Tech / General Engine Is your car making a strange sound or won't start? Thinking of adding power with a new combination? Need other technical information or engine specific advice? Don't see another board for your problem? Post it here!
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: CARiD

1983 v8 firebird gas hog help!!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 21, 2015 | 07:57 PM
  #1  
Dave1983birdy's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Car: 1983 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 305 v8
Transmission: automatic
1983 v8 firebird gas hog help!!

Okay I just calculated my gas mileage. I couldn't even get 200 miles before I had to fill up my tank which only took 12 gallons. I'm only getting 10 mpg which is terrible. I know these cars arnt great on gas but it can't be this bad. I replaced the throttle position switch, got the carb tuned, replaced the purge valve and O2 sensor as well. Did the distributor cap and rotor, oil change and need to do wires and spark plugs but still that shouldn't be the problem as to why my mpg is so low. I do have a code coming up only when I'm driving for a bit which is code 45 which says it's running lean still and I have no idea why or if this could be why it's terrible on gas. If someone has any idea as to why my gas is so low and what I could do to make it better let me know please! What are other people getting for mpg on there third gen v8 firebirds or camaros by the way. I'd love to know
Reply
Old Apr 22, 2015 | 12:15 AM
  #2  
Night rider327's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (13)
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,535
Likes: 17
From: Bowdon, GA.
Car: 1988 Camaro
Engine: 355, 10.34:1, 249/252 @.050", IK200
Transmission: TH-400, 3500 stall 9.5" converter
Axle/Gears: Ford 9", detroit locker, 3.89 gears
Re: 1983 v8 firebird gas hog help!!

Your being very vague and your math is not adding up.. Give us the true figured MPG

Common range is gonna be 14 to 18 mpg around town.

You said 12 gallons, not even 200 miles.. How many miles?
120 = 10 mpg
150 = 12.5 mpg
170 = 14.1 mpg
190 = 15.8 mpg
Reply
Old Apr 22, 2015 | 06:29 AM
  #3  
ex-x-fire's Avatar
Supreme Member
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,732
Likes: 4
Re: 1983 v8 firebird gas hog help!!

Does it have an overdrive trans? What rear gears? Does it run good?
Reply
Old Apr 22, 2015 | 07:46 AM
  #4  
Dave1983birdy's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Car: 1983 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 305 v8
Transmission: automatic
Re: 1983 v8 firebird gas hog help!!

I drove 123 miles before I had to fill up and 10.25 mpg is what I found out that I get.
Reply
Old Apr 22, 2015 | 07:47 AM
  #5  
Dave1983birdy's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Car: 1983 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 305 v8
Transmission: automatic
Re: 1983 v8 firebird gas hog help!!

Yes it has overdrive and it idles perfect and drives great
Reply
Old Apr 22, 2015 | 05:20 PM
  #6  
Dave1983birdy's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Car: 1983 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 305 v8
Transmission: automatic
Re: 1983 v8 firebird gas hog help!!

Where would that power valve be located exactly i duno if I have one and the spark plugs and wires arnt great I'm replacing them on Sunday
Reply
Old Apr 22, 2015 | 06:27 PM
  #7  
ex-x-fire's Avatar
Supreme Member
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,732
Likes: 4
Re: 1983 v8 firebird gas hog help!!

Power valve is in the carb.
Is it running cool? They run richer when cold.
Reply
Old Apr 22, 2015 | 06:31 PM
  #8  
Dave1983birdy's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Car: 1983 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 305 v8
Transmission: automatic
Re: 1983 v8 firebird gas hog help!!

Well I'll tell the mechanics to look at the power valve tomorrow morning. And I don't think it's running cool, it starts right up normally nothing out of the ordinary
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2015 | 08:04 AM
  #9  
cosmick's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,353
Likes: 2
From: North Salt Lake
Car: '86 Camaro, '94 Camaro, 3 others
Engine: LG4 ->L29, L32->LR4, L36, LG4, L31
Transmission: 700R-4, T5WC, 4L80E, SM465, 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.42, 3.23, WTB/WTT 2.93
Re: 1983 v8 firebird gas hog help!!

These cars aren't inherently thirsty, even with a 350. MPG in the mid-20s is to be expected, and reaching 30 is possible, if that's what you want to build and drive for.
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2015 | 10:20 AM
  #10  
Dave1983birdy's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Car: 1983 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 305 v8
Transmission: automatic
Re: 1983 v8 firebird gas hog help!!

Then there's definitely something wrong with my car cause I'm not getting near that
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2015 | 06:10 PM
  #11  
Dave1983birdy's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Car: 1983 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 305 v8
Transmission: automatic
Re: 1983 v8 firebird gas hog help!!

Okay well I replaced my plugs and wires and honestly I've driven like 69 miles and I've lost like a quarter of a tank already and the code 45 is still coming on. If I can't fix this problem soon I'm gonna have to sell my car and I really don't want it to come to that so any suggestions on what I should get checked now would be greatly appreciated!!
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
PurelyPMD
Camaros for Sale
27
May 5, 2016 04:57 PM
jtwoods4
Transmissions and Drivetrain
7
Sep 3, 2015 05:39 PM
jtwoods4
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Wanted
0
Sep 3, 2015 10:19 AM
Ward
Tech / General Engine
4
Apr 7, 2001 05:49 AM
knightfire
Carburetors
2
Mar 27, 2001 04:48 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:48 PM.