Technical Need some Stromberg advice

So Ive got a 283 with a vintage tripower setup running stromberg 97s. It runs decent, but I feel like it could do better. It also only gets about 10 mpg on the highway, which seems a bit thirsty being that it's backed by a 6 speed. The carbs are all in factory configuration, and even though it's a progressive setup, I balanced all of them per the stromberg website. I'll readily admit this is the first I have messed with a setup like this, so I'm learning as I go. Any tips, tricks, or pointers?



And yes, I know a single 4bbl would be simpler and easier, but where's the fun in that? Triple deuces look cooler.

 

While slightly different, I ran Stromberg 48's ( 30 CFM more than a 97 ), progressive linkage on a 350 CI small block. In town was 12 or 13 MPG. Highway, I usually was in the 16 to 18 MPG.
Something just doesn't seem right for your mileage to be that bad.

 

That's what I'm thinking. I mean I dont expect 20+ mpg out of it, but even 12-15 would be more reasonable.

 

Do you have 97’s or 48’s? Show us a pic of the left side. Have you checked the plugs to see how rich it runs? Do you have a pressure regulator, and what’s it set at?

 

They're 97s, I dont have a good pic on hand but I can grab you one. Plugs are black and look pretty rich last time I pulled one last fall. I do have a regulator thats set at 2psi.

 

Not sure you can use any of this but I ran two 97 Strombergs on a 255 flathead. They were both brand new from Clive in GB. Even with reduced fuel pressure at 1,5 psi and lowered floats I could not lean them enough to reduce richness and smell. There are no smaller idle jets available so I modified mine and was able to get the carbs adjusted properly.