gas mileage estimate for 1974 ???

[manti6]

Just out of curiosity, what kind of gas mileage should I expect out of a 1974 Vette? I realize a lot of factors can determine mileage, but even a "range" would be helpful. (Assume that the engine has been rebuilt and that it is in good condition.) I have never owned a Vette or any high performance engine before so I have no idea what to expect. Thanks!

Steve

 

[Bob Chadwick]

I get 12 around town and 16 on the freeway with my 77.

 

[page62]

In general, we try not to think about Corvettes and gas mileage in the same thought.

But seriously folks, if you want 20+ mpg in a Vette, do 1 of 2 things: install an overdrive transmission and/or fuel injection. The 1980's saw the advent of both these things -- and the resulting improved gas mileage!

I get about 20 mpg on the highway thanks to an overdrive tranny.

 

[Tom73]

Steve,
I have a '73 L82 with automatic. I get about 13 mpg on the highway. Don't think I want to know what it gets in town. But if gas mileage is an issue then something like a C3 is not the car to have.

tom...

 

[MaineShark]

I was getting around 15-16 average, before my tune-up and the new (1/2" larger) exhaust. I haven't checked if the mileage has changed at all, since. Once things warm up, I'll start keeping records again.

Joe

 

[Stallion]

In general, we try not to think about Corvettes and gas mileage in the same thought.

But seriously folks, if you want 20+ mpg in a Vette, do 1 of 2 things: install an overdrive transmission and/or fuel injection. The 1980's saw the advent of both these things -- and the resulting improved gas mileage!

I get about 20 mpg on the highway thanks to an overdrive tranny.

page62, how did you get that tranny in there? Did you manually replace the existing one with this OD transmission? How was that switch? Difficult?

I would probably throw in FI before I change the transmission, but that's just me. Also there's more power from the FI. I'm not too familiar with the technicalities of an OD tranny, though.

Good luck!!

 

[page62]

Check this out, TR:

www.bowtieoverdrives.com

Personally I'd do the tranny before the FI. Because the engine turns less RPM using OD on the freeway, there are several side benefits:
--improved fuel efficiency
--cooler running engine
--longer engine life
--less wear and tear on water pump, alternator, etc.

 

[manti6]

Thanks for the insight on the mileage. I recently purchased a 1974 with a manual trans - I just wanted to make sure that what I thought I am getting was not my imagination. With the price of premium gas to fill up the tank... I just had to ask! Thanks for the feedback.

Steve

 

[Stallion]

Check this out, TR:

www.bowtieoverdrives.com

Personally I'd do the tranny before the FI. Because the engine turns less RPM using OD on the freeway, there are several side benefits:
--improved fuel efficiency
--cooler running engine
--longer engine life
--less wear and tear on water pump, alternator, etc.

I see what you mean about the OD tranny and I agree also. But I would imagine that it would be a bigger project and probably more expensive, right? That's what I figure.

 

[vetteKID]

i get 13-14mpg......with a 74 350 4 speed (minus the AIR system).
I actually really hate taking the vette to the pump, with Preimum at 1.97$ my totals are gettin scary.