Does anybody have suggestions for improving fuel mileage? 1984 Chevy Pickup - 350 V8?

Answer 1

I partially agree with everything everyone here has said. But here's my 2 pennies.

First you don't mention how many miles are on your vehicle. Second you don't mention whether you've determined the condition of the engine you are driving. I'm going to assume that this engine has at least been rebuilt.

Now, your vehicle wasn't built to get great gas mileage, but you can try to get the most bang for your buck. But you have to determine what your current gas mileage is and compare it to what the EPA says the vehicle should get. This is your starting point. Basically, fill your tank up at your favorite gas station; drive it to near empty; fill it back up at that same pump at your favorite station; record the number of miles you've driven and divide that by the amount of gas you just put in to fill it back up. That's your base and where you need to try to improve from.

One sure way of getting better gas mileage is to only fill your take up half way at each fill up. This results in less weight carried around and will automatically give you about a 0.5% improvement. You have to fill up more often, but you save in the long run.

Your truck needs fuel, air, and spark to run. Tune up each of these areas on your vehicle. Change the plugs, spark wires, capacitor, etc. Change fuel filter, and use a carburator fuel injection cleaner (use with each fill up for the 1st several fill ups to ensure the system is clean) at every oil change. And move to a free flowing air filter like a K& N. The nice thing about K&N is that even when it's dirty, it still flows air at least as well as a brand new OEM air filter. Doing this should get you some fuel efficiency gains. Do the fuel mileage test afterwards to see what improvements you get.

Next would be lubricants. Reduce friction and you'll increase gas mileage. First, use an engine oil cleaner, and move to a full synthetic oil like Amsoil. They offer an extended drain oil and filter for your vehicle. Their 10W30 is good for 25K miles, and their filters are good for 12K. Check out the literature at Amsoil.com. I'd also recommend changing the transmission fluid, differential fluids, and wheels bearing to synthetics. They last longer and reduce friction which should increase gas mileage. Again, if you do this, do the gas mileage check again to see what your improvements are.

With all of that said, here are the 'side effects' to trying to get better gas mileage. Most of what I've suggested isn't going to be cheap. You may never gain back in gas mileage what you spend in improvements. As a matter of fact, you might get a 10 to 15% improvement when all is said and done, but is this justified when it means you'll go from 15 mpg to about 17 mpg? Synthetic lubricants are awesome, but they don't break down like conventional oils. Conventional oils break down, burn and fill in the gaps created when gaskets and seals begin to break down. Synthetic lubricants clean away that breakdown and eventually you could have oil leaks. If your engine hasn't been rebuilt, you will definately have leaks using synthetics.

Hope this helps. I've been driving and working on my own vehicles for the last 22 years. As an engineer, I always make it a priority to get better than EPA with any vehicle I own. I don't think I've told you anything that doesn't actually work. I've already tried just about everything that doesn't.

To summurize: 1) Find out your current fuel efficiency baseline, 2) Tune up and clean up your fuel, air, and spark systems. 3) Reduce friction by using synthetics, and 4) Carry around less gas by not filling up.

Answer 2

Well let me share something with you. A 1984 350 wasnt designed for fuel economy. all that can be done is the basics. oil changes, tune ups filter changes ans proper tire pressure. If you dont have a cap on your truck you may want to either get on or have a toneau cover put on. or the easy solution is remove the tail gate and if hauling in the trucks bed you will need to install a bed net. Other than that stop using the A/C and sweat it out

Answer 3

AHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAA, my grandads 77 with a 350, and a 700r4 gets 12, so youll probbably get 10 after a tune up, 8 or 9 now i probbably shouldnt be laughing though, i have a 79 stepside chevy that needs a motor, but it has a brandnew th400(the th400 is a stronger version of the th350) so im gonna get the same milage(if not less-than) you do when i get a motor, and my liscence

Answer 4

I would suggest getting some good tires that have very low rolling resistance. Like a set of Michelin XV series tires. I had a Ford Ranger where I removed the factory tires and replaced them with a set of low profile speed rated high performance tires. And indeed I got better performance but I could see a significant decrease in gas milage. Once I got a new set of "regular" tires, the milage went back up.

Answer 5

the discovery channel conducted a experiment on the tail gate up or down theory. The tail gate up made for less resistance. Well that is what they discovered so who am I to argue. 350 Chevy runs good with a small carburetter narrow tires on 16 inch wheels. hot plugs, good wiring, distributor cap and rotter. you should be able to get an amazing 15 miles to the gallon!!

Answer 6

Keep your tires properly inflated.
Make sure that your filters are clean.
Use the fuel (octane) that the manufacturer suggests.
Drive slower and or use the truck primarily for its intended purpose instead of a daily commuter.

Answer 7

On mythbusters last week they proved that taking off the tailgate and putting a mesh thing for trucks on was the best gas saver. not by much more than 5% I think but it still saved.
Tailgate down was the worst method.

Answer 8

Tune-up
K&N air filter
change driving habits
An 84 chev P/U really wasn't made for fuel economy

Answer 9

The technology of that year is working against you as far as gas milage is concerned,Upgrade to fuel injection and overdrive trans.if you want big improvement

Answer 10

make sure engine is properly tuned. try and use a light foot when accelerating. slow down gradually instead of racing to stops. take unneeded weight out of bed and drive like your grandmother