gas mileage , again - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

veltex · 12-07-2003, 01:23 PM

I know this is an old subject, just need someone to tell me that gas mileage is no big deal. I am running BB, T400, 3.73 (guessing), 68 C20, tow small closed trailer (6w x 6h x 10long)daily at about 3500 lbs, some motor goodies, if I keep my foot out of it I can get almost 8mpg, 7mpg is more common. If I drove without a hood and air cleaner, I think the truck may be able to suck dogs and small children off the sidewalk into the carb. I have been busy at work lately and havent had a chance to test mileage without towing, I was hoping for 10mpg. I should buy stock in my favorite fuel company I guess, and get my saddle tanks hooked up so I dont have to stop as often.

**old Rusty C10** · 12-07-2003, 01:29 PM

yeah its no toyota pirus but hey these trucks are waay more fun to drive and better looking too!! i get about ten mpg with a 6 banger and th350 on an 86

71-longbed · 12-07-2003, 02:13 PM

Quote:

If I drove without a hood and air cleaner, I think the truck may be able to suck dogs and small children off the sidewalk into the carb

hahahhahahhah ... thats hularious :p

lukecp · 12-07-2003, 03:56 PM

BB, TH400, and 3.73's with a trailer.......8mpg is what i would expect

Give your motor a tuneup and add HEI to the engine if it dosen't already have it....along with a set of free flowind dual exhaust pipes and it may do a little better

veltex · 12-07-2003, 04:12 PM

here is the culprit, and my first photo test

veltex · 12-07-2003, 04:15 PM

Yeah I know, a CAMPER SHELL, but I need to keep my work materials dry and sometimes locked, I have had to live with the truck caps for many years now, a necessary evil for me.

68 Suburban · 12-07-2003, 04:18 PM

That is a sweet looking truck!

71-longbed · 12-07-2003, 04:20 PM

what size tires are you running on that sweet truck ??

veltex · 12-07-2003, 04:23 PM

thanks 68 burb, 71, those are 245 75 16s Michelin, I like um so far

lukecp · 12-07-2003, 04:34 PM

Very sweet '68!

stepside454 · 12-07-2003, 04:39 PM

thats a really nicely done truck.... you wont ever great MPG though, shorty headers & free flowing exhaust would help. 3.08s would help & Im sure it has enough ass to pull even with 3.08s. or a nice O.D. tranny.
heres a pic of my guzzler

veltex · 12-08-2003, 10:56 AM

stepside, have new exhuast, no headers though, I like manifolds, probably wont change gears, might do a OD tranny or GV splitter someday and see if I can bump it up a notch, I am soon getting away from points also, probably going to go with a new dist. , breakerless. Also might mess with the carb, its out of the box at this point, havent had time to mess with it. thanks

krazy_texan · 12-08-2003, 11:16 AM

here is a pic of my gas guzzler it is only a mild 350 but only gets about 6-8mpg depending on what kind of mood I am in and how much i stay on it but the 4.10 gears out back dont help it any.

1-PU70 · 12-08-2003, 11:43 AM

I towed my Honda Accord on a tow dolly from FL to TX. I got 13.5 MPG. I was very happy. The only mods to the BB are HEI and cast iron hi-rise intake. The 700R4 is the way to go. Im running 31"s and a stock duel exh.

**Yukon Jack** · 12-08-2003, 12:12 PM

Great looking truck! Mileage is about where I would expect it to be also.

Paul72 · 12-08-2003, 12:23 PM

To make you feel a little better, my Blazer with a 350/T350 and an open 3.08 rear end gets between 10-11 mpg. Runnin 31" tires and not pulling anything.

It's the price you pay to drive the best made trucks!!

What is that smile on your face worth when you walk to your truck in the morning and see that beautiful truck waiting for you?

