I see both sides of the discussion. To put it in perspective, I was considering spending $2k to put a 3B into my 40. Given the amount I drive it I calculated it would be at least 5-7 years before I’d break even and start saving any money.
Now consider the 2.8...
5x4.5=22.5 7x4.5=31.5
So the break even point, not factoring in maintenance cost, would be 22.5-31.5 years down the road. Given the direction things are going, I’m not certain diesel fuel will even be available for passenger cars in 2050.
As for range, with the stock fuel tank and the Man-A-Free type tank my range is an easy 400 miles.
Conclusion...
When my ‘70 $350 SBC died after 21 years, I replaced it with a ‘72 $300 SBC that sparkled inside and only had 70k miles on it. Even with the new exhaust, gaskets, and incidentals, I’ve got at least $9k USD extra for fuel (which is about $12.5 CDN these days) and travel expenses.
And I’ve always got a bigger ‘97 rig with a 7.3 if I want diesel... the whole rig has only cost me something like $4k USD and it’s a very reliable rig.
Now consider the 2.8...
5x4.5=22.5 7x4.5=31.5
So the break even point, not factoring in maintenance cost, would be 22.5-31.5 years down the road. Given the direction things are going, I’m not certain diesel fuel will even be available for passenger cars in 2050.
As for range, with the stock fuel tank and the Man-A-Free type tank my range is an easy 400 miles.
Conclusion...
When my ‘70 $350 SBC died after 21 years, I replaced it with a ‘72 $300 SBC that sparkled inside and only had 70k miles on it. Even with the new exhaust, gaskets, and incidentals, I’ve got at least $9k USD extra for fuel (which is about $12.5 CDN these days) and travel expenses.
And I’ve always got a bigger ‘97 rig with a 7.3 if I want diesel... the whole rig has only cost me something like $4k USD and it’s a very reliable rig.