What kind of fuel mileage should a 1951 (replacement engine) 216 be expected to achieve if all variables are at optimum? If I've been running too rich all these years and miles and achieving 12 mpg, what could I expect if it wasn't running rich?

I'm also curious how a 6"x1" steel mesh filter can allow more fresh air into the engine than a 6" x 2" paper filter.

I removed the steel mesh element on my '56 Cadillac and replaced it with a paper filter (albeit it's about 15" by 4" which is the same size as the original steel mesh) and my fuel economy increased from 14mpg hwy to 16mpg hwy.


1950 Chevrolet 3100 (Ol' Roy)

1939 Packard Standard Eight Coupe (The Phantom) | 1956 Cadillac Coupe de Ville (The Bismarck) | 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 coupe |1966 Ford Mustang (Little Red) | 1969 Pontiac GTO (The Dishpit) I 1979 Ford F-100 | 1976 Ford F-150 (Big Red) | 1995 Ford F-150 (Newt)