Better V-6 fuel economy

[VeryRegalSedan]

i was wondering if anyone knows any methods to get better fuel economy out of my old stock 231 V6 engine w/ 2 barrel carb, i figured as long as i gotta drive with this engine i may as well try and get the best F.E i can. any advice or tips will be appreciated. thanks for looking.

 

[Blake442]

Just make sure everything this is in good working order like the ignition system and carb.
Other than that there isn't a whole lot worth doing other than a K&N filter and maybe a better flowing exhaust system.

I only averaged about 17-18 mpg with my Buick wagon that had the 3.8 V6/metric 200 with only 80K miles on it.
The problem is that they have to work so hard to get up to speed.

On the other hand, I averaged 20-22 mpg with my Malibu wagon that had the 2-barrel 267 V8/th-350 with over 200K miles.

 

[AlanB]

If the oxygen sensor hasn't been changed recently, I would change it. As they age they will become less accurate and usually drive the engine too rich.

Also, check that the TCC lockup is working. That would help a little.

 

[Peter]

x2 on the oxygen sensor

spark plugs, wires, timing. all good place to start. seafoam or top engine cleaner always seems to help in the fuel economy and power departments as well

 

[VeryRegalSedan]

im averaging only about 18 mpg with this V6!, i guess there is something wrong, the o2 is switching but its lazy i think, my ignition wires are 26 years old and my timing is probably a little retarded. or is that fuel economy normal for this engine? the car only has 62k btw

 

[VeryRegalSedan]

I only averaged about 17-18 mpg with my Buick wagon that had the 3.8 V8/metric 200 with only 80K miles on it.
The problem is that they have to work so hard to get up to speed.

On the other hand, I averaged 20-22 mpg with my Malibu wagon that had the 2-barrel 267 V8/th-350 with over 200K miles.[/quote]



thats very parodoxial lol. is that 3.8 V8 supposed to be 3.8 V6?

 

[Blake442]

Whoops! Yeah, that was a typo, it was of course the 3.8 V6... 😳

 

[RITTER]

18 mpg sounds about right

A good tune-up and regular maintenance is always a plus (sounds like your plug wires are way overdue for a change, 26 year?) Be sure all of your vacuum hoses are in good condition and you fuel filter could probably be replaced as well. Keep the tires and alignment in outstanding order. It is amazing how much your alignment can affect your fuel mileage.

 

[Bonnewagon]

All of the above and I run the tires a bit fuller, like 35 to 40 psi. And of course, keep your foot out of it. Drive like there's an egg between your foot and the gas pedal. (Never thought I'd ever say that) :shock:

 

[Peter]

it hard to say what MPG you should be getting because of the wide arrangements of rears that came in these cars. even if you have a perfectly tuned v6 with a 2.14 and barely go on the highway you'll be looking at 10 mpg and if your always on the highway you should be closer to 30.