C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

20 MPG Big block??

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 12, 2004 | 01:13 PM
  #1  
ykp53's Avatar
ykp53
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 341
Likes: 0
From: macon, ga
Default 20 MPG Big block??

is it possible? if so what would it take to do this?
just wondering...
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2004 | 01:22 PM
  #2  
gerry72's Avatar
gerry72
Safety Car
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,711
Likes: 43
From: San Antonio TX
Default Re: 20 MPG Big block?? (ykp53)

Sure. You build the engine for VE at a very low rpm and gear accordingly. If you want more than that, visit http://www.feuling.com/ and read some of the engine tech he was working on before he went HOG wild.

A 25 pound monkey can get 20mpg from a BB 'Vette as long as that's really what you're trying to do.
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2004 | 02:02 PM
  #3  
PRNDL's Avatar
PRNDL
Team Owner
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
Default Re: 20 MPG Big block?? (gerry72)

around town would be tough but on the highway an O/D trans + a little tuning might do the trick. :)
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2004 | 02:24 PM
  #4  
verskel's Avatar
verskel
Safety Car
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 4,143
Likes: 0
Default Re: 20 MPG Big block?? (ykp53)

Highway - 20 mpg is possible with a 5-speed tranny with a final drive of 0.68:1 :yesnod:

Otherwise, you'll need to convert from carb. to EFI....... ;)
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2004 | 02:27 PM
  #5  
turtlevette's Avatar
turtlevette
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,053
Likes: 4
St. Jude Donor '03,'11
Default Re: 20 MPG Big block?? (ykp53)

is it possible? if so what would it take to do this?
just wondering...
(Scotty's voice) "Captain, I can't change the laws of physics"

Reply
Old Apr 12, 2004 | 04:27 PM
  #6  
American Boy's Avatar
American Boy
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 672
Likes: 0
From: Quebec
Default Re: 20 MPG Big block?? (ykp53)

If you take the famous 100 mpg carburator and combine it with a BB, you will acheive close to 20 mpg... :jester :lol:
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2004 | 04:37 PM
  #7  
mrvette's Avatar
mrvette
Team Owner
Active Streak: 120 Days
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Default Re: 20 MPG Big block?? (American Boy)

Well, as ever I suspect any reasonable tuner will reply, 'it depends on where the power curve is'.....

so given that on any level....the most efficient engine will sport a DPFI closed loop system on top....nuff said.....

IMO tune carbs all day long, and rebuild to any standard...but nothing beats that computer.....not with an O2 sensor input anyway....

GENE
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2004 | 05:00 PM
  #8  
zwede's Avatar
zwede
Race Director
25 Year Member
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,360
Likes: 382
From: Plano TX
Default Re: 20 MPG Big block?? (ykp53)

I should be able to tell you in late may. Going on a road trip to the forum cruise in (about 800 miles each way). I have a 454 with EFI and 5-speed with 0.68 OD. We'll see what kind of mileage it'll crank out.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Apr 12, 2004 | 05:56 PM
  #9  
mrvette's Avatar
mrvette
Team Owner
Active Streak: 120 Days
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Default Re: 20 MPG Big block?? (zwede)

ZW, please do, for sure ....as I would love a BB vette, but the thing is the total cost of a conversion....accessories and DPFI, and the aluminum heads and so forth....freaking thing would have to get some decent MPG for that kind of price.....

GENE
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2004 | 07:39 PM
  #10  
Chuck Harmon's Avatar
Chuck Harmon
Melting Slicks
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,286
Likes: 8
From: San Jose California
Default Re: 20 MPG Big block?? (ykp53)

I took my L88 on a run up to San Franciso and back one night last year, about 150 miles total. Cruising between 70 and 80 mph depending on traffic, but being very gentle with the throttle (no secondaries), I averaged 15mpg. This is with a factory spec L88, Richmond 6 speed with a 2.54:1 overall gear ratio.

I am hoping that with the new roller cam and some jetting changes, numerous fuel ionizers and other gadgets from JC Whitney & Co. that I can win some "beer bets" with over 20mpg's.

I do believe that a more modestly cammed BB than mine with a well tuned carb and ignition system would easily get 20mpg's on the highway with gearing in the high 2's, maybe even with 3.08's and 27" original diameter tires. I have found that high compression engines, i.e. 11:1, deliver much better mileage than engines with only 8.5:1, everything else being equal. I think I recall reading that the difference can be as much as 20%.

