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jonstringer · 05-06-2008, 02:04 PM

Just a not-so-quick side note. I flew to Tallahassee, FLA to pick up my 1972 Cutlass S. I performed a fluid flush, inspection, set the timing, etc because it had been sitting a while... The engine, and transmission were both rebuilt less than 1k miles ago (documented) before I got my hands on it. It's a 455ci mated to a TH350 and a 2.73 open rear.

Here's what I have:
1. 455 w/ E Heads, forged crank, pistons, and rods. (not sure why the prior owner invested so much into the engine. Maybe he was building a racer.)
2. original Q-Jet also rebuilt
3. Cam unknown. No receipt, but a nice mild idle sound. Nothing radical.
4. Long tube headers by Hooker, mated to 2 1/4" Dual exhaust, 40 series Flow masters, w/ and H pipe.
5. Original snorkel Air Filter

I left the snorkel on, and forgot change the air filter, which was so caked with dirt it wasn't breathing at all. I drove my first tank of gas with this set up, (Avg speed 65 miles per hour) and achieved about 14.5mpg. I've never owned a GM Big Block so I figured this is how things work. I didn't know what to expect efficiency wise.

I stopped in a small town and checked the air filter, and saw how unsavory it was. I changed it out with a $23 open element 2" air filter from Autozone and tested it with my second tank of gas (avg. 65mph) and it was a much different story. I was averaging just over 17mpg, no joke. I monitored my fuel usage the entire way home, and it was consistently between 16.5 and 17.2mpg depending on my foot.

I was a little more than impressed by this fact. Also, the engine doesn't drop or burn any fluids whatsoever. Money well spent.

05-06-2008, 02:04 PM	#1 (permalink)
jonstringer Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 33	Impressed by 455 mpg. Just a not-so-quick side note. I flew to Tallahassee, FLA to pick up my 1972 Cutlass S. I performed a fluid flush, inspection, set the timing, etc because it had been sitting a while... The engine, and transmission were both rebuilt less than 1k miles ago (documented) before I got my hands on it. It's a 455ci mated to a TH350 and a 2.73 open rear. Here's what I have: 1. 455 w/ E Heads, forged crank, pistons, and rods. (not sure why the prior owner invested so much into the engine. Maybe he was building a racer.) 2. original Q-Jet also rebuilt 3. Cam unknown. No receipt, but a nice mild idle sound. Nothing radical. 4. Long tube headers by Hooker, mated to 2 1/4" Dual exhaust, 40 series Flow masters, w/ and H pipe. 5. Original snorkel Air Filter I left the snorkel on, and forgot change the air filter, which was so caked with dirt it wasn't breathing at all. I drove my first tank of gas with this set up, (Avg speed 65 miles per hour) and achieved about 14.5mpg. I've never owned a GM Big Block so I figured this is how things work. I didn't know what to expect efficiency wise. I stopped in a small town and checked the air filter, and saw how unsavory it was. I changed it out with a $23 open element 2" air filter from Autozone and tested it with my second tank of gas (avg. 65mph) and it was a much different story. I was averaging just over 17mpg, no joke. I monitored my fuel usage the entire way home, and it was consistently between 16.5 and 17.2mpg depending on my foot. I was a little more than impressed by this fact. Also, the engine doesn't drop or burn any fluids whatsoever. Money well spent.