C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Averaging 9MPG

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Old Feb 26, 2024 | 12:26 PM
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Default Averaging 9MPG

What's going on guys
So I just wanted to see if I'd get any input here before I start digging. Just bought an 86 from a shop. New fuel pump, sending unit, distributor, wires, plugs, maf, etc. However no new injectors. I had an hour drive home with it and I noticed the mpg avg was 7 but gradually went up to 9. Didn't seem as if the fuel level was dropping too fast but regardless still a concern. Considering what's new I'd figure first thing to check would be the o2 sensor, egr, pcv. I did get a CEL on the way home but I wiggled the maf clip and it cleared so i know I need it to hold contact but regardless need to find why it's claiming 9mpg. I read other threads mentioning to check the balancer and check the fuel drain for any clogs but any other ideas let me know thanks in advance!
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Old Feb 26, 2024 | 12:48 PM
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Before you loose your mind that reading is a general average from the last time it was reset, so if the guy you bought it from spent the last 1000 miles Drifting and running car hard it will show poorly and take a while to even out.
So push the resets as a new owner and drive like a Human on the highway for about 30 miles at 65/70 cruise set you should average out 25 plus and instant a bit better
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Old Feb 26, 2024 | 12:54 PM
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Originally Posted by s carter
Before you loose your mind that reading is a general average from the last time it was reset, so if the guy you bought it from spent the last 1000 miles Drifting and running car hard it will show poorly and take a while to even out.
So push the resets as a new owner and drive like a Human on the highway for about 30 miles at 65/70 cruise set you should average out 25 plus and instant a bit better
​​​
Makes sense I'll give that a shot I appreciate it thank you!
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Old Feb 26, 2024 | 12:58 PM
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If that is your actual mpg based on calculating miles driven dividend by fuel used that would be a poor running car or very lopey. A clogged cat would affect performance like that. Easy way to check is use a infrared thermometer before and after the cat. Big difference in temp change indicates a problem.
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Old Feb 26, 2024 | 01:03 PM
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Couldn't this be a lot of idling time while working on it , charging battery, moving it around the shop etc ??? Disconnect the battery and idle it a while and you get instant bad/zero mileage.

Reset the fuel mileage and drive it.

Last edited by Vets-Vet; Feb 26, 2024 at 01:43 PM.
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Old Feb 26, 2024 | 01:49 PM
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Originally Posted by topfuel67
If that is your actual mpg based on calculating miles driven dividend by fuel used that would be a poor running car or very lopey. A clogged cat would affect performance like that. Easy way to check is use a infrared thermometer before and after the cat. Big difference in temp change indicates a problem.
72mi and 4 gallons used so looking at 18mpg. Which is better but I'll still check the cat thank you

Originally Posted by Vets-Vet
Couldn't this be a lot of idling time while working on it , charging battery, moving it around the shop etc ??? Disconnect the battery and idle it a while and you get instant bad mileage.

Reset the fuel mileage and drive it.
100%! I bought it on Saturday so haven’t done anything but drive it home. I'll for sure do that thank you
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Old Feb 26, 2024 | 02:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Vets-Vet
Couldn't this be a lot of idling time while working on it , charging battery, moving it around the shop etc ??? Disconnect the battery and idle it a while and you get instant bad/zero mileage.

Reset the fuel mileage and drive it.
Yes very much so
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Old Feb 27, 2024 | 06:06 AM
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Originally Posted by Vets-Vet
Couldn't this be a lot of idling time while working on it , charging battery, moving it around the shop etc ??? Disconnect the battery and idle it a while and you get instant bad/zero mileage.

Reset the fuel mileage and drive it.
Agreed ^^^^^^ Drive it as much as you can, get as many miles under your belt as possible!!! This is how you can truly evaluate its characteristics, pros and cons, needs and wants.....Basically, you want to establish a known baseline of what you truly have in the car, so you have something to compare repairs/changes to!!!!! IMHO, it's absolutely critical to have a shakedown period before you start tearing it apart and changing/fixing things! Obviously, this does not apply to problems like overheating, brake pedal that goes to the floor, etc...issues that would constitute parking the vehicle until fixed!!! But you can know you need new shocks and still drive it, start a list of "needs" and a list of "wants" and get to "know" your corvette first....This will absolutely help with having a positive attitude in the future when it does need work, because it'll be your "baby"...not that "f-ing POS"👍
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Old Feb 28, 2024 | 12:11 AM
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Originally Posted by '78CorvetteS.A.
Agreed ^^^^^^ Drive it as much as you can, get as many miles under your belt as possible!!! This is how you can truly evaluate its characteristics, pros and cons, needs and wants.....Basically, you want to establish a known baseline of what you truly have in the car, so you have something to compare repairs/changes to!!!!! IMHO, it's absolutely critical to have a shakedown period before you start tearing it apart and changing/fixing things! Obviously, this does not apply to problems like overheating, brake pedal that goes to the floor, etc...issues that would constitute parking the vehicle until fixed!!! But you can know you need new shocks and still drive it, start a list of "needs" and a list of "wants" and get to "know" your corvette first....This will absolutely help with having a positive attitude in the future when it does need work, because it'll be your "baby"...not that "f-ing POS"👍
Indeed! Did that with my c5 and the c4 drove pretty well back home but I'll put some miles in it for sure. Thank you very much!
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