MPG question

I don't check the gas mileage, but we do keep track of all the gas we buy and all the miles driven. On average we get quite a bit less than the rumored 8 - 10 mpg. WE always tow and my wife ends to load up the towed car and the coach is probably a little overweight.

I had a 1968 Dodge Charger RT with a 440 Magnum, automatic, all the bells and whistles, and (I think) 325 rear end gears. It got about 10 - 12 MPG, even on road trips. All this in spite of the car weighing under 4500 lbs and being somewhat more low and sleek compared o the GMC. I'm not at all surprised at the mileage I get in the GMC.
Well if you have the numbers, all that's left to do is the math. Maybe you don't want to know? Just get in and go. Our Insight gets 10x the MPG that the GMC does, but it's in the garage and we left today for Buellton. We are in Kingman getting gas and lunch. 8.1 MPG so far.PXL_20240915_184520225.webp
 
I am curious on this subject. I had discussed years ago this milage issue with one of the senior engineers I use to work with and he laid some of the blame on the old 3 speed transmission as opposed to the more modern 6 & 8 speed transmissions. Although for sure the 455 sure drinks alot too. I think I’ve read there is very little we could do with a transmission swap to a Allison and such with our front wheel drive setup.

TG
 
  • Like
Reactions: RonaldPottol
3213 miles, 238.739 gallons of diesel. Mostly running 62-64 mph. Rio Rancho NM to Eugene OR, round trip, so not a flat land trip.
You can do the math.
 
Last edited:
I have a hard time believing the Olds 455 would get good mileage if you put it in a Yugo.
Its a HUGE, oversquare, low compression, beast. none of which is good for fuel economy.
But Dang it's fun to drive!
Kinda did some searching around and I really am wondering if you going to find a modern engine that will do much better than the 403 or 455 pulling around 12+k pounds! Could you educate me if there is?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Carl Stouffer
Hi Hal, miss your tech sessions on your version of the bogies. Have you finished your extended coach yet?
I took on a different project I'm afraid. I've installed a Duramax/Allison into the rear of a FMC motorhome. I used the dash cluster and steering column from the 2006 Silverado. Used all three computers as well as both fuse boxes from the roll over donor. I have all the steering wheel controls working as well as automatic lights, the donor trucks wiper motor replacing the two OEM FMC motors with stalk controls like the chevy truck had. Installed disc brakes all around with a hydroboost up front-really ,really tight fit. Had to build a bell crank to turn the booster sideways along with the master cylinder, even had to remote mount the master reservoir because of the limited space. Liquid to air intercooler, 370 amp secondary alternator Lithium batteries, increased fuel tank size, Led headlights as well as sequencing tail lights. Running and driving, just working out some issues like cruise control.
Sourced a rear for the GMC that can hold the power vs the Dana 70 I had in the pusher. I didn't like the flipped shortened rear and was concerned with its capacity. The clock is ticking I'm afraid and don't know if the pusher will get finished. I'll be 76 next month (Lord willing) and find it takes much longer to get 'stuff' done now. And with a move back to Nevada looming.....
 
Kinda did some searching around and I really am wondering if you going to find a modern engine that will do much better than the 403 or 455 pulling around 12+k pounds! Could you educate me if there is?
well, a diesel apparently gets 13mpg, but the payback period is longer than my lifetime!
and the poor transmission will take a beating
So no, probably nothing better, and like I said, it's fun to drive
 
  • Like
Reactions: RonaldPottol
well, a diesel apparently gets 13mpg, but the payback period is longer than my lifetime!
and the poor transmission will take a beating
So no, probably nothing better, and like I said, it's fun to drive
If you can't do the swap yourself it probably won't ever pay off. But if you have a catastrophic engine failure and have to change engines, the price becomes less onerous. The price of fuel fluctuates widely, we saw diesel 40 to 90 cents cheaper than gas this summer where it has been the opposite spread more in the last few years-go figure.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Carl Stouffer
I took on a different project I'm afraid. I've installed a Duramax/Allison into the rear of a FMC motorhome. I used the dash cluster and steering column from the 2006 Silverado. Used all three computers as well as both fuse boxes from the roll over donor. I have all the steering wheel controls working as well as automatic lights, the donor trucks wiper motor replacing the two OEM FMC motors with stalk controls like the chevy truck had. Installed disc brakes all around with a hydroboost up front-really ,really tight fit. Had to build a bell crank to turn the booster sideways along with the master cylinder, even had to remote mount the master reservoir because of the limited space. Liquid to air intercooler, 370 amp secondary alternator Lithium batteries, increased fuel tank size, Led headlights as well as sequencing tail lights. Running and driving, just working out some issues like cruise control.
Sourced a rear for the GMC that can hold the power vs the Dana 70 I had in the pusher. I didn't like the flipped shortened rear and was concerned with its capacity. The clock is ticking I'm afraid and don't know if the pusher will get finished. I'll be 76 next month (Lord willing) and find it takes much longer to get 'stuff' done now. And with a move back to Nevada looming.....

You're AMAZING, Hal!!!
 
Well if you have the numbers, all that's left to do is the math. Maybe you don't want to know? Just get in and go. Our Insight gets 10x the MPG that the GMC does, but it's in the garage and we left today for Buellton. We are in Kingman getting gas and lunch. 8.1 MPG so far.View attachment 11696
We made it to the Apex airpark in Silverdale WA from Gilbert AZ, 1509.3 miles and used 174.69 gallons to average 8.63 MPG. Worst leg, 8.1 MPG. Best leg 9.5 MPG.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Carl Stouffer