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| | | | Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 243 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 243 | im looking at a 46 chevrolet 1/2 ton with the orig 216 granny 4 speed with new jim carter gear set QUESTION: what would be a "comfortable" hi-way speed as well as approx gas milage i can expect from this truck has orig 16in wheels
Last edited by dbone; 10/19/2011 6:45 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 4,095 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 4,095 |
Ron, The Computer Greek I love therefore I am.1954 3100 Chevy truckIn the Gallery 2017 Buick Encore See more pix1960 MGA Roadster Sold 7/18/2017
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,897 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,897 | To many variables to give you an accurate answer.
But here goes anyway top speed of 60-85 mph, and mileage between 10 and 20 mpg. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 1,847 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 1,847 | | | | | | Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 106 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 106 | I predict 15 mpg give or take a couple mpg. Driving speed of 60 - 65 mph sounds about right. My 54 1/2 ton with those rear end gears and original hydramatic trans runs well on the freeway at 70 mph. I would feel like I am pushing it too hard to drive above 70 mph. Remember your 216 engine wasn't designed to be pushed hard on a highway. A 1946 truck wasn't really intended to be driven on the highway at 60-80 mph. The front end should be in good "tight" condition, no loose and sloppy conditions. Front roller bearings, rebuilt brakes, radial tires and three point seat belts would be good ideas. Be sure to inspect the original 16" rims for rusted rivets on the inside, etc. Also important to leave lots of space from the cars in front of you for those unexpected fast stops.
Stovebolts are good for the heart
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2000 Posts: 800 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2000 Posts: 800 | I don't think that you'll beat 16 mpg with any vintage inline 6 cylinder engine driving in the modern environment. Lots of combos exist as to tire sizes, overdrives, power levels, etc, and I don't think I have ever seen anyone claim more than 16 mpg that wasn't exaggerating. The aerodynamics, or lack thereof, of these trucks at higher speeds (Above 50mph) just doesn't lend themselves to a good mileage result. And then when you do get a nice powerful engine and overdrive, it's just too much fun to keep your foot out of it! | | | | | Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 4,095 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 4,095 | k10 i beg to differ with you. i get 15 average around town and have gotten 24 on the highway and i have averaged 17-20 on the trip to Kansas City and also a run to Stovebolt HQ in Maryland and averaged 17 over the mountains in WVA. my set up is a little different, i have a 54/3100/235 wit fenton headers and offy manifold and dual carbs and dual exhaust. the rear end is a nova 2.73 and a s10 T5 trans. i have the records to show for it and JDL
on this site was with me and witnessed it.
Ron, The Computer Greek I love therefore I am.1954 3100 Chevy truckIn the Gallery 2017 Buick Encore See more pix1960 MGA Roadster Sold 7/18/2017
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