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02-24-2008, 08:27 PM | #1 |
laying low
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Searcy, Ark. USA
Posts: 13,386
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fuel mileage, things to improve it
Once again gas prices are jumping up and gas mileage is of a concern. We love our old trucks. Some of you are installing LS engines with full computer controls to get the most out of your install but many of us are sticking with the old carb'd versions of our trucks and are interested in getting the most out of them too.
I'll mention justs a few things we can do to promote better fuel mileage. Please mention your combo and list things you have done to increase yours. This applies to your big blocks as well. 1 fresh tuneup( plugs, wires, cap, filters etc) 2 180 to 195* thermostat 3 free flowing exhaust 4 front end alignment 5 proper tire inflation 6 evaluate tire width ( wider tires have higher rolling resistance ) 7 bed covers ? 8 lowered for good looks ( possible better mileage too ) 9 multiple spark discharge ignition ? 10 gear swap to more mileage suited ratio I'm sure there are a lot of good ideas out there.
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Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross |
02-24-2008, 08:45 PM | #2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Beach City,TX
Posts: 29
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Re: fuel mileage, things to improve it
driving habits usually trump all other factors, my size 14 feet are heavy!
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02-24-2008, 08:52 PM | #3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Albuquerque NM
Posts: 7,850
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Re: fuel mileage, things to improve it
yeah my driving habits would have to change first. I love to hit the gas just to hear my flowmasters
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1967custom |
02-25-2008, 02:02 AM | #4 |
I'm already on the flipside.
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Colorado Springs CO.
Posts: 53
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Re: fuel mileage, things to improve it
The Mythbusters did an episode on getting better gas mileage and of all the things they tried it was a change in driving habits that netted the best increase in mileage. It was something like up to 30% better mileage. All the "devices" they tried either worsened the milage or only nominally increased it.
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02-25-2008, 02:21 AM | #5 |
Embrace the Redneck
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Cabot, AR
Posts: 1,334
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Re: fuel mileage, things to improve it
alos on mythbusters, not only did they proove that driving habits are the best fuel saver but the myth of bed covers helping fuel milage was busted.
The best two helps on beds were with the tailgate UP and the best was using one of those mesh gates. Who knew. Also, having a well balanced tranny with an overdrive and a good rear ratio and your driving habits make a world of difference. When I drive right, and with my NP A833 overdrive 4-speed, 3.73 rear, and my 350 with my 2.5" flomaster exhaust and 235/75/15 tires, Edle Carb, i get about 15 - 19 MPG.
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'01 Camaro Son, you just can't get there from here... |
02-25-2008, 05:44 AM | #6 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Cali Central Coast
Posts: 5,191
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Re: fuel mileage, things to improve it
Quote:
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'67 SWB Fleetside ZZ4/350/Tremec 5-speed/4link/Scott's IFS - and fun as heck! SOLD Click here to support the board Philippians 4: 6-7 |
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02-25-2008, 04:51 AM | #7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Shelbyville, KY
Posts: 3,269
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Re: fuel mileage, things to improve it
I tried lots of combo's-headers, edelbrock intake, HEI, 5spd, etc. I got positive results from---going back to stock intake, stock exhaust, HEI, stock size tires 33lb, bed cover & the 5spd--my 72 LWB with new crate 350 would give me 18-19 mpg. In many cases, you can improve your mpg with a new or rebuilt carb. But I do tend to drive like a *****. Huck
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02-25-2008, 05:39 AM | #8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: K-Zoo, MI
Posts: 44
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Re: fuel mileage, things to improve it
Tailgate (not dangerously close!!!) semi-trucks....I usually get about 12MPG with small tires and 10MPG with big tires on my 72. When driving on the hwy ive seen a lot better results when drafting.
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02-25-2008, 05:51 AM | #9 |
Who's got steelies?
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Morrison, Oklahoma
Posts: 1,026
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Re: fuel mileage, things to improve it
Install a vacuum guage & try to drive with the highest reading possible. Have your carb tuned properly, HEI, small V8, and don't haul around extra junk in the bed. I got 18 mpg highway last night driving 65-70MPH, you can see what my truck has in sig. City milage is really very bad though...
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1969 C10 LWB W/ 250 I6 & 3spd 1970 C10 with '67 small window cab, 68 front end, blue; 305/TH350, 3.08 limited slip rear end, manual brakes, power steering; & 4-wheel drums-My daily driver. 1975 Chevelle Malibu Classic Coupe 350/th350 mint green 1970 C20 Suburban 350/700R4 4.10 gearing green & white 1978 Big 10 Silverado 350/th350, working ac, 2 tone blue-My summer daily driver 1983 GMC 1500 Sierra 305/SM465 2.73 rear end How to add a trip odometer to your 67-72 stock speedometer How to rebuild your Q-Jet My Truck Page My Youtube Channel |
02-25-2008, 07:29 AM | #10 |
laying low
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Searcy, Ark. USA
Posts: 13,386
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Re: fuel mileage, things to improve it
Driving around with extra stuff in the bed and or a full fuel tank definately costs mpg. I have seen a formula some time back for figuring just how much it takes to carry an additional 100 lb around. You may be carrying a couple 100 lb in the tool box alone.
Consider a full fuel tank at a couple 100 lb. Properly adjusted brake shoes lessen drag. An electric fan conversion can be worth 1-2 mpg and a few horses. Matched sized alternator for your electrical needs? Synthetic gear fluids reduce friction. Extended warm up time makes truck easier to get going but uses a good bit of fuel during high idle time. A clean, polished vehicle slips through the air easier.
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Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross |
02-25-2008, 08:36 AM | #11 |
454 MAKES IT ROAR
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Essex, U.K
Posts: 2,701
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Re: fuel mileage, things to improve it
Just to make you all feal better about your fuel costs, petrol (Gas) is £5.60 a Gallon here in the UK, so work that out with the exchange rate which is two Dollars to the Pound, and that means im paying $10.30 a Gallon for my truck.
most popular comment I get is...."you must have your own petrol station in your back yard mate". Hell a pint of milk is still more expensive than a pint of petrol so don't ask me how much my truck drinks and I won't ask how much milk you put on your Cornflakes.
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Nigel. An American living in a British body. 1971 Chevy Cheyenne 10 454 "In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." - George Orwell "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" - Thomas Jefferson No more pain. 03.12.60 -- 12.28.10 http://www.youtube.com/Eightbanger |
02-25-2008, 10:15 AM | #12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posts: 69
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Re: fuel mileage, things to improve it
a gallon of milk here is usualy about $3 lol
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