Chuck
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2004 | 08:17 PM
  #11  
69stingray's Avatar
69stingray
Burning Brakes
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 0
From: Milford NH
Default Re: 20 MPG Big block?? (ykp53)

Sure, I do not think it is impossible. Like it has been mentioned, an efficeint engine, fuel injection and good driving habits (probably the most important), you should be able to get 20 MPG once.
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2004 | 09:07 PM
  #12  
gdh's Avatar
gdh
Le Mans Master
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,721
Likes: 108
From: Canada
Default Re: 20 MPG Big block?? (69stingray)

did it in a Cutlass 442 vert in the early 70's - does getting towed for 75% of the way count though?
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2004 | 09:52 PM
  #13  
'79ProwlerOrange's Avatar
'79ProwlerOrange
Safety Car
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,556
Likes: 0
From: Seattle WA
Default Re: 20 MPG Big block?? (gdh)

you could.... but why? you dont get a BB for fuel efficiency. :confused:
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2004 | 12:00 AM
  #14  
ZL1powr's Avatar
ZL1powr
Pro
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 723
Likes: 0
From: North Port, FL
Default Re: 20 MPG Big block?? (ykp53)

On my last road trip to Indiana and back (about 1000 miles total) I averaged 19.6 mpg. I attribute the milage to the .6 ratio of the Richmond transmision and the tune of my 850 DP carb. The carb was tuned using an Inovate Motorsports wide band o2 sensor. I run a 15.4 a/f at cruise a 12.6 a/f at full throtle and a 14.7 a/f at idle.
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2004 | 10:20 AM
  #15  
ykp53's Avatar
ykp53
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 341
Likes: 0
From: macon, ga
Default Re: 20 MPG Big block?? (ZL1powr)

Zl1Powr do you have a oxygen sensor mounted to the side pipes? if so where? and how? i know its a big block its not supposed to get good gas milage, but hearing the wife complain about $35 a week in gas is gettign old.
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2004 | 10:44 AM
  #16  
norvalwilhelm's Avatar
norvalwilhelm
Race Director
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Default Re: 20 MPG Big block?? (ykp53)

I am regularly pulling down 15 mpg on mostly open roads with a little city driving thrown in. I would like to take a trip with strickly open roads to find out how good it gets. I do run extremely lean at cruise, over 15 to 1 and drop to 13-1 on hills and passing. I do have an oxygen sensor.
This is with 2 850 double pumpers and a blower
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2004 | 10:46 AM
  #17  
isosceles's Avatar
isosceles
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,128
Likes: 3
From: Deltona (son of Deland and DAYTONA) FL
Default Re: 20 MPG Big block?? (ykp53)

anyone remember those ads in the Sunday paper in "Today" section that would turn your V8 into a V6? :lolg:
I think it kept the valves shut on 2 cylinders.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To 20 MPG Big block??

Old Apr 13, 2004 | 10:48 AM
  #18  
Rowdy Rat's Avatar
Rowdy Rat
Safety Car
Veteran: Marine Corps
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 3,599
Likes: 837
From: PA
Default Re: 20 MPG Big block??

is it possible? if so what would it take to do this?
ykp53,

You might want to check out back issues of Super Chevy from the early 1980s I believe. They had a project Monte Carlo with a 454 that was getting around 26 mpg in real life driving.

That's 26 mpg with no fuel injection and no overdrive transmission...

Regards,
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2004 | 11:08 AM
  #19  
mrvette's Avatar
mrvette
Team Owner
Active Streak: 120 Days
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Default Re: 20 MPG Big block?? (Rowdy Rat)

RR, frankly that mag is crazy.....no way in hell getting 26 mpg without DPFI and o/drive......not in a 3800 lbs monte anyway....
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2004 | 09:34 PM
  #20  
ZL1powr's Avatar
ZL1powr
Pro
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 723
Likes: 0
From: North Port, FL
Default Re: 20 MPG Big block?? (ykp53)

Zl1Powr do you have a oxygen sensor mounted to the side pipes? if so where? and how? i know its a big block its not supposed to get good gas milage, but hearing the wife complain about $35 a week in gas is gettign old.
I have an o2 bung welded to the driver side collector at about the 4:00 position so that the sensor just clears the frame. You are not suppose to mount them below 3:00 because of suseptability to damage by moisture but I have not had any issues and i didn't have to bugger the frame.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:04 PM.

story-0
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-1
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-4
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-5
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-7
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE