Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] 15.875 MPG
[GMCnet] 15.875 MPG [message #246027] |
Tue, 01 April 2014 11:59 |
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ljdavick
Messages: 3548 Registered: March 2007 Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
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Senior Member |
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I've been tinkering with the coach to try and maximize efficiency. Here is what I've done, and the measurements from our trip to So. Cal today.
- 16.5" Firestone Transfoce tires have been likened to wagon wheels so I thought why not go to maximum inflation pressure. My Harbor Freight compressor won't go past 95psi, so that's where I have all six tires set.
- removed spare tire as the added weight is unnecessary. I have AAA.
- fuel delivery - it dawns on me that very little fuel is burned during periods of vapor lock. I have coiled a length of PolyArmor around the exhaust pipe and then to the carburetor.
- the carburetor is the single biggest fuel waster. It allows too much fuel to go into the engine. I disconnected any linkage to the secondaries and goobered a liberal amount of silicone around the butterflies to seal them off.
- I've eliminated 2nd gear.
- with both hatches open and both roof fans on high I have the cockpit windows open for airflow. The woosh of air is positive proof that this is the future of efficiency. When I return home I will affix a whole house fan in place of the rear window.
- airflow through the radiator has been a big topic here. Baffles and air dams help, but really it's the radiator that is the problem. I've blocked it off entirely.
- Rain-X also reduces friction over the road. I applied 4 coats to the entire coach. FYI - don't put it on the entry step or the toilet seat.
- it is a fact that air is thinner, less dense, at altitude. I've inflated my rear bags to maximum.
- it's a small step towards a hybrid but I connected the Onan 110v to the alternator and starter motors through a switch. This way I was able to gain horsepower by running them as motors to add power to the 455.
With all of these improvements the coach is a dream. I liken it to the feeling man had when he first flew, skated on ice, or skied on water. The coach had abundant power and though I tried to keep it under 70mph I wasn't always able to do so. Fuel economy is nearly 16mpg, which is the theoretical maximum for a 455 at idle going 60 mph.
I'll mark this historic day on my calendar and expect that forever April 1st will be celebrated as, oh, you've already figured it out…
Sorry.
Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, CA
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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] 15.875 MPG [message #246030 is a reply to message #246027] |
Tue, 01 April 2014 12:05 |
RicksGMC
Messages: 145 Registered: May 2012
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Sir,
That was funny!
đŸ˜‚
Rick
Rick&Tammy Drummond
Prior Lake MN
'74 (re)Painted Desert
On Apr 1, 2014, at 11:59 AM, Larry Davick <ljdavick@comcast.net> wrote:
> I've been tinkering with the coach to try and maximize efficiency. Here is what I've done, and the measurements from our trip to So. Cal today.
> - 16.5" Firestone Transfoce tires have been likened to wagon wheels so I thought why not go to maximum inflation pressure. My Harbor Freight compressor won't go past 95psi, so that's where I have all six tires set.
> - removed spare tire as the added weight is unnecessary. I have AAA.
> - fuel delivery - it dawns on me that very little fuel is burned during periods of vapor lock. I have coiled a length of PolyArmor around the exhaust pipe and then to the carburetor.
> - the carburetor is the single biggest fuel waster. It allows too much fuel to go into the engine. I disconnected any linkage to the secondaries and goobered a liberal amount of silicone around the butterflies to seal them off.
> - I've eliminated 2nd gear.
> - with both hatches open and both roof fans on high I have the cockpit windows open for airflow. The woosh of air is positive proof that this is the future of efficiency. When I return home I will affix a whole house fan in place of the rear window.
> - airflow through the radiator has been a big topic here. Baffles and air dams help, but really it's the radiator that is the problem. I've blocked it off entirely.
> - Rain-X also reduces friction over the road. I applied 4 coats to the entire coach. FYI - don't put it on the entry step or the toilet seat.
> - it is a fact that air is thinner, less dense, at altitude. I've inflated my rear bags to maximum.
> - it's a small step towards a hybrid but I connected the Onan 110v to the alternator and starter motors through a switch. This way I was able to gain horsepower by running them as motors to add power to the 455.
>
> With all of these improvements the coach is a dream. I liken it to the feeling man had when he first flew, skated on ice, or skied on water. The coach had abundant power and though I tried to keep it under 70mph I wasn't always able to do so. Fuel economy is nearly 16mpg, which is the theoretical maximum for a 455 at idle going 60 mph.