*ILIVE4TRUCKS* · 12-08-2003, 12:43 PM

Total stock with a Q-Jet and Ramhorn should get you min of 10 mpg. even with a BB. the only thing is that someone went a bit overboard with the cam or something. i have a 4X4 with 4:56's and got 13 on the highway and 10 around town with mild RV cam and 400,000 miles on the motor. Something is wrong.

bpmcgee · 12-08-2003, 12:47 PM

Yeah, my 75 C10 with a 454 and TH400 gets 12 MPG. I'm sure towing would lower that, but probably not 30%

Brian

**Palf70Step** · 12-08-2003, 12:57 PM

That box trailor is the death of you mileage. You might notice a little difference if you haven't done HEI & a good dual exhaust, but it probably won't change it much. Depending on what you want from the truck, I don't think I would change the gears out. Even with a BB, those trailors are a DRAG and a half. Don't think you'd get the MPG difference worth the $ investment to change gears.

tom hand · 12-08-2003, 02:24 PM

I had a 2001 1500 HD crewcab. I got 17 mpg on the highway empty, but I could hook up my 3500lb inclosed trailer and guess what....8mpg. And that was just 6 liter motor...what is that about 366 CID? Sounds like your milage is fine.

12-07-2003, 01:23 PM	#1
veltex Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Idaho Posts: 257	gas mileage , again I know this is an old subject, just need someone to tell me that gas mileage is no big deal. I am running BB, T400, 3.73 (guessing), 68 C20, tow small closed trailer (6w x 6h x 10long)daily at about 3500 lbs, some motor goodies, if I keep my foot out of it I can get almost 8mpg, 7mpg is more common. If I drove without a hood and air cleaner, I think the truck may be able to suck dogs and small children off the sidewalk into the carb. I have been busy at work lately and havent had a chance to test mileage without towing, I was hoping for 10mpg. I should buy stock in my favorite fuel company I guess, and get my saddle tanks hooked up so I dont have to stop as often.

12-07-2003, 01:29 PM	#2
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,276	yeah its no toyota pirus but hey these trucks are waay more fun to drive and better looking too!! i get about ten mpg with a 6 banger and th350 on an 86 __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

12-07-2003, 03:56 PM	#4
lukecp Formerly yellow72custom Join Date: May 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 7,531	BB, TH400, and 3.73's with a trailer.......8mpg is what i would expect Give your motor a tuneup and add HEI to the engine if it dosen't already have it....along with a set of free flowind dual exhaust pipes and it may do a little better __________________ '72 Chevy C10 Mild 350/TH350/3.07. Ochre/White. Old high school ride. '70 GMC C2500 '62 327 4bbl/SM465/4.56-geared Dana 60. White/White. Project or parts truck. '97 Saturn SL DD. 1.9/5-speed. 40+ highway mpg

12-07-2003, 04:12 PM	#5
veltex Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Idaho Posts: 257	photo test here is the culprit, and my first photo test

12-07-2003, 04:15 PM	#6
veltex Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Idaho Posts: 257	shell Yeah I know, a CAMPER SHELL, but I need to keep my work materials dry and sometimes locked, I have had to live with the truck caps for many years now, a necessary evil for me.

12-07-2003, 04:18 PM	#7
68 Suburban Registered User Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: From Chicago, Live in Phoenix, AZ Posts: 6,802	That is a sweet looking truck!

12-07-2003, 04:20 PM	#8
71-longbed Its Magically Delicious Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: oregon Posts: 2,398	what size tires are you running on that sweet truck ?? __________________ 71 C10 LWB 350sbc -TH350 12 bolt 3.42 Posi Of all my favorite things to do, The utmost is to have a brew. My love grows for my foamy friend, with each thirst-quenching elbow bend. Beer so frosty, smooth, and cold it's paradise pure liquid gold. Yes beer means many things to me that's all for now cus I gotta pee.

12-07-2003, 04:23 PM	#9
veltex Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Idaho Posts: 257	thanks 68 burb, 71, those are 245 75 16s Michelin, I like um so far

12-07-2003, 04:34 PM	#10
lukecp Formerly yellow72custom Join Date: May 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 7,531	Very sweet '68! __________________ '72 Chevy C10 Mild 350/TH350/3.07. Ochre/White. Old high school ride. '70 GMC C2500 '62 327 4bbl/SM465/4.56-geared Dana 60. White/White. Project or parts truck. '97 Saturn SL DD. 1.9/5-speed. 40+ highway mpg

