MPG experiment....1976 Dart Lite
This is one of the little things people forget. Reducing drag to a minimum any way you can. Go with all synthetic lubes. Make sure all of your wheel bearings are fresh. Make sure none of your brakes are dragging, even a little. Make sure your front end is aligned as perfectly as possible and your tire pressures are correct.
Electronic ignition is a must. A multi-spark ignition would probably help some but will not make a huge difference if you tune a standard ignition well. Reduce intake restriction with a K&N or similar filter. All the little things matter. You can realistically get that car up close to 30MPG if you just keep doing what you are.
Thanks Dude.
Trans fluid was NON EXISTENT. I am running standard fluid for now, I will switch over to synthetics once the transmission and rear end get "cleaned out" with the new mineral fluid.
Wheel bearings front were repacked with the front brakes, rear are due to be checked when I switch to synthetic in rear differential.
Tires are all spot on at 35 PSI. Tire sidewall says max of 44, I might work up there later. There is a lot of "opinions" on that matter on the thread on slantsix.org.....:angry7:
I want to rebuild suspension later, throwing sway bars, etc into the mix....I wll have alignment set after rebuild.
Brakes could very well be dragging a little, I went to extremes to make sure this 4 wheel drum car would stop in daily traffic. They will also get checked, and drums turned as part of the evolvement of this experiment.
Air intake is next, going to duct air to stock air box. I am not going to spring for a K&N right now, because it would be a waste of money once the turbo come in this winter. For now, clean paper filters, with a little forced air might help. I can't wait to see the difference between the 3 speed and the OD, to actually document the difference.