>
> I'll mark this historic day on my calendar and expect that forever April 1st will be celebrated as, oh, you've already figured it out…
>
> Sorry.
>
> Larry Davick
> A Mystery Machine
> 1976(ish) Palm Beach
> Fremont, CA
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
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Rick
Rick&Tammy Drummond
Prior Lake MN
'74 (re)Painted Desert
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Re: [GMCnet] 15.875 MPG [message #246031 is a reply to message #246027] |
Tue, 01 April 2014 12:13 |
roy1
Messages: 2126 Registered: July 2004 Location: Minden nevada
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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ljdavick wrote on Tue, 01 April 2014 09:59 | I've been tinkering with the coach to try and maximize efficiency. Here is what I've done, and the measurements from our trip to So. Cal today.
- 16.5" Firestone Transfoce tires have been likened to wagon wheels so I thought why not go to maximum inflation pressure. My Harbor Freight compressor won't go past 95psi, so that's where I have all six tires set.
- removed spare tire as the added weight is unnecessary. I have AAA.
- fuel delivery - it dawns on me that very little fuel is burned during periods of vapor lock. I have coiled a length of PolyArmor around the exhaust pipe and then to the carburetor.
- the carburetor is the single biggest fuel waster. It allows too much fuel to go into the engine. I disconnected any linkage to the secondaries and goobered a liberal amount of silicone around the butterflies to seal them off.
- I've eliminated 2nd gear.
- with both hatches open and both roof fans on high I have the cockpit windows open for airflow. The woosh of air is positive proof that this is the future of efficiency. When I return home I will affix a whole house fan in place of the rear window.
- airflow through the radiator has been a big topic here. Baffles and air dams help, but really it's the radiator that is the problem. I've blocked it off entirely.
- Rain-X also reduces friction over the road. I applied 4 coats to the entire coach. FYI - don't put it on the entry step or the toilet seat.
- it is a fact that air is thinner, less dense, at altitude. I've inflated my rear bags to maximum.
- it's a small step towards a hybrid but I connected the Onan 110v to the alternator and starter motors through a switch. This way I was able to gain horsepower by running them as motors to add power to the 455.
With all of these improvements the coach is a dream. I liken it to the feeling man had when he first flew, skated on ice, or skied on water. The coach had abundant power and though I tried to keep it under 70mph I wasn't always able to do so. Fuel economy is nearly 16mpg, which is the theoretical maximum for a 455 at idle going 60 mph.
I'll mark this historic day on my calendar and expect that forever April 1st will be celebrated as, oh, you've already figured it out...
Sorry.
Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, CA
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Larry you are smoking too much Pot you have finally crossed over and will need to be evaluated I am having visions of the movie one flew over the co co nest. I hope it isn't too late. The first thing I would recommend is we take your GMC and part it out.
Roy Keen
Minden,NV
76 X Glenbrook
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Re: [GMCnet] 15.875 MPG [message #246033 is a reply to message #246030] |
Tue, 01 April 2014 12:12 |
Kingsley Coach
Messages: 2691 Registered: March 2009 Location: Nova Scotia Canada
Karma: -34
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Senior Member |
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...and I thought he had found the Secret ! <VBG>
Mike in NS
On Tue, Apr 1, 2014 at 2:05 PM, Rick Drummond <randts.gmc@gmail.com> wrote:
> Sir,
> That was funny!
> đŸ˜‚
>
> Rick
>
> Rick&Tammy Drummond
> Prior Lake MN
> '74 (re)Painted Desert
>
> On Apr 1, 2014, at 11:59 AM, Larry Davick <ljdavick@comcast.net> wrote:
>
> > I've been tinkering with the coach to try and maximize efficiency. Here
> is what I've done, and the measurements from our trip to So. Cal today.
> > - 16.5" Firestone Transfoce tires have been likened to wagon wheels so
> I thought why not go to maximum inflation pressure. My Harbor Freight
> compressor won't go past 95psi, so that's where I have all six tires set.
> > - removed spare tire as the added weight is unnecessary. I have AAA.
> > - fuel delivery - it dawns on me that very little fuel is burned during
> periods of vapor lock. I have coiled a length of PolyArmor around the
> exhaust pipe and then to the carburetor.
> > - the carburetor is the single biggest fuel waster. It allows too much
> fuel to go into the engine. I disconnected any linkage to the secondaries
> and goobered a liberal amount of silicone around the butterflies to seal
> them off.
