Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] MPG with 3.7 gear ratio (403 engine, hilly conditions)
| [GMCnet] MPG with 3.7 gear ratio (403 engine, hilly conditions) [message #172429] |
Thu, 07 June 2012 13:23  |
Ek_Lektro
Messages: 167
Registered: March 2011
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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Greetings GMCers!
well, I've heard the case made both for and against
in regards to improved gas mileage (with a 403 engine),
when upgrading to the 3.7 final drive.
With lots of city (los angeles) stop and go traffic, as well as hills to climb
(as opposed to long stretches of flat highway)
can the claim be made for much improved gas mileage in these environs?
(Not to mention the luxury of climbing those hills without bogging down to 35MPH)?
Also, in our case, we're looking to protect our aging transmission.
we had some slippage a few years ago, so...
Perhaps this "kill 2 birds with one stone" perspective might make it worth the investment,
sooner rather than later!?
Anyway, we're really appreciate some real-life testimonials, or caveats!
No need for any lengthy technical explanations
(much as we always appreciate it... We've heard the issue discussed before,
and don't want to waste anybody's time)
Lastly, if anybody has a line on a discounted or used 3.7 from a part-out, etc,
please let us know...
Thanks much!
Greg
78 Eleganza II with 1000 watt solar array (charging at 50 amps right now!)
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| Re: [GMCnet] MPG with 3.7 gear ratio (403 engine, hilly conditions) [message #172432 is a reply to message #172429] |
Thu, 07 June 2012 13:52  |
 |
ljdavick
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
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You are chasing that mythical increased MPG, huh? I believe Gene when he states you'll get 8 - 10 MPG.
We Californians are blessed with beautiful scenery, expansive freeways, and an abundance of others who appreciate our freeways too (all at the same time.) Lower gears are, to my way of thinking, an essential piece to provide acceptable drive-ability. My beloved PO put in 3.55 (I think) gears so that he could tow a Jeep. I still go over the Grapevine at about 40 mph, but I can get to Vegas at 55.
Because I already have the gears I really haven't given a thought to Chain vs Gear, but I think Jim K makes a good point that his gears put less strain on the transmission. Your 403 is a good engine - no need to envy those of us with a few more cubes.
Larry Davick
Fremont, California
The Mystery Machine
'76 (ish) Palm Beach
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ek_Lektro" <eklektro@gmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Thursday, June 7, 2012 11:23:32 AM
Subject: [GMCnet] MPG with 3.7 gear ratio (403 engine, hilly conditions)
Greetings GMCers!
well, I've heard the case made both for and against
in regards to improved gas mileage (with a 403 engine),
when upgrading to the 3.7 final drive.
With lots of city (los angeles) stop and go traffic, as well as hills to climb
(as opposed to long stretches of flat highway)
can the claim be made for much improved gas mileage in these environs?
(Not to mention the luxury of climbing those hills without bogging down to 35MPH)?
Also, in our case, we're looking to protect our aging transmission.
we had some slippage a few years ago, so...
Perhaps this "kill 2 birds with one stone" perspective might make it worth the investment,
sooner rather than later!?
Anyway, we're really appreciate some real-life testimonials, or caveats!
No need for any lengthy technical explanations
(much as we always appreciate it... We've heard the issue discussed before,
and don't want to waste anybody's time)
Lastly, if anybody has a line on a discounted or used 3.7 from a part-out, etc,
please let us know...
Thanks much!
Greg
78 Eleganza II with 1000 watt solar array (charging at 50 amps right now!)
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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
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| Re: [GMCnet] MPG with 3.7 gear ratio (403 engine, hilly conditions) [message #172443 is a reply to message #172429] |
Thu, 07 June 2012 15:15 |
Ray Erspamer
Messages: 1707
Registered: May 2007
Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin
Karma: -3
|
Senior Member |
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Hi Greg
I cannot say enough good things our the 3:70 we put in last summer. Talk about
get up and go !
This spring I sent my carb to Dick Paterson and had it rebuilt, another good
thing I did.
We put on 1600 miles over Memorial Day Weekend, overall a great trip. The gas
mileage was hard for me to believe., I kept dead nuts mileage and gas usage
records and we averaged 10.2 MPG. Since the installation of the 3:70 we've
AVERAGED 9.35 MPG as compared to 8.95 with the 3:42 final drive that came with
our coach. I won't talk about why I changed final drives ! <big grin>
You can't go wrong with the 403 and the 3:70 !
