EVC Posted September 10, 2023 Share Posted September 10, 2023 Drove to Reno yesterday. 242 miles round trip. We took the I- 80 thru Donner pass ... From our home to the summit was about 70 miles of hard uphill driving with an elevation change of about 7000'. Then it's 38 miles down hill, to Reno with about 4500' of elevation. The Monte did perfectly and gave us 18.5 Mpg with the AC on during the uphill trip to Reno … After a few miles of city driving , she gave us 20.7 Mpg on the return trip home. Over fuel economy was about 19.5 mpg.. It was a warm day and the engine temps stayed at about 190 degrees on the open road and in the hills, but reached the 210 levels in traffic. My Monte was tuned to our home elevation of about 1000' …… When we reached the higher altitudes, I noticed minor changes in performance and saw the overall loss of about 2 to 3"s of vacuum. When we got closer to home, she returned to normal vacuum readings… 17" at idle and 15" at light cruising. She seemed to stay in the 190 degree range longer at the higher elevations, but tended to liked the 180 range below 3000 ft… In Reno, 4500ft elevation, she liked the 190 to 210 degree temps... Driving with the vacuum gage makes it easier to see these changes… Most of these minor changes would have gone unnoticed without the vacuum gage and I probably would have driven faster and experienced less fuel economy.. Around home she stays in the range of 15 to 17 MPG ,,, but I'm now certain she'll do 20 + on the open road…. Most of the Reno trip was in over drive (700r4), and cruising comfortably at 65 mph with the AC on. It was a fun trip and we plan to make another one soon so Hank can go fishing on Diamond Lake Oregon… Overall trip will be about 800 miles. Ed C.. Ed C. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cny first gen 71 Posted September 10, 2023 Share Posted September 10, 2023 A little more Than a mini trip I'd say, very nice but doesn't Hank have a life vest for boat trips? He sure looks like he's enjoying himself! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EVC Posted September 10, 2023 Author Share Posted September 10, 2023 27 minutes ago, cny first gen 71 said: doesn't Hank have a life vest for boat trips? He sure looks like he's enjoying himself! Hank is the fish bait. LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris shipley Posted September 10, 2023 Share Posted September 10, 2023 14 hours ago, EVC said: Drove to Reno yesterday. 242 miles round trip. We took the I- 80 thru Donner pass ... From our home to the summit was about 70 miles of hard uphill driving with an elevation change of about 7000'. Then it's 38 miles down hill, to Reno with about 4500' of elevation. The Monte did perfectly and gave us 18.5 Mpg with the AC on during the uphill trip to Reno … After a few miles of city driving , she gave us 20.7 Mpg on the return trip home. Over fuel economy was about 19.5 mpg.. It was a warm day and the engine temps stayed at about 190 degrees on the open road and in the hills, but reached the 210 levels in traffic. My Monte was tuned to our home elevation of about 1000' …… When we reached the higher altitudes, I noticed minor changes in performance and saw the overall loss of about 2 to 3"s of vacuum. When we got closer to home, she returned to normal vacuum readings… 17" at idle and 15" at light cruising. She seemed to stay in the 190 degree range longer at the higher elevations, but tended to liked the 180 range below 3000 ft… In Reno, 4500ft elevation, she liked the 190 to 210 degree temps... Driving with the vacuum gage makes it easier to see these changes… Most of these minor changes would have gone unnoticed without the vacuum gage and I probably would have driven faster and experienced less fuel economy.. Around home she stays in the range of 15 to 17 MPG ,,, but I'm now certain she'll do 20 + on the open road…. Most of the Reno trip was in over drive (700r4), and cruising comfortably at 65 mph with the AC on. It was a fun trip and we plan to make another one soon so Hank can go fishing on Diamond Lake Oregon… Overall trip will be about 800 miles. Ed C.. Ed C. Glad it was a safe and fun trip 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EVC Posted September 17, 2023 Author Share Posted September 17, 2023 For these road trips I've been thinking about making some modifications to the Monte. This guy did a crappy job. Hank likes the rear widow design. Works better for me too. I can leave the AC on and the wife won't complain. I'll be using small fender washers and self tappers for the Monte. Ideas would be appreciated. Ed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobW Posted September 17, 2023 Share Posted September 17, 2023 On 9/9/2023 at 11:19 PM, EVC said: Most of the Reno trip was in over drive (700r4), and cruising comfortably at 65 mph with the AC on. On 9/9/2023 at 11:19 PM, EVC said: The Monte did perfectly and gave us 18.5 Mpg with the AC on during the uphill trip to Reno … After a few miles of city driving , she gave us 20.7 Mpg on the return trip home. Over fuel economy was about 19.5 mpg.. Impressive mileage, what is your rear gear ratio? 350 motor? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EVC Posted September 17, 2023 Author Share Posted September 17, 2023 1 hour ago, BobW said: Impressive mileage, what is your rear gear ratio? 350 motor? 350/700r4… Gearing 273. original engine, 20 over, 12000 miles on engine. AC car, 215/70r15 tires. Edlebrock intake and carb, HEI ignition …. 89 octane fuel. Speedometer is accurate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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