> > - I've eliminated 2nd gear.
> > - with both hatches open and both roof fans on high I have the cockpit
> windows open for airflow. The woosh of air is positive proof that this is
> the future of efficiency. When I return home I will affix a whole house fan
> in place of the rear window.
> > - airflow through the radiator has been a big topic here. Baffles and
> air dams help, but really it's the radiator that is the problem. I've
> blocked it off entirely.
> > - Rain-X also reduces friction over the road. I applied 4 coats to the
> entire coach. FYI - don't put it on the entry step or the toilet seat.
> > - it is a fact that air is thinner, less dense, at altitude. I've
> inflated my rear bags to maximum.
> > - it's a small step towards a hybrid but I connected the Onan 110v to
> the alternator and starter motors through a switch. This way I was able to
> gain horsepower by running them as motors to add power to the 455.
> >
> > With all of these improvements the coach is a dream. I liken it to the
> feeling man had when he first flew, skated on ice, or skied on water. The
> coach had abundant power and though I tried to keep it under 70mph I wasn't
> always able to do so. Fuel economy is nearly 16mpg, which is the
> theoretical maximum for a 455 at idle going 60 mph.
> >
> > I'll mark this historic day on my calendar and expect that forever April
> 1st will be celebrated as, oh, you've already figured it out…
> >
> > Sorry.
> >
> > Larry Davick
> > A Mystery Machine
> > 1976(ish) Palm Beach
> > Fremont, CA
> > _______________________________________________
> > 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
>
--
Michael Beaton
1977 Kingsley 26-11
1977 Eleganza II 26-3
Antigonish, NS
* At my age, getting lucky means walking into a room and remembering what I
came for.
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Re: [GMCnet] 15.875 MPG [message #246064 is a reply to message #246034] |
Tue, 01 April 2014 15:01 |
Joe Weir
Messages: 769 Registered: February 2013 Location: Columbia, SC
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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Excellent
Reminds me of an excellent response in An import car magazine about how to get performance with no money:
http://www.modified.com/features/0208_technical_assistance_program/
76 Birchaven - "Wicked Mistress" - New engine, trans, alum radiator, brakes, Sully airbags, fuel lines, seats, adult beverage center... those Coachmen guys were really thinking about us second hand owners by including that beverage center...
Columbia, SC.
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Re: [GMCnet] 15.875 MPG [message #246065 is a reply to message #246027] |
Tue, 01 April 2014 15:03 |
Dennis S
Messages: 3046 Registered: November 2005
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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Larry
We would love to collaborate with you on your RV modifications.
We are a new start up specializing in repurpose and long term storage of vintage RVs. Our focus is UltraVans and Revcons. One division of our business includes acquiring coaches from which we can harvest parts appropriate to restoration of GMCs. The other facet of our business is removing UltraVans and Revcons to the desert, storing them in abandoned mines on Bureau of Land Management property used for Burning Man. When we achieve full occupancy the BLM requires us to seal the caverns and leave the area pristine. Upon closure we give the coach owner's the shaft.
Visit us now on the web at Ultra-Con.bs.
Sincerely,
Dennis
April 1, 2014
ljdavick wrote on Tue, 01 April 2014 11:59 | I've been tinkering with the coach to try and maximize efficiency. Here is what I've done, and the measurements from our trip to So. Cal today.
- 16.5" Firestone Transfoce tires have been likened to wagon wheels so I thought why not go to maximum inflation pressure. My Harbor Freight compressor won't go past 95psi, so that's where I have all six tires set.
- removed spare tire as the added weight is unnecessary. I have AAA.
- fuel delivery - it dawns on me that very little fuel is burned during periods of vapor lock. I have coiled a length of PolyArmor around the exhaust pipe and then to the carburetor.
- the carburetor is the single biggest fuel waster. It allows too much fuel to go into the engine. I disconnected any linkage to the secondaries and goobered a liberal amount of silicone around the butterflies to seal them off.
- I've eliminated 2nd gear.
- with both hatches open and both roof fans on high I have the cockpit windows open for airflow. The woosh of air is positive proof that this is the future of efficiency. When I return home I will affix a whole house fan in place of the rear window.
- airflow through the radiator has been a big topic here. Baffles and air dams help, but really it's the radiator that is the problem. I've blocked it off entirely.
- Rain-X also reduces friction over the road. I applied 4 coats to the entire coach. FYI - don't put it on the entry step or the toilet seat.
