Comments on: How can i get better gas mileage on a chevy small block?

By: Mr Chevy Pickup

Mr Chevy Pickup — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 02:50:59 +0000

I put a brand new GM 350 crate motor in my truck with an entire Edelbrock intake system and I still only get 10 miles to the gallon.

Best thing you can do is one stay off the pedal but some things you can add:

1. Less restrictive air cleaner and high flow filter (KnN)
2. Low temp thermostat (mine is 160 degrees) and new water pump to keep engine cooler (prevents gas from evaporating)
3. Spend a little more and get higher power spark plugs and plug wires
4. Headers and high flow mufflers
5. Carb spacers (Increasing the distance between the carb and the intake gives the fuel more time to mix which makes it burn better)
References :

By: chevyraceman_383

chevyraceman_383 — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 02:28:59 +0000

Spot I have to 110% dis agree with you. The weight is NOT a big prob with fuel mileage

Plus a 1st gen F body don’t weigh that much 3000-3300 lbs depending on options

The key to fuel mileage is building an engine with high Volumetric Efficiency. You get the VE up to 95% or higher and you will make great power but great fuel mileage too

Also the gear ratios plays the biggest part in mileage.

If your looking for street performance and good mileage use a 3.08 or 3.23 rear gear and a 4 speed auto or 5 or 6 speed man. transmission

A 700r4 or 200 4r auto or a T56 or TKO man. trans

put that with a 10:1 compression 355 with vortec or brodix IK180 heads, 220/230*@.050" cam, with 112 las, RPM air gap intake, 600-670 cfm carb

Tuned and dailed in right that combo should knock down 18 mpg city and 22/23 mpg highway and make 450 HP and run about 11.90′s @ 113 mph in 1/4 mile if you have good traction
References :

By: Spot

Spot — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 02:11:59 +0000

Older cars get terrible gas mileage due to the overall weight- no matter how much you fine tune the engine. Good on you for considering restoring a classic!
References :
Camaro owner

By: lucy lui

lucy lui — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 01:54:59 +0000

trade it to a 4 cylinder
References :

By: Ashley

Ashley — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 01:33:59 +0000

LOL
References :

By: wayne

wayne — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 01:18:59 +0000

Buy your Camaro,leave it all stock ,look after it, clean it ,keep it tune correctly,
dont worry about the gaz,just use it when you need to, and if you sell it in a few years
buy keeping it all stock you will make a big gain on it , please dont do what those others guys say
believe me.
References :
Classic car owner for 45 years.

By: done wrenching

done wrenching — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 00:57:59 +0000

Keep a mild cam in it, and put a decent 700r4 in it. Keep 308's in the rear too.
References :

By: Smith

Smith — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 00:36:59 +0000

put in a crate motor, fuel injected if you can afford the upgrade, a 600 carb if not, and dont push the pedal to the floor.. you should get about 16-19 city, 21-23 highway. thats pretty damn good for a V8. also make sure its not geared to low and if you go with an automatic trans, get a 4sp auto/ overdrive
References :
20 years automotive/shop owner

By: Kenny

Kenny — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 23:56:59 +0000

modern 5 speed / 6 speed transmission swap.

http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/techarticles/48418_t56_six_speed_swap_early_camaros/index.html
References :

By: Rod Knocker

Rod Knocker — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 23:15:59 +0000

194 heads
2 barrel carb
dont drive it
muscle cars are not known for mileage!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
References :
20+ year mechanic