1977 truck runs good has 350 what can i do for better gas milage?

Answer 1

Just do the routine maintenenace. Oil change regularly, replace air , fuel, pcv,plugs and check or replace the condition of the wires cap and rotor, and make sure the ignition timing is correct, make sure the timing components such as the vacuum advance still operates.Prolonged idling will eat gas, so turn off the engine when ever possible. Cold engine starting is effected by a cold air temp switch located in the air cleaner snorkel. It is closed when the enmgine is cold and opens when the engine warms up to allow warm air into the carb, make sure this part works. On the carb there is a choke pull off that is supposed to open the throttle plate when you start the engine, if this doesnt work then you will eat a lot of fuel when youi atre just starting the engine, This makes the engine not only start easier but allows for smooth acceleration when the engine is cold. Once the engine warms up, the choke pull off isnt necessary but in the mean time you will constantly stall out until the engine warms up thus eating your fuel until it does warm up. Air pressure in the tires are to be checked regularly. Finally, watch your driving habits. Jack rabbit starts and high speed driving will consume the most fuel. carrying extra un needed weights will also eat fuel. Do not carry heavy loads continuously. Avoid city stop and go driving and try to maintain a highway speed, use cruise control if you have it for long distance driving as well. Nothing will give you great mileage but the little things all add up. How many miles on the engine? If you are close to or over 100k then you may have worn internal engine parts such as a worn timing chain that will eat up the gas.
So as you can tell, there are a lot of factors in fuel consumption.

good luck.............

Answer 2

A quality set of headers may increase your milage by 3%, and up your HP, by letting the exaust gases flow more freely. Remove the fan from the water pump and install an electric. The fan eats up anywhere from 5%-15% of horsepower produced by your engine, on a Chevy 350 that can be as much as 25-36 hp. A good mid-rise intake will allow the fuel to atomize better before entering the cylinders to be burned. There are many mor things that can be done and cost thousands of $$$ to do them. What I have listed is the basic modifications to increase MPG after the non-modified basics. Your increase in MPG should be anywhere from 10-25%. But will these things pay for themselves in the short run? Chances are, NO. As long as fuel prices keep climbing and how long you keep your truck, over a longer period of time you may see a savings. So do what some of the others suggest; Keep it tuned, keep it inflated, keep it slick, and keep it breathing.

Answer 3

Keep the air filter clean, keep the tires inflated to best performance level, buy the proper gas octane for the engine, use products that will help clean out the carburetor and fuel intake areas.

Answer 4

Besides the normal tune-up items and driving habits, there's not much more you can do. Those engines weren't designed for good gas mileage so if you're getting more than 15 mpg, you're lucky.