Just thought I'd give a short report on a quick trip we made. Took the GMC up to Denver from Rio Rancho, 450 miles each way of up and down country for
sure. Three passes over 7300' including Raton Pass @7800. Anyway not the best terrain for good economy running. We ran up pulling an empty tow dolly
and returned with a 3300 lb car on the dolly. Ran 63/64 up, 61/62 back with only a little bad wind.
Averaged 13.79 mpg round trip with the new 3.42 (vs old 3.73) gear set. The overall ratio works out to about a 2.76 in OD. I was surprised that it
seemed to pull just as well with the taller gear but is a lot nicer to live with-quieter than the 403 we think. Also nice to be able to run 700+ miles
between fuel stops if desired to buy fuel at the least expensive location. At $1.98 here we are $.21 cheaper than anywhere on the trip. As if a
$12.00 savings on 63 gallons is going to pay for the diesel swap.... :lol:
Hal
--
1977 Royale 101348,
1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,
1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout
sure. Three passes over 7300' including Raton Pass @7800. Anyway not the best terrain for good economy running. We ran up pulling an empty tow dolly
and returned with a 3300 lb car on the dolly. Ran 63/64 up, 61/62 back with only a little bad wind.
Averaged 13.79 mpg round trip with the new 3.42 (vs old 3.73) gear set. The overall ratio works out to about a 2.76 in OD. I was surprised that it
seemed to pull just as well with the taller gear but is a lot nicer to live with-quieter than the 403 we think. Also nice to be able to run 700+ miles
between fuel stops if desired to buy fuel at the least expensive location. At $1.98 here we are $.21 cheaper than anywhere on the trip. As if a
$12.00 savings on 63 gallons is going to pay for the diesel swap.... :lol:
Hal
--
1977 Royale 101348,
1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,
1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout