1997 Dodge Cummins 2500... MPG?
 

Does anyone know what I can expect as far as Mile Per Gallon with something like this:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...00&cardist=487

... for a daily driver that will never tow?

2wd, short bed, maybe even lowered, with a free flowing exhaust and CAI... any thoughts?

I am thinking about getting something like this, and fitting the bed with a large tank for bio-diesel and/or another diesel alternative.

Thanks in advance.

I can only tell you that my dad has a 4 door 2 wheel drive shortbed that is a 2004 and he gets 13mpg with a top gun and 23mpg empty. BUT my dad is a very conservative driver

My 2000 dually gets about 20 empty and 15 towing a 30 ftr

Driven properly it should get around 19 - 21.

I can get 19 all day in my 2006 Dually. Key is to take it REAL easy on the skinny pedal. I can make that 19 closer to 14.5 if I romp on it at every stop sign.

cool truck......it will sound GREAT with a 5" stright pipe, and CAI.....it will be a very real diesel then. Add a smarty, TST, or a quadzilla to it. awesome truck, and no reason you wont be 20+mpg all the time.

I had a 97 reg cab long bed, 2wd. Got about 21mpg in use as a daily driver.

I found an article on the web the other day, (can't find it now); but they took a 1997 Dodge Cummins DUALLY and got 30mpg out of it with some very impractical mods like removing the mirrors, taping up the wheels and grill for aerodynamics, and pumping up the tire pressures.

They did not lower it, plus it had added rolling resistance due to the extra two wheels, and more aerodynamic drag due to being taller, and wider with the fenders. The 3500 is also heavier than a 2500.

I figure with the modifications that I mention above, that I might be able to see 26-27mph with said truck. That would be the bare minimum for me to invest in such a truck. Thanks for the help.

lower, tire PSI up, fuel mile engine mods, maybe more arrow dynamic side mirrors, grill inserts...?

Exactly my thinking; plus those old 12-valves are just bad-ass, and sound like Peterbuilts. It really would be a fun truck.

Yup, crank that exhaust wide open and remove the silencer ring in the turbo and you have one mean sounding cummins.

Have fun!