318 build #2 "cost minded" for the '74 Duster

20 mpg seems like a lofty goal. What did the six cylinder feather dusters get? How heavy is your right foot?
stock 318 with those gears should get around 18 mpg@1900 rpm 45 ish mph with a 26 tall tire
if he can increase low end torque it should give a mpg boost
smaller primarys in a thermoquad might just do that if they are smaller
feather dusters were in the 20s setup right