Ron Steltz(WE b Old) got 23 or so with his 235 engine in his '54 Chevy 1/2 ton, Thrift Master. You weren't day dreaming. But I think he has a T5 tranny and 2.73 gears. He'd still be getting that but now he gets infinity miles to the gallon because he can't drive his truck right now, it is overheating.
