MPG Improvement
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,423
Likes: 1,558
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: 15,013
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: 3,116
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
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,044
Likes: 0
From: Henrico VA