12-07-2003, 04:39 PM	#11
stepside454 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: st. louis area Posts: 1,551	thats a really nicely done truck.... you wont ever great MPG though, shorty headers & free flowing exhaust would help. 3.08s would help & Im sure it has enough ass to pull even with 3.08s. or a nice O.D. tranny. heres a pic of my guzzler Attached Images __________________ 75 GMC C-15 short/step factory 454, lowered

12-08-2003, 10:56 AM	#12
veltex Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Idaho Posts: 257	stepside, have new exhuast, no headers though, I like manifolds, probably wont change gears, might do a OD tranny or GV splitter someday and see if I can bump it up a notch, I am soon getting away from points also, probably going to go with a new dist. , breakerless. Also might mess with the carb, its out of the box at this point, havent had time to mess with it. thanks

12-08-2003, 11:16 AM	#13
krazy_texan Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: West Des Moines, Ia Posts: 3,233	here is a pic of my gas guzzler it is only a mild 350 but only gets about 6-8mpg depending on what kind of mood I am in and how much i stay on it but the 4.10 gears out back dont help it any. __________________ Krazy Texan My Trucks are made with Wrenches not Chop Sticks 1967 GMC 3/4 ton "Johnny Cash" 1990 v1500 suburban 1967 Ford f100 Swb 4x4 "green bean" GOD BLESS JESUS, JOHN WAYNE, AND THE ALAMO

12-08-2003, 11:43 AM	#14
1-PU70 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Bradenton, FL Posts: 1,036	I towed my Honda Accord on a tow dolly from FL to TX. I got 13.5 MPG. I was very happy. The only mods to the BB are HEI and cast iron hi-rise intake. The 700R4 is the way to go. Im running 31"s and a stock duel exh. __________________ 1970 CST/10 402,700R4,3:73 posi,AC,PS,PB,TLT,PW,Buckets with heaters Last edited by 1-PU70; 12-08-2003 at 11:45 AM.

12-08-2003, 12:12 PM	#15
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,683	Great looking truck! Mileage is about where I would expect it to be also. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

12-08-2003, 12:23 PM	#16
Paul72 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Waterloo, IA Posts: 1,147	To make you feel a little better, my Blazer with a 350/T350 and an open 3.08 rear end gets between 10-11 mpg. Runnin 31" tires and not pulling anything. It's the price you pay to drive the best made trucks!! What is that smile on your face worth when you walk to your truck in the morning and see that beautiful truck waiting for you? __________________ '72 Chevy K20 - 383/4sp/205 - SOLD after 41 years in the family Next project - K/5 Tahoe (71 Blazer on 99 Tahoe chassis) Build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=789958



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

12-08-2003, 12:43 PM	#17
ILIVE4TRUCKS AKA Phillip Johnson, AKA BANNED! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Grants Pass, Oregon Posts: 94	Total stock with a Q-Jet and Ramhorn should get you min of 10 mpg. even with a BB. the only thing is that someone went a bit overboard with the cam or something. i have a 4X4 with 4:56's and got 13 on the highway and 10 around town with mild RV cam and 400,000 miles on the motor. Something is wrong.

12-08-2003, 12:47 PM	#18
bpmcgee Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 2,181	Yeah, my 75 C10 with a 454 and TH400 gets 12 MPG. I'm sure towing would lower that, but probably not 30% Brian

12-08-2003, 12:57 PM	#19
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,745	That box trailor is the death of you mileage. You might notice a little difference if you haven't done HEI & a good dual exhaust, but it probably won't change it much. Depending on what you want from the truck, I don't think I would change the gears out. Even with a BB, those trailors are a DRAG and a half. Don't think you'd get the MPG difference worth the $ investment to change gears. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

12-08-2003, 02:24 PM	#20
tom hand CCRider Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Olive Branch,MS,USA Posts: 2,232	I had a 2001 1500 HD crewcab. I got 17 mpg on the highway empty, but I could hook up my 3500lb inclosed trailer and guess what....8mpg. And that was just 6 liter motor...what is that about 366 CID? Sounds like your milage is fine. __________________ 72 GMC Sierra SWB almost finished---- 84 Softail Olive Branch MS

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.