Gas Mileage

[Dracofrost]

On a 1966 Toronado in good condition, what is the gas mileage expected to be? What is normal, or what was normal for them new or in fully restored condition?

[69W34]

One could expect 14-18 city / highway give any number of factors, motor condition weather and driver technique. The 66-67 came with 3.21 gears considering its 4400 hundred pound weight and 425 cubic inch displacement, and 32 cent a gallon gasoline that was exceptionable.
IMHO Driver technique plays a bigger roll in fuel usage than some are willing to except. Case in point my wife gets 18+ around town with our 02 Caravan I get 20+

[toro68]

My gold '68 W-34 does 17 on the highway, that is 3.07 gears

[Dracofrost]

Alright, if I'm only getting 7 mpg city (and I don't drive like a maniac, I have to obey base speed limit which is 30 mph most of the time), is this a sign of mechanical problems? Any likely problem areas to start looking in?

[MattKing]

Check the intake manifold vacuum level at idle. Any vacuum leaks will kill gas mileage and drivability.

Alright, if I'm only getting 7 mpg city (and I don't drive like a maniac, I have to obey base speed limit which is 30 mph most of the time), is this a sign of mechanical problems? Any likely problem areas to start looking in?

[janeg]

We average 12-14 mpg on our '66, using premium gas and lead additive. Most of our driving is not city, but 40-50mph country highways. Still 7 mpg sounds low to me. Has your carb been tuned?

[Dracofrost]

Not a bit. I only purchased the vehicle a couple months ago, prior to which it had been sitting in a garage for about 10 years. How do you check vacuum levels?

[MattKing]

Get a vacuum gauge and connect it to the biggest connection you can that has manifold vacuum-the line that supplies the brake booster is a good one.

Not a bit. I only purchased the vehicle a couple months ago, prior to which it had been sitting in a garage for about 10 years. How do you check vacuum levels?

[nickh]

If the car has been sitting up for that long the Carb needs to be rebuilt probably a lot of sludge build up inside the carb. If you do not want the carb rebuilt another option is an Edelbrock 4 bbl carb it is a direct replacement for what you have. A complete tuneup including points and new plug wires will also help.

[Mikel]

I typically get about 13 in my '66. The very best I ever got was 15MPG during a very slow drive through northern CT, MA and down the Taconic Pkwy into NYC.