MPG Improvement
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,431
Likes: 1,561
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,120
Likes: 79
From: central FL, near the beach.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 165
Likes: 1
From: Stanley NC
The engine runs strong and powers out quick when punched running about 40 MPH. I have not tried to spin the tires from a dead stop.
Exhaust out the pipes appears to be rather equal, no smoke even when punched.
I will have to lift the carb to check on the 4 hole intake. Other posts here on the 4 hole gasket/spacer makes sense so may give that a try when checking carb.
First thing I am going to do is pickup new plugs, wires, rotor and dist cap and replace all and maybe PCV and O2 sensors.
This car does have the CCC which I heard only controls fuel mixture and dist advance. I know the "check engine" light does not come on at start up so something in that system may not be connected or working so checking that out as well.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Or the C-E indicator bulb is burned-out... Your first order of business is to get the C-E light working; that will allow you to see if any "trouble codes" have been stored in the computer which would guide you to what is not operating properly in the system. Search the internet for how to get trouble codes from your '81 controls system or find info on it in the Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual for 1981 vehicles.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
Likes: 201
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
Tune the carb properly with an LM-1 wideband 02 sensor and you will probably double your mpg.
I got 24mpg with my previous 550HP 406ci on the highway with TKO 600 overdrive tranny at 80mph
I got 24mpg with my previous 550HP 406ci on the highway with TKO 600 overdrive tranny at 80mph
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,044
Likes: 0
From: Henrico VA
