Gas Mileage

[deeboe78]

Wsup
I know I sound crazy on asking what parts do to get better gas mileage out of a muscle car. (1970 chevelle automatic, 350) But Im going to anyways. So If anyone wants to get a crack at go head Ill be waiting....
:bsjerk::Alchy:

Thanks

SSG D

[shizzy]

run a Quadrajet instead of a Holley, small tube headers and a free flowing dual exhaust system are the top two I can think of.

[Andrew McBride]

Changing to an overdrive transmission will improve mileage. Going fuel injected is going to help a bit. Running different rear gears.

I think the overdrive transmissions would be my first priority if you are looking for better mpg.

[deeboe78]

How much will it run used vs new?

thanks for the replies

[Texas Hotrod]

What gears do you have in the rear???
Adding a 700R4 and using the lock-up feature will help drastically.
I have an 01 Chevy HD crew cab. The best mileage I've ever clocked was right at 16. I installed a Gear Vendors unit and it jumped to 20 the first time out (I would guess 21-ish on a longer trip).
My 70 MPH RPM used to be around 2200, it dropped to 1600. The RPMs are so low that I have to concentrate to keep it under 80 on the freeways. The 6 liter LS1 has plenty of lugging power. Even with the 4L80E, it easily chuggs up hills.
There's more info on the install in my website:
http://www.mosmeyerperformance.com/-3_Gear_Vendors_install.html
I filed paperwork with Gearvendors, so I'm now a certified GV dealer (WOOHOO).
The lower the RPM, the better the mileage. A lock-up converter or a manual box is a big determining factor. It all depends on your right foot as well.

[86Cutlass383SR]

Texas Hotrod how much is the Gear Vendors unit?

X2 on what Andrew said. 200-4R or 700-R4 tranny. The 200-4R is close to the same length as a TH-350 but the mount if farther back, about the same place as a TH-400. May not have to cut a driveshaft for it.

Fuel Injection will help some but the OD tranny and maybe some 2.56 - 3.23 - 3.42 gears. Some of the mid 80's g-bodies ran the 200-4R trannys with 2.56 gears and the 307 Olds motor.

TPI swaps are getting reasonably priced and if you use an 86-87 f-body harness it's a stand-alone unit, meaning the TPI harness is seperate from the rest of the wiring.

Doug

[Texas Hotrod]

They are pricey. I paid just under $3K for mine (including shipping). Truck applications are more pricey than that for a car. Each package is vehicle specific, the electronics in my kit was built for my application (make, model, gear ratio, etc...). The hardest part of the install is running the wiring for the electronic control boxes. The mechanicla install was a snap.
My first two orders are full retail price, then I get a price break on the 3rd one and everything after that. I was told that there will be a price increase early this year (as of now). Retail kit pricing from GV, for a 60s muscle car w/a Turbo 400 is currently $2400. I can get it for a few hundred off of that. I don't have a price sheet so I would have to call for a quote.

We just got home from a trip to the Texas hill country (North of San Antonio). A trip that usually burns 3/4 tank of gas took 1/2 tank. It was windy and we hauled some furniture so I couldn't figure accurate mileage. The GV does make a difference.

My 68 Camaro (BB460/TH400) will eventually have one. I kicked around the idea of building a 4L80-E, but the TH400/GV combo will be the set up for me.

Mr.McBride, how's the Camaro coming along???

[Andrew McBride]

It is coming along slowly. Next week we are going to install all the front sheetmetal and check gaps and hopefully things come together nice :fingersx: . I also have to get my suspension together... finally all my parts are here!

Once that is all done, we will dissasemble and roll her in the booth for some paint (Winning Blue-Mazda). I should have the outside finished by May, if everything goes as planned.

After that, she will sit a little longer in the shop until I decide which engine to use?!?!

[kruisecontrol]

good luck with your project , nice camaro :)

[68Formula]

Many people ignore tuning the ignition curve at part load and idle for optimum fuel consumption. There is a lot to be gained in this area.