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my post on a ford mustang site asking about possible mpg on a 66:
I had a 66 Mustang w/ 200 ci w/ auto 3speed w/ 2.76 (not use the EXACT ratio but it was the 'highway option') and no A/C.
I was in college driving from Dallas to Texas A&M back in the late 70's.
I did the following and got 27mpg on the road.
(not all these were done at the time to get better mpg, but the result was better mpg)
1. At 100k got the head reworked. what a difference!
2. Installed Clifford header. Mounted the 'T' divider to the headers w/ hex bolts to keep it from rattling.
3, Installed a 2" singe pipe from the headers to a 1 in 2 out muffler with 1 3/4 out pipe into gt tips (and a 1 3/4 dual set up to start...why too much for the small cubic inch displacement)
the leaner you run the engine the better mpg.
4. Ran F70 series 14 radial tires. they were slightly larger than stock.
5. Installed a cruise control. Had to change over to a 67/68 gas pedal setup the had a horizontal pull instaed of the 66 vertical pull.
6. Installed a cool little mpg led device that I found at jc withney. had a magnet on the drive shaft to count revolutions anf a flow meter on the gas line. it was usually accurate to about 95%. I always had to imput the fillup.
7. Rear addco sway bay (best 60 buck I have ever spent on any car.
8. Nylon bushings on all the end links
9 lowered front end 1" and set to shelby specs.
10. installed rear air shocks to level the the ride (NOT TO JACK UP THE CAR!!!!!) also set each shock on it's on air line.
11. moved battery to trunk
THe key to better mileage (given a well running engine) is two things
1. Adjust the nut behind the wheel. (hint....the driver) useing a gauge to constantly measure mpg is like plang a vedio game. Just measuring at fillup is past tense and pasive. You need to stay on it every minute.
2. lower rpms. the lower the rpm at cruise, the better mpg. one poster suggested a tranny w/ o/d. this is an EXCELLENT idea. also go up a size or two on the tire (dont go up on the rim)
3. warmer engines burning warm air get better mpg. change out the thermostat to a hotter one. if you aren't driving very far....your not going to get better mileage regardless what you do!
thoughts on tire sizes.
1. the bigger the rim, the farther out you move the moving mass. Moving mass is at 4 times the static weight. so adding 4lb is like adding 12lbs to the suspension parts. THe spindle on the 4 lug six is soooo small it really has a hard time with the additional weight of a stock steel belt radial tire
2. there is plenty of room for taller tires.
3. taller tires will make it slower of the line. (but who cares if you are really wanting better mpg??) this is where an o/d tranny is a plus!
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