76 Vette Gas Mileage

[rtc3]

I recently started driving around my Vette. I brought it to the shop to have everything checked out and have the power steering fixed which I knew wasnt working. So the shop told me everything else is fine fixed the PS. My gauge cluster isnt working in the center which is most likely a fuse that I havent had the chance to look into yet so I wanted to test my gas mileage. It came out to be 4-5 mpg. I know not to expect anything great but that just seems really low. I was expecting to be in the 12-15 range at least. Is this a normal number for mpg and if not what could be causing this. Thanks a lot.

 

[6880 Mike]

...my gas mileage...4-5 mpg...Is this a normal number...

Might be normal for a big block, but not a small block. Are you sure you did the math correctly?

I could get 18 mpg highway out of my '74 L-48 when she was tuned. 14-16 was normal.

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

I could get 18 mpg highway out of my '74 L-48 when she was tuned. 14-16 was normal.

I get this type of mileage on my '73 without trying hard. No reason a '76 couldn't equal this.

 

[Copdogcorvettes]

Well mine is a 78 L-48 4 speed 12 - 15 MPG is the best I can get. That's most, I guess, becuase of the 4 speed and side pipe. It's hard to keep your foot out of it alittle.

Gary

SAVE the WAVE

 

[rtc3]

Yea so there's obviously something wrong. Where would I begin to try to figure it out? Any suggestions?

 

[Copdogcorvettes]

Yea so there's obviously something wrong. Where would I begin to try to figure it out? Any suggestions?

Start with the carb. Look at the exhaust; are the tail pipes black? Check the choke and make sure it is not sticking on. How does it idle? Also check all the fuel line; Check for any leaks. The short rubber lines that connect to the fuel pump are known to crack and leak.

There are many thing that can be the problem. :bash Need to know what is not the problem to narrow it down a bit.

Gary

 

[black_81_vette]

Like was said check those lines! also when was the last time it was tuned? was the carb ever rebuilt/replaced? Look at the spark plugs if there black and sooty its way rich. Also the Qjet is known to have leaks fromm the well plugs (bottom of main body) and this lets way more fuel than whats needed into the intake. But first test dont guess!

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

How are you measuring your consumption? A lot of short stop start drives will throw off the calculations considerably.

 

[92BlackVette]

I have a 76 and mine is bad, mine is actually about 10 MPG in the city

 

[Copdogcorvettes]

I have a 76 and mine is bad, mine is actually about 10 MPG in the city

10 MPG in the City isn't what I call bad. 10 - 12 City 15 - 17 MPG is about average for most stock C3's.

Gary

 

[bb2kksy]

My 79

10 MPG in the City isn't what I call bad. 10 - 12 City 15 - 17 MPG is about average for most stock C3's.

Gary

I get about 13 - 14 but I love the skinny pedal on the right. Running a Mexican 350 bout 255 Hp 3:55 rear, sides. Noisy, quick and lots of fun.

 

[Copdogcorvettes]

I get about 13 - 14 but I love the skinny pedal on the right. Running a Mexican 350 bout 255 Hp 3:55 rear, sides. Noisy, quick and lots of fun.

I know this story . 350, 4 speed, 3:73 rears, side pipes and SOUNDING GOOD :cool :cool

 

[jeffn]

I get about 13 - 14 but I love the skinny pedal on the right. Running a Mexican 350 bout 255 Hp 3:55 rear, sides. Noisy, quick and lots of fun.

Yep....I'm all about the skinny pedal.....Short bursts don't help the gas mileage at all