Yea, I'm gonna get a tuning kit for the carb. Plan on taking the A to Texas in April and I don't want to spend a ton on gas.
I am having trouble with this thread. We are supposed to be the tradition police of the hot rod universal interstate and I can't imagine a bunch of guys in cuffed denim and white tees, greasy hair, smoking camel straights, reading the little pages and talking about ways to increase their fuel economy. Oh, the times they are a changin.
Maybe you can get better mileage with some of the suggestions that have been made, my thoughts is we don't build hot rods for gas mileage, at least I don't, I get about the same thing you do with a 350, turbo 350 & a 370 rear gear. HRP
Yup, I plan on it as soon as I get it out of storage. Just wanted to get some ideas. Thanks for all the input.
The fistful of dollars we used to carry can barely buy us coffee. The numbers at the pump now, would buy a new cam then. So as far as a recent rebuild, maybe all it needs is a good wringing out. That trip may be just the ticket.
It's not that complex guys. It's not the fuel mileage number, it's that the fuel mileage is indicating a problem with the tune or something because the engine could be running more efficiently (and therefore probably give more power as well). A light car getting that mileage is a sign that something is amiss. I was having an issue I couldn't figure out, fuel mileage was one indication that something was wrong. I had an exhaust valve that wasn't sealing. Maybe you don't care about mileage, but if something seems off it's a good indication you need to check it out.
I think most all possibilities have been covered , timing, tuning, float setting, fuel pressure, but maybe you should also check if your brakes are dragging . Maybe a broken down hydraulic brake hose or a sticky wheel cyl or caliper?
Another thing, smell the oil dipstick, if you smell gas it may be just running rich or it could be a leaky fuel pump membrane.
Performance can mean different things to different people. With the OP’s car his engine combo is not extreme so obviously his mileage is substandard- he’s experiencing poor performance. With a trip to Texas planned he would like to correct things and enjoy the trip and most importantly save money from being spent needlessly. For those that never take a long road trip I guess MPG doesn’t matter. I think he will see better overall performance and save money with the proper tune.
I would have thought that these very guys would have their engines running super sweet..... @scoop , when you are cruising along and then floor it to full throttle, does it bog down for a second, sort of 'cough', and then accelerate? Sure sign of overfuelling if it does.
Yea 75 years go by so quick , hopefully. we're a tad more in touch with today's realities , nobody has money to flush .
If this a rebuild using " down in the hole" rebuilder pistons that Might be 7.5:1 compression ratio & the can is who knows what , that mileage is probably about right , what's the height of the rear tire ? If you won't show the plugs ,have someone put air/fuel meter on it .
Is it a daily driver? Or just occasionally take out for a cruise? If it's the later don't worry about it. If it's a daily still Don't worry about it. Consider the extra cost as entertainment spending. As no doubt it's way more fun to drive than an economical Toyota or Hyundai
I am still betting on an out of the box 500 Edelbrock carb with factory calibrations suited for a 350 but installed on a 283.....
Naw, it’s inefficiency he’s worried about. A 283 shouldn’t be yielding the mileage he’s getting in a light vehicle like that. He’s not running a 400HP SBC and looking for 25 mpgs.
It needs some serious tuning, that combination should be getting 18+ MPG all day long. I agree that the carb is out-to-lunch, and the engine timing. I'd bet @carbking could point you in the right direction on the correct carb.
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