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11/25/2020 6:31 PM  #1


MPG - What are you guys getting?

I know a lot of people don't care and that's fine, but I'm still curious to know if I am getting the mpg that Ford claimed.
My car is a 289, 4 barrel carb and with a 4 speed. It has a 2.25" exhaust system (pretty straight pipe routing) and I have lightened the advance springs. The  rear is a 3.0 and I don't have A/C. Car has been tuned and running the best it ever has.
Last fill up, I calculated I got 14.6mpg (all around town driving). I thought I read that a car with my specs should be getting around 17-18 mpg around town and maybe 21 mpg on the freeway?
I give it some spirited driving occasionally, but I try and limit the lead foot syndrome. Tire pressures I try and keep to about 36-37psi (15" tires).
What are you guys getting? Do you care?

Last edited by Toploader (11/26/2020 1:45 AM)


1964-1/2 D Code Coupe - 289 V8, 4 Speed Toploader, 3.00 ratio rear, Autolite 4100 Carb, 15" tires, Pertronix ignition
 

11/25/2020 10:04 PM  #2


Re: MPG - What are you guys getting?

I think you are quoting some VERY optimistic numbers.  A non-overdrive tranny just can’t do that from what I have experienced.

My 66 with aluminum 427 and five speed with 3.70 rear gets 19 on the highway cruising 74 mph and about ten running around in the Texas hill country where I live.


Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
 

11/25/2020 11:36 PM  #3


Re: MPG - What are you guys getting?

I got 15 on my last trip to and from Montana at 70, cruise and AC on. 130K on the 289 2bl, C4 and 2:80 butts with 225x15x60 TAs. I dont think thats bad, maybe not go with todays standards but not bad.


Slammed Big Blue, ran over the varmints that messed with the Stang. Now all is good in the NW
 

11/26/2020 7:45 AM  #4


Re: MPG - What are you guys getting?

Since Aug. 2015 the Heap has had 5.0, AFR 165 heads, Comp 266XE cam, AOD, 3.55 gears.  On cruise, AC on, running true 70 most of the time on the highway...solid 22mpg.

BB1


"you get what you pay for, good work isn't cheap, and there are NO free lunches...PERIOD!"
 

11/26/2020 9:07 AM  #5


Re: MPG - What are you guys getting?

Last time checked 72 mach with 351C, toploader & Gear Vender OD, 3.50 gears was 14mpg highway.
67 with 351C, AOD, 370 gears gets a little better for some reason.

 

11/26/2020 12:25 PM  #6


Re: MPG - What are you guys getting?

My mileage is all over the place; 14-22 mpg. I fill by mileage, so when I hit 300 I'm looking to fill. Usually takes around 15 gallons. So I guess I get around 20 average. The sender and gauge are original and are very accurate.


Gary Zilik - Pine Junction, Colorado - 67 Coupe, 289-4V, T5
 

11/26/2020 2:10 PM  #7


Re: MPG - What are you guys getting?

RV6 wrote:

My mileage is all over the place; 14-22 mpg. I fill by mileage, so when I hit 300 I'm looking to fill. Usually takes around 15 gallons. So I guess I get around 20 average. The sender and gauge are original and are very accurate.

Is that highway or around town? I recorded my mileage at the last time I filled up, drove it about 179 miles and then filled up with 12.2 gallons. That's how I calculated my mpg.


1964-1/2 D Code Coupe - 289 V8, 4 Speed Toploader, 3.00 ratio rear, Autolite 4100 Carb, 15" tires, Pertronix ignition
     Thread Starter
 

11/26/2020 2:11 PM  #8


Re: MPG - What are you guys getting?

With the 4 speed and 3.00 rear, I would think it was a pretty good set up for mpg?


1964-1/2 D Code Coupe - 289 V8, 4 Speed Toploader, 3.00 ratio rear, Autolite 4100 Carb, 15" tires, Pertronix ignition
     Thread Starter
 

11/27/2020 2:31 PM  #9


Re: MPG - What are you guys getting?

Toploader wrote:

RV6 wrote:

My mileage is all over the place; 14-22 mpg. I fill by mileage, so when I hit 300 I'm looking to fill. Usually takes around 15 gallons. So I guess I get around 20 average. The sender and gauge are original and are very accurate.

