So i've been using my 48 buick as a daily driver and i finally got arround to doing a bit of math and determine my gas milage. Turns out i'm getting just over 7 MPG. This is not what i was used to with my 66 mustang with the fuel injected HO 5.0. I get it. It's a much bigger car (about 1,000 pounds heavier!) and the carburated 350 it a bit more aggresive. But what are my options.

I CAN'T FIND THE DATE STAMP ON THE ENGINE!!!! The block number is 3970010 so it's 69-79. But i have no idea what year the block is. I know it's got the smaller spark plugs "peanut plugs" so that means it must be post 1970? Doesn't really narrow it down.

I have it attached to a TH350 tranmission. And a 63 rear end with traction lock. How can i tell what gears it is without tearing everything apart?

The engine has an edelbrock performance intake and a quadrajet carb i tuned myself (ugh). Should i just expect single digit gas mileage or is there a hope to push my big pig into double digits?


Also while i'm at it the engines been acting a bit wierd. When i cold start it i need to keep my foot on the gas and feed it up to 800-1000 rmps for a min or two or else it stalls........anybody have any ideas? I just put new plugs in (did it myslef! AC Delco)