rockbender
Full Access Member
It's about time to start planning on getting the van timing checked!
I recently got a few exhaust leaks in the up pipe welded up ( which made a noticable difference in turbo boost), as well as went down a tire size from a 35" mud terrain to a 33" AT. In the quest for additional fuel savings for upcoming spring and summer excursions I think it is time to start reviewing my options for getting the timing checked and adjusted as needed.
First, does anybody know if adjusting the IP on the econoline is (significantly) more difficult than in a truck? The one shop I've found in town that has the required tools and experience indicated it would take about 2 shop hours for a pickup, but I'd be looking at closer to 3-4 hours to do the van (if adjustment was required). Does this sound right?
From the way I see it, I've got three options:
1. pony up and just get it done at the local diesel shop (Bend, OR). From my conversation with them I feel pretty good that they would get the job done properly.
2. head over to the wet side of the mountains (coming from Bend, Oregon) and have it timed at a shop over there. The main reasons for this option would be possibly more competitive pricing and/or the opportunity to maybe have one of the members here do the work and get the business (and chat IDI's for a bit).
3. Either head up or tag along to a timing party using one of the rental meters. This would likely make the most economical sense, but I really don't have space to host and frankly probably would have a harder time setting aside the time for this as well.
Since I don't have my rig in my signature yet, I'll go ahead and try to throw some background details out that may be pertinent:
'84 E350 4wd, 6.9L IDI w/ Banks Turbo, C6 w/ GV, NP205, 4.10's F&R, 295/75R16 AT's. 4"ish lift. 190k miles. Original fuel system as far as I know, but can't be sure.
Currently turns about 2000 RPM at 55, and I don't have any reason to drive too much faster most of the time. I haven't had the AT's on long enough to really realize the MPG difference from the bigger mud's, but am hopeful that it will help. The noise reduction is certainly nice! My running average is probably about 12.5 MPG with a few of my best tanks about 14 +/-, but that is really driving with a light foot. While I would love to see the numbers that Dragrag got out of his sweet Pathfinder van, I realize that my added height and bigger tires are not going to help me out.
I know I should think about updating the fuel system based upon mileage, but want to first make sure the timing is on and then go from there as needed. My current thought is if it ain't broke don't drop a ton of money on it!
Any input would be appreciated! For anybody near me that does this for a living and wants to quote a price, feel free to PM if you don't want it out there publicly.
cheers,
josh
I recently got a few exhaust leaks in the up pipe welded up ( which made a noticable difference in turbo boost), as well as went down a tire size from a 35" mud terrain to a 33" AT. In the quest for additional fuel savings for upcoming spring and summer excursions I think it is time to start reviewing my options for getting the timing checked and adjusted as needed.
First, does anybody know if adjusting the IP on the econoline is (significantly) more difficult than in a truck? The one shop I've found in town that has the required tools and experience indicated it would take about 2 shop hours for a pickup, but I'd be looking at closer to 3-4 hours to do the van (if adjustment was required). Does this sound right?
From the way I see it, I've got three options:
1. pony up and just get it done at the local diesel shop (Bend, OR). From my conversation with them I feel pretty good that they would get the job done properly.
2. head over to the wet side of the mountains (coming from Bend, Oregon) and have it timed at a shop over there. The main reasons for this option would be possibly more competitive pricing and/or the opportunity to maybe have one of the members here do the work and get the business (and chat IDI's for a bit).
3. Either head up or tag along to a timing party using one of the rental meters. This would likely make the most economical sense, but I really don't have space to host and frankly probably would have a harder time setting aside the time for this as well.
Since I don't have my rig in my signature yet, I'll go ahead and try to throw some background details out that may be pertinent:
'84 E350 4wd, 6.9L IDI w/ Banks Turbo, C6 w/ GV, NP205, 4.10's F&R, 295/75R16 AT's. 4"ish lift. 190k miles. Original fuel system as far as I know, but can't be sure.
Currently turns about 2000 RPM at 55, and I don't have any reason to drive too much faster most of the time. I haven't had the AT's on long enough to really realize the MPG difference from the bigger mud's, but am hopeful that it will help. The noise reduction is certainly nice! My running average is probably about 12.5 MPG with a few of my best tanks about 14 +/-, but that is really driving with a light foot. While I would love to see the numbers that Dragrag got out of his sweet Pathfinder van, I realize that my added height and bigger tires are not going to help me out.
I know I should think about updating the fuel system based upon mileage, but want to first make sure the timing is on and then go from there as needed. My current thought is if it ain't broke don't drop a ton of money on it!
Any input would be appreciated! For anybody near me that does this for a living and wants to quote a price, feel free to PM if you don't want it out there publicly.
cheers,
josh