MPG

[MagicRat]

Hi everyone,
Still tire kicking here in Western NY.   Might have a good look soon at an '83, well cared for supposedly, Sx/4 model with 125K on it.  4 cyl -   what might one expect under normal driving conditions for MPG?  Just looking for really rough # if this was all tuned up and in good condition  - thanks!

[Amc1320]

Not sure about an SX , but my 81 spirit had a 4 cly 4 speed, no options and got 30mpg on the hwy, I took it to the AMO nats in St. Louis and filled it up in Tennessee and drove about 600 miles before I had to buy gas!

But no AC, no ps, no nothin so there was no drag on the engine, an SX would weight more plus if it has options that could effect mileage

It got better than 20 in town

Of course I took that engine out and put in a v8  so now it gets like 12.... Prob not one of my best ideas, but it sure sounds mean now!

[Prafeston]

Wouldn't happen to be this beauty would it?

http://westernmass.craigslist.org/cto/4390429333.html

Looks like a really nice car! Good luck!

[MagicRat]

Ha - you bet! 

[Monkeyjoe]

I have an 82 SX/4, 4cyl,  w/5 speed T5.  I have gotten as much as 34 mpg, usually 30-31 mpg. 

[DownwardFlame]

I have an 82 SX/4, 4cyl,  w/5 speed T5.  I have gotten as much as 34 mpg, usually 30-31 mpg.

I wish mine got that good...  When I filled mine up last time it only got about 11... But my motor being worn out might have something to do with that 

[Prafeston]

I tried to log every fill up in my old auto wagon. I did it all using fuelly. Cool website and they have an app so it's easy to log while on the road.

http://www.fuelly.com/driver/prafeston/eagle

[IowaEagle]

Excellent MPG Monkeyjoe.  The best I have gotten in my SX/4, I-6, auto, with 2.35 gearing is right at 30 on the Hwy.  This is desmogged car with the TFI (MIU) upgrade.

[Monkeyjoe]

It is good.  I built a custom cold air intake, with a hand fabricated air box for the top of the carb.  I drive pretty easy.  I have 3.55 gears. 

Now with the new motor rebuild, I have not checked my mileage.  I just finished rebuilding the rear end with the new 3.55 gears.  If you all remember, the mechanics at the yard in Pueblo Colorado put the wrong rear end in my car.  I will be driving the SX4 more now.  I will find out what the new mileage will be.

[DaemonForce]

Just curious, what kind of gearing is going on in your differentials and are you using an auto or gearbox? I personally believe the gearbox is the highest benefit for mileage but I'm hesitant to pounce on tall gearing like my 2.73s for anything smaller than a 6cyl. I'm thinking 3.54-3.73 is appropriate for a straight distance vehicle. My tired worn out 258 got anywhere from 14-18mpg before it finally grenaded itself. After a 4.7L swap I'm expecting 18-24mpg. It's just speculation at this point and I know the figures don't make sense but I'm doing everything to this engine and we'll see soon.