This week, I made a round trip to another Colorado town 250 miles diatant. It was a pleasant, top-down trip through the high desert, roughly 8000 feet above sea level. On the way down, I tested the car out somewhat, and got up to probably 100 mph, but just stayed with (fast) traffic most of the time. On the return trip, it was dark and rained more than half the time, so I had the top up and drove much slower, probably about 60 mph. One has to keep a sharp eye out for deer in these places, too.
The car is a 1965 230SL with a 280SL engine, and manual transmission. I don't yet know the rear axle ratio, but if the tach is right, it is a different rear end, because I was cruising at about 3200 rpm. As I have posted before, the speedo is erratic, so I never knew exactly how fast I was going.
Now the "problem": On the first trip, it took 10.2 gallons of regular gas to go the 250 miles. On the return, it took 10.9 gallons. The car ran strongly but I am wondering if something is out of adjustment, like perhaps it is running too lean. I've not heard of a pagoda achieving this kind of fuel economy.
I'm not complaining, though!
The car is difficult to start when the engine is warm. When it is cold, it starts easily. A common problem, I know, and maybe related to the economy "problem"?
Joe
