The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Just curious - Gas Mileage?

Now, I know... we don't love these trucks for their fuel efficiency. But given that regular unleaded is pushing $3 a gallon these days... I'm sure it's on everyone's minds.

So, given a stock stovebolt, say, a 216 with a 3-speed manual... what kind of gas mileage have you fine folks been observing?

I haven't actually driven mine yet, but the records I got from the previous owner indicate he fot anywhere from 12 to 15 m.p.g.

I have had my stock 1951 truck for 3 years and have taken some extended trips. Everything tuned up properly (new points,condensor, and plugs) will get me 17 mpg @ 45 mph. In town results are less - 14 or fewer. Which reminds me, I need a tune up!
BW

Goofy, welcome to the bolt,, mine now gets about 16-21,,,,,,,,,,,,,use to get about 10 ...

Grandpa tells me that he used to get 15-20 mpg, depending upon how much he was hauling and how heavy his foot was.

I get 12 to 14 around town. Probably more like 16 or 17 running down the highway. That's a GMC 270 with a stock SM420 and 3.08 gears out back.

Because of the price of gas I've been driving it more often. My primary driver is a 454 powered 1-ton that has never done better than 10 mpg.

About 15 mpg w/216 & 3 speed in my 53'.

Last time i figured it, about 10, if I keep my size 14 out of the throttle.

Thanks for so many great replies, folks. It looks like my guesses were pretty much right about average mileage being around 15 mpg.

Would you folks recommend using the lead fuel additive for each tank of gas in these old 'bolts, or just fill it up with regular unleaded and go?

I usually pour a couple of capfuls of Marvel Mystery Oil into the tank before I fill it up.It gives the top end a little lubrication,keeps the carb clean,and,for some reason,seems to up the octane a little,too.
Speed

Man, is there anything that stuff Isn't good for? I hear it also thickens paint, re-grows hair and removes unsightly liver spots.

Seriously, though, that's an interesting tip. Any other additives you folks found that help your mileage and/or performance?

Not an additive but keep your tailgate down. I get 24 w/my toyotas up, 29 w/it down. Tested it numerous times and it works despite people telling me it doesnt.

Jeff

my 54 with a v8 and 4 spd auto (700R4/3.08 gears) was getting about 11 MPG ***BEFORE*** a carb rebuild. I haven't had enough data to see how much the MPG has changed since I rebuilt it about a month ago, but I expect it to go up at least to 15 MPG city

"Would you folks recommend using the lead fuel additive for each tank of gas in these old 'bolts, or just fill it up with regular unleaded and go?"

I just fill my '55 up with regular unleaded. It doesn't go very far, but it does go...

my 2005 6L 2500 with 4:10 rear end is getting 15.3 mpg... better if i can miss a few stoplights.. gotta keep my foot out of all that HP tho.

The Ox gets about 10 mpg, but it's got a bad carb and I've got a heavy foot (283)

the Coupe gets about 12 mpg, with a good carb and my heavy foot (350).

volcan96,sounds like you got problems there with that setup.I am running a 350 V/8 in my 55 2nd,with a 700R4 OD,and stock 3:90 rear and getting 20 MPG all the time.

My 250 with auto matic and 3.08 get 18 or 19 on the road, and around 14 or 15 in town depending on the amount of hotrodding I do! Three carbs sound really cool wide open..... Joe

My Bolt gets "lucky 13"

Cliff59