- it is a fact that air is thinner, less dense, at altitude. I've inflated my rear bags to maximum.
- it's a small step towards a hybrid but I connected the Onan 110v to the alternator and starter motors through a switch. This way I was able to gain horsepower by running them as motors to add power to the 455.
With all of these improvements the coach is a dream. I liken it to the feeling man had when he first flew, skated on ice, or skied on water. The coach had abundant power and though I tried to keep it under 70mph I wasn't always able to do so. Fuel economy is nearly 16mpg, which is the theoretical maximum for a 455 at idle going 60 mph.
I'll mark this historic day on my calendar and expect that forever April 1st will be celebrated as, oh, you've already figured it out...
Sorry.
Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, CA
_______________________________________________
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Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Memphis TN Metro
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Re: [GMCnet] 15.875 MPG [message #246068 is a reply to message #246065] |
Tue, 01 April 2014 15:16 |
BRDRVR
Messages: 184 Registered: July 2013 Location: Clearwater, FL-Gerlach,NV
Karma: 8
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Senior Member |
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Dennis. I love the idea. Any investment opportunities? Would love to get in on the ground floor. In fact I bought an old Ultravan in Indiana that I am trailering out to the ranch that is gonna be used by my kids for target practice.
Dennis S wrote on Tue, 01 April 2014 16:03 | Larry
We would love to collaborate with you on your RV modifications.
We are a new start up specializing in repurpose and long term storage of vintage RVs. Our focus is UltraVans and Revcons. One division of our business includes acquiring coaches from which we can harvest parts appropriate to restoration of GMCs. The other facet of our business is removing UltraVans and Revcons to the desert, storing them in abandoned mines on Bureau of Land Management property used for Burning Man. When we achieve full occupancy the BLM requires us to seal the caverns and leave the area pristine. Upon closure we give the coach owner's the shaft.
Visit us now on the web at Ultra-Con.bs.
Sincerely,
Dennis
April 1, 2014
ljdavick wrote on Tue, 01 April 2014 11:59 | I've been tinkering with the coach to try and maximize efficiency. Here is what I've done, and the measurements from our trip to So. Cal today.
- 16.5" Firestone Transfoce tires have been likened to wagon wheels so I thought why not go to maximum inflation pressure. My Harbor Freight compressor won't go past 95psi, so that's where I have all six tires set.
- removed spare tire as the added weight is unnecessary. I have AAA.
- fuel delivery - it dawns on me that very little fuel is burned during periods of vapor lock. I have coiled a length of PolyArmor around the exhaust pipe and then to the carburetor.
- the carburetor is the single biggest fuel waster. It allows too much fuel to go into the engine. I disconnected any linkage to the secondaries and goobered a liberal amount of silicone around the butterflies to seal them off.
- I've eliminated 2nd gear.
- with both hatches open and both roof fans on high I have the cockpit windows open for airflow. The woosh of air is positive proof that this is the future of efficiency. When I return home I will affix a whole house fan in place of the rear window.
- airflow through the radiator has been a big topic here. Baffles and air dams help, but really it's the radiator that is the problem. I've blocked it off entirely.
- Rain-X also reduces friction over the road. I applied 4 coats to the entire coach. FYI - don't put it on the entry step or the toilet seat.
- it is a fact that air is thinner, less dense, at altitude. I've inflated my rear bags to maximum.
- it's a small step towards a hybrid but I connected the Onan 110v to the alternator and starter motors through a switch. This way I was able to gain horsepower by running them as motors to add power to the 455.
With all of these improvements the coach is a dream. I liken it to the feeling man had when he first flew, skated on ice, or skied on water. The coach had abundant power and though I tried to keep it under 70mph I wasn't always able to do so. Fuel economy is nearly 16mpg, which is the theoretical maximum for a 455 at idle going 60 mph.
I'll mark this historic day on my calendar and expect that forever April 1st will be celebrated as, oh, you've already figured it out...
Sorry.
Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, CA
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David Gourdine
http//www.blackrockdesertrvrental.com
booking@blackrockdesertrvrental.com
727-657-1955
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Re: [GMCnet] 15.875 MPG [message #246075 is a reply to message #246027] |
Tue, 01 April 2014 16:32 |
zhagrieb
Messages: 676 Registered: August 2009 Location: Portland Oregon
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Larry,
A full belly pan would net an additional 7 MPG.
