1970's "30mpg" V8 cams, big car, w/14:1 CR on 87oct

[freebeard]

Originally Posted by bandit86

There was a member here with a Buick Roadmaster wagon, perfectly sums up what's capable or doable if one attacks the gearing problem in a well thought out manner

Were you thinking of funkhoss? His was a Chevy Caprice, sold in 2021: ecomodder.com/forum/showthread.php/sold-most-efficient-tow-vehicle-people-hauler-ever-39752.html

Agreed though, a Buick Roadmaster built to the same specification would be awesome. Else, a four-door hardtop wagon:

[Andyman]

I read about the Funkhoss Chevrolet Caprice Wagon. It's on the Ecomodder home page so it's easy to find. I think it was a 1994 model. He got about 50 MPG by installing Bridgestone Ecopia tires, aerodynamic mods, a manual overdrive transmission and a low ratio (2.14) rear axle gear set. He said that the engine speed was slightly less than 1000 RPM at 55 MPH. That seems too low to me. I think that driving at very low engine speeds could wear out the bearings, pistons and cylinders faster. I think I would try to get about 40 MPH at 1000 RPM. That would be 1375 RPM at 55 MPH. He got a big MPG improvement by using engine off coasting. For safety he added a pump to keep vacuum in the power brake booster.

I found a little more information about the Crower Mileage System. There is an ad for Crower camshafts in Hot Rod, September 1981 page 50. It's about their fuel efficient camshafts. Here is a link for that issue. You will need to navigate to page 50 and zoom in to see it well.

https://www.hotrod.com/magazines/hot-rod/issue/571489/

Here is a summary:

CROWER DECLARES WAR
On Sluggish Driving & High Gas Prices

five camshafts are described:

MILEAGE PLUS Grind #256H
BAJA TORQUE MASTER Grind #264H
COMPU-PRO SERIES Grind #278HDP

CMS I (patent pending)
"Specifically ground for use in high compression muscle cars to maintain effective compression ratios and still run great with the low octane fuel available today. Idles smooth, with fantastic mileage increases reported."

CMS II
"For the ultimate in mileage with good performance use our newest CMS II kit, includes cam & lifters, high compression pistons and rings, gaskets...everything you need to gain super mileage and performance as well. CMS II in stock for 350 Chevy V8 (others special order)"

The phone number shown is 714/422-1191

The phone number on their web page is 619.661.6477