Thread: Best gear ratio??

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Although I am still the "new guy", my first posting got a reply from you estimating 18 mpg (max) in your "pail" with a 2.79:1 rear and a 383 SBC. Here you mention 10-19 mpg with a 358. Can you tell me/us what cam you are running in the 358 and the intake. I probably have seen your "pail" in Street Rodder at some time or other or perhaps some other "pail", the point being that the weight is about what, 1600 pounds? As you know I have been chasing my tail trying to figure out how to get 20 mpg or more from a rebuilt 350 with TH350 and 2.79:1 Maverick rear, the same ratio you quote. Since a hot rod is supposed to be "hot", I really don't want to go to high pressure tires, two bbl carb and vacuum gauge, just a reasonable way to get 20 mpg. Now you mention 19 mpg so I would like to know your cam at least. Also while you are on the air what do you remember about the Edelbrock Streetmaster intake which Vic Sr. offered to provide low speed torque and mileage during the gas crisis of 1974. I am trying to keep up and today I replaced some of the bolts in the four-bar with longer bolts and installed the cross-over steering and the Vega-box, so I am getting closer to the time when I have to pin down the specs on my crate engine order.

Don Shillady
Retired Scientist/teen rodder