Been thinking alot about gas prices and how to get to work WITHOUT carpooling with the Mrs. lately - and it's got me wondering about the gas mileage a T-bucket would net. I'll confess I'm no math expert but I'm figuring a car that weighs less than 2000 lbs has got to be fairly thrifty and alot less painful on the wallet than my 6000 lb '98 Tahoe. So, what are you guys with T-buckets pulling down for mileage?
In town mileage probably not too bad, but on the highway, the vertical nature of the frontal area and tires in the breeze make for substantial aero drag. Certainly more fun than an SUV, though, and with a conservative drivetrain there is no reason you couldn't get some economy.
What'd be cool is a track-style T (for improved aerodynamics) with a Ford Turbo/EFI four banger (SVO Mustang style) backed with an overdrive stick. Done right, it'd pull near (or at) 30 mpg with the right rear gear/tire height. ~Scotch~
I have the standard 350/350 in my T. 390 hp on a dyno when built. I get 12 in town and about 15 on the highway. Bill
My short 23 T, 90 inch wheelbase, chopped Duece shell, hood top, short windshied, skinny tires on wire wheels(fans?)rears are 27.5 tall, no engine fan. 283 4 bbl, 4.11, T-5, Va***n adv w/ points, reg gas, Around town the mileage is good, seems to be very thrifty. Highway mileage, recently did a 190 mile drive of which about 100 was interstate hwy, and the rest 40-50 mph state roads w/traffic lights. Used 10 gals, and this is the 90%gas/10%ethanol ****. woulda done better if I could buy 100% gas. Definitly have a clutch if your'e looking for mileage. I read it takes 35 HP to run a 350 trans. That's why they get hot. And that's more power than it takes to move the car down the road. Years ago, 60's, the rule of thumb was 25 HP to go 50 mph w/ a stock type full size car. Frank
I get that in my 62 Thunderbird, you gotta get better than that. I plan to get around 30, 215/T5/and the right gears.
No that's about it. It has the normal big Mickeys in the back. I went the same place gas pumper went except 60 miles, all but a couple miles highway. Used about 4 gals. MAY be able to improve a little by leaning a bit. Probably wouldn't help much though. The engine has a 650 Holley double pumper on it. I've heard they aren't the best for mileage. Bill
I average around 14-15 mpg with a 283 tri-power/TH350/ 55 Chevy rear (stock gearing) 8.20x15 slicks on the rear. I probably lose mileage with the open zoomies
I'd be pretty ticked off if all that car got was 30mpg. I had a 440 Mopar powered T that got 17 mpg, and it had a long ram on it with two fours! I don't know what these guys with small blocks are doing to get the bad mileage with them that I've seen some post.
I'm open to suggestions. I have seen several articles that say the Holley double pumpers are designed as a race application. They are jetted about 5 sizes larger than a very similar, but designed for street, carb. The trick seems to be to jet down which improves street mileage but drill out the PVRC or PVCR to compensate at higher speeds. Haven't tried that yet. I have mechanical secondaries. Vacuum secondaries are also supposed to help. I know mine was running rich. Then I changed to a K&N air filter and after highway driving the plugs are now dark brown instead of black. May be able to drop a little in jet size. Bill
I'm surprised at what the mileage these people are reporting too. Last time I saw a thread similar to this, the majority of the people were getting between 25 to 30. there was a few getting only in the teens but with their engine application and tire size it made sense. The highest was a 4 cylinder engine( maybe Isuzu). I believe he said it was the upper 30's someplace.
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