Gas Mileage

From: Scott and Sara Comstock (comstck@netins.net)
Date: Mon Aug 09 1999 - 21:26:03 EDT


I'm brand new to the list so I hope this post doesn't sound too
redundant or windy. Let me just say how glad I was to find this
list! I hope to learn from the masters! :)

I have owned my 1997 Dakota Sport, Club Cab, 4x4, V8/318 since March
31, 1997. What a great truck! I drove a 89' Dakota 2wd 4cyl before
that.

To make a long story short, I average probably 14 mpg. I usually
use 89 octane which here in Iowa is an ethanol(sp?) blend. At the
recommendation of another Dakota owner I replaced the factory air
filter with a K&N filter, probably in April. I also replaced the
factory plugs with those new Bosch 4 headed platinum plugs. My
goal... better gas mileage. While I do think I achieved more
horsepower, or smoother shifting I have not seen better gas mileage.

What octane should I be using?
Can I realistically expect better gas mileage?

I guess I'm hoping to be educated by this group. I'm sure this
issue has been hashed and rehashed several times so if it is
appropriate, please feel free to email your replies to me personally.
Keep in mind that I am not by any means a mechanic. However I would
really like to become more knowledgeable about my truck.

TIA,

Scott
97 Sport CC V8/318 4x4 Flame Red



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