Is that highway or around town? I recorded my mileage at the last time I filled up, drove it about 179 miles and then filled up with 12.2 gallons. That's how I calculated my mpg.

I write down the mileage and amount filled at each gas stop. Looking through the log I see a low of 14.79 to a high of 23.4. I keep a running average and it works out to 19.8 for all types of driving. Hence I fill at 300 miles for my 16 gallon tank.


Gary Zilik - Pine Junction, Colorado - 67 Coupe, 289-4V, T5
 

11/27/2020 4:39 PM  #10


Re: MPG - What are you guys getting?

RV6 wrote:

I write down the mileage and amount filled at each gas stop. Looking through the log I see a low of 14.79 to a high of 23.4. I keep a running average and it works out to 19.8 for all types of driving. Hence I fill at 300 miles for my 16 gallon tank.

What engine and rear gear do you have? Do you have a 5 speed?


1964-1/2 D Code Coupe - 289 V8, 4 Speed Toploader, 3.00 ratio rear, Autolite 4100 Carb, 15" tires, Pertronix ignition
     Thread Starter
 

11/27/2020 8:02 PM  #11


Re: MPG - What are you guys getting?

My engine is a 351W stroked to 416 with performer heads and intake with a 750 pot on top. I replaced the three speed with a C4 and recently replaced that with a T5. Most of the mpgs have been figured with the C4. The rear end is a 3.00 so it looks like the mpgs have stayed the same so far. I'm still fooling with the carb but it's hard to keep my foot out of it and adjust it. I keep track of my mpgs the same as Gary. The worst was 7 mpgs the best 18, most of the time it's 15. The mpgs would probably improve if I were to put in a 3.25 or 3.55 rear. But that would bust TKO's 10.00 first gear rule without changing out my 1st gear.


70, ragtop 351W/416 stroker Edel Performer heads w pro flow 4, Comp roller 35-421-8. T5
 

11/27/2020 10:39 PM  #12


Re: MPG - What are you guys getting?

It’s a FE with a stroker crank to 429 CI., 750 vacuum secondary, and the 5 speed. This one has been averaging 12.5-13.5 MPG for  mixed driving. It may do better if I get the carb sorted out. Seems like I fill the 22 gallon tank every time I drive it!!!! A heavy foot could be a factor.

The last motor was 410 CI. Best tank for it was 18 heading to Michigan.

Last edited by Bolted to Floor (11/27/2020 10:42 PM)


John  -- 67 Mustang Coupe 390 5 speed
 

11/28/2020 5:39 AM  #13


Re: MPG - What are you guys getting?

I really don't much care about the mileage factor, the main factor is, a cool car not everyone has, or can build and maintain. and since I put the Auburn unit in the car, tires are the bigger consideration.the smile on my face when I drive it, priceless. gas mileage? "we don't no stinkin gas mileage"

 

11/28/2020 10:35 AM  #14


Re: MPG - What are you guys getting?

Smiles per gallon


Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
 

11/28/2020 10:37 AM  #15


Re: MPG - What are you guys getting?

Toploader wrote:

RV6 wrote:

I write down the mileage and amount filled at each gas stop. Looking through the log I see a low of 14.79 to a high of 23.4. I keep a running average and it works out to 19.8 for all types of driving. Hence I fill at 300 miles for my 16 gallon tank.

What engine and rear gear do you have? Do you have a 5 speed?

3.55 rear, T5
 


Gary Zilik - Pine Junction, Colorado - 67 Coupe, 289-4V, T5
 

11/28/2020 3:33 PM  #16


Re: MPG - What are you guys getting?

Rv6 - That is pretty fair mileage!
Based on what people are saying here, is 15-16mpg around town for a relatively stock 289 what I should expect?


1964-1/2 D Code Coupe - 289 V8, 4 Speed Toploader, 3.00 ratio rear, Autolite 4100 Carb, 15" tires, Pertronix ignition
     Thread Starter
 

11/28/2020 4:00 PM  #17


Re: MPG - What are you guys getting?

I can't remember!! Seems like it was pretty good though. As cheap as gas is.......its'a non-issue. I guess.
Seemz like it was 17 MPG or maybe 14......... highway.?!
Still gives me goosebumps and makes me 'pucker' when I squeeze-it.
6sally6


Get busy Liv'in or get busy Die'n....Host of the 2020 Bash at the Beach/The only Bash that got cancelled  )8
 

Board footera


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