Ray
Ray & Lisa
78 Royale "Great Lakes Eagle"
Center Kitchen TZE368V101144
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
Email: 78GMC-Royale@att.net
414-745-3188
Web Site: http://ray-lisa.page.tl/
________________________________
From: Ek_Lektro <eklektro@gmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Thu, June 7, 2012 1:23:46 PM
Subject: [GMCnet] MPG with 3.7 gear ratio (403 engine, hilly conditions)
Greetings GMCers!
well, I've heard the case made both for and against
in regards to improved gas mileage (with a 403 engine),
when upgrading to the 3.7 final drive.
With lots of city (los angeles) stop and go traffic, as well as hills to climb
(as opposed to long stretches of flat highway)
can the claim be made for much improved gas mileage in these environs?
(Not to mention the luxury of climbing those hills without bogging down to
35MPH)?
Also, in our case, we're looking to protect our aging transmission.
we had some slippage a few years ago, so...
Perhaps this "kill 2 birds with one stone" perspective might make it worth the
investment,
sooner rather than later!?
Anyway, we're really appreciate some real-life testimonials, or caveats!
No need for any lengthy technical explanations
(much as we always appreciate it... We've heard the issue discussed before,
and don't want to waste anybody's time)
Lastly, if anybody has a line on a discounted or used 3.7 from a part-out, etc,
please let us know...
Thanks much!
Greg
78 Eleganza II with 1000 watt solar array (charging at 50 amps right now!)
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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Ray Erspamer
78 GMC Royale Center Kitchen
403, 3.70 Final Drive
Holley Sniper Quadrajet EFI System,
Holley Hyperspark Ignition System
414-484-9431
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| Re: [GMCnet] MPG with 3.7 gear ratio (403 engine, hilly conditions) [message #172444 is a reply to message #172432] |
Thu, 07 June 2012 15:17 |
Ray Erspamer
Messages: 1707
Registered: May 2007
Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin
Karma: -3
|
Senior Member |
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I totally agree with Gene's "you'll get 8 - 10 MPG ! Gee, with 10.2 on our
last long trip, I feel like I've struck the mother load ! LOL
Ray
Ray & Lisa
78 Royale "Great Lakes Eagle"
Center Kitchen TZE368V101144
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
Email: 78GMC-Royale@att.net
414-745-3188
Web Site: http://ray-lisa.page.tl/
________________________________
From: Larry Davick <ljdavick@comcast.net>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Thu, June 7, 2012 1:52:15 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] MPG with 3.7 gear ratio (403 engine, hilly conditions)
You are chasing that mythical increased MPG, huh? I believe Gene when he states
you'll get 8 - 10 MPG.
We Californians are blessed with beautiful scenery, expansive freeways, and an
abundance of others who appreciate our freeways too (all at the same time.)
Lower gears are, to my way of thinking, an essential piece to provide acceptable
drive-ability. My beloved PO put in 3.55 (I think) gears so that he could tow a
Jeep. I still go over the Grapevine at about 40 mph, but I can get to Vegas at
55.
Because I already have the gears I really haven't given a thought to Chain vs
Gear, but I think Jim K makes a good point that his gears put less strain on the
transmission. Your 403 is a good engine - no need to envy those of us with a few
more cubes.
Larry Davick
Fremont, California
The Mystery Machine
'76 (ish) Palm Beach
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ek_Lektro" <eklektro@gmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Thursday, June 7, 2012 11:23:32 AM
Subject: [GMCnet] MPG with 3.7 gear ratio (403 engine, hilly conditions)
Greetings GMCers!
well, I've heard the case made both for and against
in regards to improved gas mileage (with a 403 engine),
when upgrading to the 3.7 final drive.
With lots of city (los angeles) stop and go traffic, as well as hills to climb
(as opposed to long stretches of flat highway)
can the claim be made for much improved gas mileage in these environs?
(Not to mention the luxury of climbing those hills without bogging down to
35MPH)?
Also, in our case, we're looking to protect our aging transmission.
we had some slippage a few years ago, so...
Perhaps this "kill 2 birds with one stone" perspective might make it worth the
investment,
sooner rather than later!?
Anyway, we're really appreciate some real-life testimonials, or caveats!
No need for any lengthy technical explanations
(much as we always appreciate it... We've heard the issue discussed before,
and don't want to waste anybody's time)
Lastly, if anybody has a line on a discounted or used 3.7 from a part-out, etc,
please let us know...
Thanks much!