Glenn
Glenn Giere, Portland OR, K7GAG
'73 "Moby the Motorhome" 26'
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Re: [GMCnet] 15.875 MPG [message #246078 is a reply to message #246068] |
Tue, 01 April 2014 17:01 |
Dennis S
Messages: 3046 Registered: November 2005
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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David
Our unique program for UltraVan and Revcons assures owners complete freedom from future costs of maintenance, insurance and licensing, while they still maintain full ownership.
And for those not yet in a position to enjoy these great benefits, the exciting solutions Larry has uncovered are a perfect complement to our business.
So, yes, we would be happy to take advantage of any new investor.
Dennis
PS Our program also has a five star rating from the National Highway Beautification Council.
BRDRVR wrote on Tue, 01 April 2014 15:16 | Dennis. I love the idea. Any investment opportunities? Would love to get in on the ground floor. In fact I bought an old Ultravan in Indiana that I am trailering out to the ranch that is gonna be used by my kids for target practice.
Dennis S wrote on Tue, 01 April 2014 16:03 | Larry
We would love to collaborate with you on your RV modifications.
We are a new start up specializing in repurpose and long term storage of vintage RVs. Our focus is UltraVans and Revcons. One division of our business includes acquiring coaches from which we can harvest parts appropriate to restoration of GMCs. The other facet of our business is removing UltraVans and Revcons to the desert, storing them in abandoned mines on Bureau of Land Management property used for Burning Man. When we achieve full occupancy the BLM requires us to seal the caverns and leave the area pristine. Upon closure we give the coach owner's the shaft.
Visit us now on the web at Ultra-Con.bs.
Sincerely,
Dennis
April 1, 2014
ljdavick wrote on Tue, 01 April 2014 11:59 | I've been tinkering with the coach to try and maximize efficiency. Here is what I've done, and the measurements from our trip to So. Cal today.
- 16.5" Firestone Transfoce tires have been likened to wagon wheels so I thought why not go to maximum inflation pressure. My Harbor Freight compressor won't go past 95psi, so that's where I have all six tires set.
- removed spare tire as the added weight is unnecessary. I have AAA.
- fuel delivery - it dawns on me that very little fuel is burned during periods of vapor lock. I have coiled a length of PolyArmor around the exhaust pipe and then to the carburetor.
- the carburetor is the single biggest fuel waster. It allows too much fuel to go into the engine. I disconnected any linkage to the secondaries and goobered a liberal amount of silicone around the butterflies to seal them off.
- I've eliminated 2nd gear.
- with both hatches open and both roof fans on high I have the cockpit windows open for airflow. The woosh of air is positive proof that this is the future of efficiency. When I return home I will affix a whole house fan in place of the rear window.
- airflow through the radiator has been a big topic here. Baffles and air dams help, but really it's the radiator that is the problem. I've blocked it off entirely.
- Rain-X also reduces friction over the road. I applied 4 coats to the entire coach. FYI - don't put it on the entry step or the toilet seat.
- it is a fact that air is thinner, less dense, at altitude. I've inflated my rear bags to maximum.
- it's a small step towards a hybrid but I connected the Onan 110v to the alternator and starter motors through a switch. This way I was able to gain horsepower by running them as motors to add power to the 455.
With all of these improvements the coach is a dream. I liken it to the feeling man had when he first flew, skated on ice, or skied on water. The coach had abundant power and though I tried to keep it under 70mph I wasn't always able to do so. Fuel economy is nearly 16mpg, which is the theoretical maximum for a 455 at idle going 60 mph.
I'll mark this historic day on my calendar and expect that forever April 1st will be celebrated as, oh, you've already figured it out...
Sorry.
Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, CA
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Memphis TN Metro
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Re: [GMCnet] 15.875 MPG [message #246080 is a reply to message #246027] |
Tue, 01 April 2014 17:07 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186 Registered: January 2009 Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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Larry, you had me up till the part about the air bags.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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Re: [GMCnet] 15.875 MPG [message #246137 is a reply to message #246027] |
Wed, 02 April 2014 07:37 |
Jim Wagner
Messages: 339 Registered: February 2004 Location: Brook Park, Oh
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Larry, Thanks for the great ideas. I hope you don't mind me copying some of them. The only thing I have done to raise our mileage is to put a brick under the gas pedal. I am using the same brick that I put in the toilet to save water at home. I am saving money by using the same brick since I won't need it in our toilet at home while we are using the GMC.
Jim Wagner
76 GMC500
71 Vega355
69 Corvette383
Brook Park, oh
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