15 MPG ... WooHoo

[mikep]

I decided to build the new motor more for low end torque and mileage . Got it in yesterday and drove it around a bit today in and around town. The new motor specs are

9.4: 1 compression . Using 34 degrees total timing, no vacuum advance I'm able to use 87 octane.

Edelbrock performer plus cam 204/214 duration, .420/.444 lift.

New World Product S/R heads 1.94/1.50

Early cast iron intake-HEI distributor

Rebuilt 4ME marine quadrajet . Damned near perfect condition.

3.54 gears / 285-75-16 tires / manual close ratio 4 spd/ heavy 3/4 ton chassis

In driving around town somewhat light on the throttle I'm able to get 14.8 MPG and this is with only 90 miles on the motor. I'll have to flog it out on the highway once its well broken in to see what sort of mileage I can coax out of this thing. Its certainly not lacking power especially low end torque. I can maintain 15 MPH in 4th Gear without surging at all.