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Gas mileage on a 170 in an a body??
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Author:  NCDemon1971 [ Fri Jan 14, 2011 2:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Gas mileage on a 170 in an a body??

Does anybody have fuel mileage figures for a 170 equipped a body? with an auto or manual trans??

People keep telling me to get a ricer for mileage. I know these old Mopars well and I can fix anything on them..that appeals to me.

Maybe a 170 equipped Valiant with a few tricks could be impressive??
Have to get one first though..lol

Author:  zorg [ Fri Jan 14, 2011 3:55 pm ]
Post subject: 

Have you tried searching? I know that MPGs have been discussed a few times before.

I am getting over 25 on the highway with a performance oriented 225/833od in a heavy '76 Dart. Read up on some of what Aggressive Ted has done as well, I know he was tailoring his car for MPGs, but it is a 225 in a late Dart too.

Author:  PauloftheWest [ Fri Jan 14, 2011 4:00 pm ]
Post subject: 

This site lists some MPG for 170 (the link is for 1964 darts, select which one you want).

http://www.automobile-catalog.com/make/ ... /1964.html

I don't know how accurate they are...

Author:  Wizard [ Fri Jan 14, 2011 4:29 pm ]
Post subject:  And compare that with 2.2L in heavy body (caravan) and 2.5L

Very interesting and I can offer the specs:

Caravans had these:

2.2L (135cu in) 96HP 5200rpm 119 ft-lb 3200rpm I can get about 18-20MPG if I am careful with setup on weber carb and driving but the 2.2L engine is sick.
2.5L (153cu in) 100HP 5200RPM 135 ft-lb 3200rpm. I'm rebuilding slightly warmed up 2.5L to replace this 2.2 and retain weber carb.

With same tweaks you can get better specs and can keep up with the stock 170 slant.

That's how progress had progressed.

Cheers, Wizard

Author:  NCDemon1971 [ Fri Jan 14, 2011 4:44 pm ]
Post subject: 

Quote:
This site lists some MPG for 170 (the link is for 1964 darts, select which one you want).

http://www.automobile-catalog.com/make/ ... /1964.html

I don't know how accurate they are...
I have searched..but I see mostly 225's. I have a 225 or 2 laying about.

Author:  VDART [ Fri Jan 14, 2011 5:20 pm ]
Post subject: 

use the 225.
my experience was a 1962 valiant 170 with a/t-- merging into traffic was problematic-- not enough torque with the 170--- replaced it with a 1965 slant approx 50k (not sure- bought it) the traffiic merge was much easier.
I did not take detailed fuel notes -- I didn't notice any mpg changes with the 225 swap-- I used the same 1 bbl carb on both engines .

I live in Kansas-- pretty much the flattest terrain in the US---
read ted's info great stuff ,Lawrence

Author:  4speed [ Fri Jan 14, 2011 5:28 pm ]
Post subject: 

Back then they ran the "Mobil (gas) Economy run". If I remember right a specially prepared Valiant turned in 27/30 MPG. They used the usual tricks. 170 slant six with a 3 speed manual. No options Max air inflation in the thinest tires. Thinest grease and oil in drive train/engine and as much ignition advance as it could take. And trained drivers. They did not need a long engine life.

Author:  NCDemon1971 [ Fri Jan 14, 2011 5:48 pm ]
Post subject: 

What are the thoughts on a mid '60's a-body with

Later 225 and 904 lockup...
2.45 geared 8.25 rear..

??

Author:  Tim Keith [ Fri Jan 14, 2011 5:49 pm ]
Post subject: 

I think a 170 could get better mileage than a 225 in a '63 - 66 A-body, or earlier if you can find one. A 170 with higher compression than stock, RV camshaft, and special attention to gearing should get you to 30 or so on the highway. With the smaller six a five speed manual would help with driveability.

30 is no small feat. I rented a Hyundai Accent and only got 31 MPG with the automatic and four cylinder. I did not push the Hyundai hard as I wanted to see what I'd get on my 60 mile commute. Not so impressive for such a little car. Give the 170 a try.

Author:  Charrlie_S [ Fri Jan 14, 2011 6:45 pm ]
Post subject: 

I have a 64 Valiant in my yard, with a 170, that belongs to Erik (mpgfanatic). The engine was built for economy. Honest 9.5 CR, the mildest MP cam. bored and honed .060 with a block plate. Deck cut to .005 hight. Balanced, good valve job, head milled. 1bbl holley, stock exh manifold, with a low restriction muffler, and a 3 speed standard trans. It gets 27-28mpg on the highway. I think with a 4 speed OD it would do better.
Can run upper 16's in the 1/4 mile.

Author:  Joshie225 [ Fri Jan 14, 2011 6:55 pm ]
Post subject: 

The 170 should get a little better mileage than a 225 so long as you can drive it without the power valve being open too much. I had a 170 and automatic in a '64 Valiant and thought it was just fine. Very smooth. I wouldn't want one in a heavy, late A-body though. 63Dart170 has a warmed up 170. Maybe PM him and see what he gets for mileage.

I wouldn't mind doing a 170 build for economy. I can get a head welded for $200 and get quench combustion chambers while staying around 9:1. With a carb that gives good atomization, careful tuning and good driving habits you could probably get real close to 30 MPG. My '97 Neon base coupe runs 16.6s in the 1/4 and gets 36 MPG running 75 MPH on the highway. Of course it has port EFI and only weighs 2440 lbs.

Author:  Rick Covalt [ Fri Jan 14, 2011 7:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Lou

Lou's Dart runs mid 14's and gets 26+ MPG (correct me Lou) with a 225, 5 speed. If he'd slow down on the highway he could probably do even better! :D

Rick

Author:  NCDemon1971 [ Fri Jan 14, 2011 7:46 pm ]
Post subject: 

I'd definetly rather buy gas than make a car payment...so daily driver a bodies do appeal to me.

I think a slant is up to the task of being economical for sure. I just don't care for new cars at all and that's IMO.

Author:  NCDemon1971 [ Fri Jan 14, 2011 7:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Lou

Quote:
Lou's Dart runs mid 14's and gets 26+ MPG (correct me Lou) with a 225, 5 speed. If he'd slow down on the highway he could probably do even better! :D

Rick
I think that was the car that had the 500cfm Holley on it right??

Author:  Rick Covalt [ Sat Jan 15, 2011 6:03 am ]
Post subject:  Fuel injection

I believe Lou's Dart is fuel injected. He will straighten this all out. :D Here is the quote from Lou after the air dam was installed
Quote:
Big success with the airdam. Lowest tank was 23 MPG with 1/3 city/speed driving, highest tank was 401 miles using 14.8 gals or 27 MPG. That last tank was all hwy miles and 65-80 MPH cruising depending on traffic.
Rick

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