I think you're expecting far too much from the engine.
I've pulled loads between 100k and 135k with 350 Cummins engines and to expect a cruise speed of 65 mph plus is a pipe dream.
Properly geared to pull those weights you would have a flat out top speed of 65 mph at 2100 rpm or higher to be a steady puller.
A 4:11 gear with a direct drive trans would get you there, around 60/62 mph @ 2000 rpm on 24.5 rubber which was a common set up back in the day for pulling heavy, over 100k.
As it stands, with the 18 spd you have 2 top gears, (OD gears), that will never be used efficiently or effectively under a load and are basically useless unless you're light or M/T.
If you think a Formula 350 is going to pull anything like a C-15, give your head a good long shake.
You might as well melt that Cummins down and make paper weights out of it, before it melts itself down.
Try this, run your truck in 7th Hi under a big load, (which is direct gear or 1:1), at high rpm's and see if your mpg increases, 1800 to 2000 rpm, 55 to 62 mph.
855 no boost. No power
Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Foreverred, Mar 10, 2018.
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