mpg on my 340
I swear this is true. Just before the "double nickel" speed limit was introduced, I decided to make the RR into a "driver" and build a fun/ street/ drag car. I also had a 64 Dodge at the time. This was about 72--early 73. I bought a low miles 340 out of a Duster and installed it into the what had been a V code 70 RR so, 18 spline 4 speed, 3.54 Dana, lots of tools in the trunk, and "add on" A/C. That thing even with my not so careful driving, on a highway trip would get 17.5. the best the 440 ever got with an 800 DP Holley, and headers, was 13.8. This was NOT a lightweight car. I weighed it once I think it was 3860 lbs with the 440, headers, and 4bbl Ed intake.
With gearing and rear tires, it ran right at 3K RPM at 70 MPH.
This was when we were beginning to have "gas shortages" or at least fuel was "going up." In the winter of 73 I got stuck on Navy Shore Patrol in downtown San Diego. Damned station operators would leave the signs lit up and powered, you'd be driving down in the freeway cut and go "up" the ramp for some fuel and the station would be locked up!!!
The 340 RIGHT after install. I was BROKE!!! Ran it for awhile with 318 manifolds and single exhaust. In this photo the A/C has not been re-installed. Can't afford valve covers at this point, LMAO
This was taken in either 73 or 74, and it had the 340 and headers by that time. I had driven from San Diego (Miramar) to N Idaho, this is my folk's back yard.
