Took a road trip on the highway last week with ole' blue, averaged 10.8 miles to the gallon -- is that about right?

Keep 'er between the ditches.

 

I have a '63 4X4 with a 292 and a 4 speed. It is getting about 10.5 mpg so you seem to be in the same area mine is. I am looking into an additional tank for more distance with mine.

 

That sounds like a great idea. I thought about going the propane route at one time, but... Figure a good place would be where the spare tire goes in the back? Are there generic replacement plastic tanks at a good price I could stuff in there? I could see having more or less a 'reserve' tank - with a fuel petcock for backcountry trips, that would come in handy.



Keep 'er between the ditches.

 

In the past, I have hung old Chevy car tanks under the rear of older trucks. You can get up to around 25 gals. with them. Mustangs fit good also, just harder to find. Just watch for the filler neck so it fits around the truck frame alright.

 

Next time you find a camper Sp at the junk yard take a look under the drives door there might be a side saddle tank.

44

 

Speaking of Camper's, that's the next thing. I'm the second owner of the truck, and I guess it had a Camper on it most of its life. I thought F100's weren't up to the task - gotta have an F250, say.

So what kind of Campers will work? The kind that overhang over the cab? Do campers have integral fuel tanks of some kind? Figure 50 gallons would do me about right for extended range. I hate stopping for fuel with a passion.




Keep 'er between the ditches.

 

Yep, the y-blocks aren't the most efficient of motors, but 10.5 mpg is pretty low for a 2WD F100 with 235/75/R15 tires. Even a 4x4 without too aggressive of tire should get nearly 13 mpg on the freeway.

I have a Unibody with 235's on it, also a vinyl tonneau cover and Pertronix electronic igniton. I average 14-15 mpg on the freeway, with 3.89 gears, turning about 2850-2900 rpms @ 65mph. Also keep in mind that I have a nearly bone stock 292 with a 2bbl, and my truck weighs 3250 empty. Before I put in the Pertronix, and without the tonneau, I'd average 12. The y-block's fuel mileage depends very much on point gap and dwell. If they are off even a little, it can impact your fuel mileage alot. Keep 'er tuned, and look into a Pertronix EI if you can. They run about $90. This improves mileage by having correct gap at all times, as long as the screw is snug.

I'm sure you fellow y-block enthusiasts know, those distributors are wayyy back there, points are a chore.

-Zen-

 

Well, that was one reason I asked. I took a road trip out West a couple years ago, and I seem to remember averaging around 14 to 16 and was trying to figure out what happened, or if it was possible. This latest run was only half a tank and on two lane somewhat stop and go driving, so I suppose it's in the ballpark. Definitely when I get the chance I'll go to a pertronix, nothing wrong with points as such but they are a pita w/ the dizzy back at the firewall.




Keep 'er between the ditches.

 

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 26-Aug-02 AT 03:48 AM (EST)]I hear ya there, Tedster. I know my Y-block got better gas mileage a few years ago, and I believe that much of the drop in fuel economy is also caused by the new "cleaner" gasoline. In California, they use oxygenated fuel in the winter, which does have an impact on fuel economy for everyone, as well as a small, almost imperceptible power loss. My truck does get better gas mileage out here in North Dakota, than it did in California - even though I am comparing summertime driving.

There's no way I would attempt to drive my truck in a North Dakota winter, it's a handful even in the rain. :-X23

Some gas stations, depending on state laws and company, use oxygenated fuel in the winter. I have seen some gas stations in other states without "oxygenated fuel regulation" use the "cleaner" fuel, even though there are no state laws requiring it. It's a good thing to check out.

-Zen-

 

My 65 with industrial 360 4spd gets 18-20 mi/gal at 2700rpm. some mild modifcations though. the pertronix is a must. dual exhaust with high flow or like myself i opted for the noise and used 2 1/4 dual full tail pipes etc but no mufflers yeah that is it strait pipes. hahaha ya know not much louder than glass packs.