and all cylinders dropped about 150 rpm so the engine is running fine getting ignition to each one also.
i dont drive erratically and coast whenever possible and let off on the clutch in the highest gear possible without it lugging

[wmjinman]

Weird - I'd always heard those Ford 300-inch in-line 6's were really efficient. ???? I wonder what your gear ratio is? Do you have a tach? What RPMs are you turning at - say 60 mph, or whatever?

What else could it be? Choke stuck on, or??? Maybe clogged catalytic converter??

[dmodified1]

It doesn't have a tach which i dont understand why they put them in automatics but not manuals
will find out the gear ratio at school tomorrow
the cat is fine it accelerates without hesitation

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

What's the current transmission of the truck? BTW if you'd ever get a vacuum gauge I believe it would worth the effort to also get a tach.

[dmodified1]

Its the M5OD the I think that is the mazda transmission