Greg
78 Eleganza II with 1000 watt solar array (charging at 50 amps right now!)
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Ray Erspamer
78 GMC Royale Center Kitchen
403, 3.70 Final Drive
Holley Sniper Quadrajet EFI System,
Holley Hyperspark Ignition System
414-484-9431
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| Re: [GMCnet] MPG with 3.7 gear ratio (403 engine, hilly conditions) [message #172550 is a reply to message #172549] |
Fri, 08 June 2012 07:45 |
 |
hnielsen2
Messages: 1434
Registered: February 2004
Location: Alpine CA
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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We run 3:70 and get 8-!0 MPG
Howard
----- Original Message -----
From: "Steven Ferguson" <botiemad11@gmail.com>
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Friday, June 08, 2012 05:21
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] MPG with 3.7 gear ratio (403 engine, hilly conditions)
> I've had both. Neither had any effect on fuel economy, (no matter how
> incorrect that term is when referring to a GMC). You will like those 3.70
> gears.
>
> On Thu, Jun 7, 2012 at 11:23 AM, Ek_Lektro <eklektro@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Greetings GMCers!
>> well, I've heard the case made both for and against
>> in regards to improved gas mileage (with a 403 engine),
>> when upgrading to the 3.7 final drive.
>> --
>>
> Fathom the hypocrisy of a nation where every citizen must prove they have
> health insurance......but not everyone has to prove they're a citizen.
> Steve Ferguson
> Sierra Vista, AZ
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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All is well with my Lord
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| Re: [GMCnet] MPG with 3.7 gear ratio (403 engine, hilly conditions) [message #172552 is a reply to message #172443] |
Fri, 08 June 2012 07:59 |
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Ray,
I'd say that the wings on that paint job did their thing and helped with
your mileage.
Byron Songer
Louisville, KY
GMC Paint Designs and Illustrations
http://www.songerconsulting.net/gallery/
This reply is in reference to what is provided below:
>Hi Greg
>
>I cannot say enough good things our the 3:70 we put in last summer. Talk
>about
>get up and go !
>This spring I sent my carb to Dick Paterson and had it rebuilt, another
>good
>thing I did.
>
>We put on 1600 miles over Memorial Day Weekend, overall a great trip.
>The gas
>mileage was hard for me to believe., I kept dead nuts mileage and gas
>usage
>records and we averaged 10.2 MPG. Since the installation of the 3:70
>we've
>AVERAGED 9.35 MPG as compared to 8.95 with the 3:42 final drive that came
>with
>our coach. I won't talk about why I changed final drives ! <big grin>
>
>You can't go wrong with the 403 and the 3:70 !
>
>Ray
>
>
>Ray & Lisa
>78 Royale "Great Lakes Eagle"
>Center Kitchen TZE368V101144
>Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
>Email: 78GMC-Royale@att.net
>414-745-3188
>Web Site: http://ray-lisa.page.tl/
>
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--
Byron Songer
Full-timing to enjoy the USA
Former owner but still an admirer
GMC paint schemes at -
http://www.songerconsulting.net
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| Re: [GMCnet] MPG with 3.7 gear ratio (403 engine, hilly conditions) [message #172569 is a reply to message #172552] |
Fri, 08 June 2012 10:07 |
Ray Erspamer
Messages: 1707
Registered: May 2007
Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin
Karma: -3
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Dang, why didn't I think of that, it had to be the wings !
Thanks Byron !
Ray
Ray & Lisa
78 Royale "Great Lakes Eagle"
Center Kitchen TZE368V101144
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
Email: 78GMC-Royale@att.net
414-745-3188
Web Site: http://ray-lisa.page.tl/
________________________________
From: Byron Songer <bsonger@songerconsulting.net>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Fri, June 8, 2012 7:59:42 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] MPG with 3.7 gear ratio (403 engine, hilly conditions)
Ray,
I'd say that the wings on that paint job did their thing and helped with
your mileage.
Byron Songer
Louisville, KY
GMC Paint Designs and Illustrations
http://www.songerconsulting.net/gallery/
This reply is in reference to what is provided below:
>Hi Greg
>
>I cannot say enough good things our the 3:70 we put in last summer. Talk
>about
>get up and go !
>This spring I sent my carb to Dick Paterson and had it rebuilt, another
>good
>thing I did.
>
>We put on 1600 miles over Memorial Day Weekend, overall a great trip.
>The gas
>mileage was hard for me to believe., I kept dead nuts mileage and gas
>usage
>records and we averaged 10.2 MPG. Since the installation of the 3:70
>we've
>AVERAGED 9.35 MPG as compared to 8.95 with the 3:42 final drive that came
>with
>our coach. I won't talk about why I changed final drives ! <big grin>
>
>You can't go wrong with the 403 and the 3:70 !
>
>Ray
>
>
>Ray & Lisa
>78 Royale "Great Lakes Eagle"
>Center Kitchen TZE368V101144
>Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
>Email: 78GMC-Royale@att.net
>414-745-3188
>Web Site: http://ray-lisa.page.tl/
>
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GMCnet mailing list
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_______________________________________________
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Ray Erspamer
78 GMC Royale Center Kitchen
403, 3.70 Final Drive
Holley Sniper Quadrajet EFI System,
Holley Hyperspark Ignition System
414-484-9431
|
|
|
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| Re: [GMCnet] MPG with 3.7 gear ratio (403 engine, hilly conditions) [message #172581 is a reply to message #172429] |
Fri, 08 June 2012 11:51 |
roy1
Messages: 2126
Registered: July 2004
Location: Minden nevada
Karma: 6
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I lived in the LA area for 35 years.I generally tow a boat or a car. In the early days it was always a boat. When I went from the 3:08 gears to 3:21 I picked up better fuel mileage and more pulling power. When I changed to 3:70 gears the mileage stayed about the same but the pulling power was even better. Now that I live in an even bigger Mountain state I'm sure the 3:70 gears would give an increase in fuel mileage over the 3:21 gears. It is no fun to be in low gear going 10 miles an hour an knowing if the pass gets any steeper you ain't going to be able to get over the top.
Roy Keen
Minden,NV
76 X Glenbrook
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| Re: [GMCnet] MPG with 3.7 gear ratio (403 engine, hilly conditions) [message #172681 is a reply to message #172444] |
Sat, 09 June 2012 02:05 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
|
Senior Member |
|
|
elieve it or not, there are thos
On Thu, Jun 7, 2012 at 1:17 PM, Ray Erspamer <78gmc-royale@att.net> wrote:
> I totally agree with Gene's "you'll get 8 - 10 MPG ! Gee, with 10.2 on our
> last long trip, I feel like I've struck the mother load ! LOL
>
> Ray
>
>
> Ray & Lisa
> 78 Royale "Great Lakes Eagle"
> Center Kitchen TZE368V101144
> Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
> Email: 78GMC-Royale@att.net
> 414-745-3188
> Web Site: http://ray-lisa.page.tl/
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Larry Davick <ljdavick@comcast.net>
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Sent: Thu, June 7, 2012 1:52:15 PM
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] MPG with 3.7 gear ratio (403 engine, hilly conditions)
>
>
> You are chasing that mythical increased MPG, huh? I believe Gene when he states
> you'll get 8 - 10 MPG.
>
>
> We Californians are blessed with beautiful scenery, expansive freeways, and an
> abundance of others who appreciate our freeways too (all at the same time.)
> Lower gears are, to my way of thinking, an essential piece to provide acceptable
> drive-ability. My beloved PO put in 3.55 (I think) gears so that he could tow a
> Jeep. I still go over the Grapevine at about 40 mph, but I can get to Vegas at
> 55.
>
>
> Because I already have the gears I really haven't given a thought to Chain vs
> Gear, but I think Jim K makes a good point that his gears put less strain on the
> transmission. Your 403 is a good engine - no need to envy those of us with a few
> more cubes.
>
>
>
> Larry Davick
> Fremont, California
> The Mystery Machine
> '76 (ish) Palm Beach
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Ek_Lektro" <eklektro@gmail.com>
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Sent: Thursday, June 7, 2012 11:23:32 AM
> Subject: [GMCnet] MPG with 3.7 gear ratio (403 engine, hilly conditions)
>
> Greetings GMCers!
> well, I've heard the case made both for and against
> in regards to improved gas mileage (with a 403 engine),
> when upgrading to the 3.7 final drive.
> With lots of city (los angeles) stop and go traffic, as well as hills to climb
> (as opposed to long stretches of flat highway)
> can the claim be made for much improved gas mileage in these environs?
> (Not to mention the luxury of climbing those hills without bogging down to
> 35MPH)?
>
> Also, in our case, we're looking to protect our aging transmission.
> we had some slippage a few years ago, so...
> Perhaps this "kill 2 birds with one stone" perspective might make it worth the
> investment,
>
> sooner rather than later!?
> Anyway, we're really appreciate some real-life testimonials, or caveats!
> No need for any lengthy technical explanations
> (much as we always appreciate it... We've heard the issue discussed before,
> and don't want to waste anybody's time)
> Lastly, if anybody has a line on a discounted or used 3.7 from a part-out, etc,
> please let us know...
> Thanks much!
> Greg
> 78 Eleganza II with 1000 watt solar array (charging at 50 amps right now!)
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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