1976 Mustang II Ghia Gas Mileage?

CDNBC250 · 05-19-2008

Hey there everyone.

I have a 1976 Ford Mustang II Ghia, running a 2.8L 105hp V6 engine off a 4-speed manual transmission.

I was planning on going on a road trip this summer to see a friend of mine in the next province, and the drive is about 855 km (531.3 miles, roughly) to the hotel I'm staying at. I need to try and get a half-decent idea of what it's going to cost me in gas to make this trip.

Does anyone know what the highway gas mileage is supposed to be for the 1976 Mustang II Ghia? The reason I'm asking what it was supposed to be stock out of factory 32 years ago is because the car has honestly been kept in almost immaculate condition.

Long story short, the car has been VERY, VERY well looked after. It was raised on blocks since 1995, and when it came off the blocks, the engine rolled right over without any trouble. There's virtually zero rust on the body, and the interior is quite literally immaculate. (I'll try to post pictures of it sometime soon, probably after I take it on this road trip.)

I haven't really had a chance to take this thing out on the highway for an extended drive, and I won't for a while. This is why I'm asking if anyone can tell me this on the forums. I want to try and price out this trip as early as possible.

I thought I had read somewhere that the gas mileage for highway driving with this car ought to be somewhere around 30-35 mpg, if the tires are in good shape and balanced, has had a good tune-up, has had all it's fluids replaced regularily, etc. I wasn't sure if I was reading about the right car or not though, and now I can't seem to find the article anymore.

Anyway, sorry for the long-winded post for such a small question. I hope someone can get back to me on this quickly. Thanks very much in advance guys!

dakine858 · 05-19-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by CDNBC250

Hey there everyone.

I have a 1976 Ford Mustang II Ghia, running a 2.8L 105hp V6 engine off a 4-speed manual transmission.

I was planning on going on a road trip this summer to see a friend of mine in the next province, and the drive is about 855 km (531.3 miles, roughly) to the hotel I'm staying at. I need to try and get a half-decent idea of what it's going to cost me in gas to make this trip.

Does anyone know what the highway gas mileage is supposed to be for the 1976 Mustang II Ghia? The reason I'm asking what it was supposed to be stock out of factory 32 years ago is because the car has honestly been kept in almost immaculate condition.

Long story short, the car has been VERY, VERY well looked after. It was raised on blocks since 1995, and when it came off the blocks, the engine rolled right over without any trouble. There's virtually zero rust on the body, and the interior is quite literally immaculate. (I'll try to post pictures of it sometime soon, probably after I take it on this road trip.)

I haven't really had a chance to take this thing out on the highway for an extended drive, and I won't for a while. This is why I'm asking if anyone can tell me this on the forums. I want to try and price out this trip as early as possible.

I thought I had read somewhere that the gas mileage for highway driving with this car ought to be somewhere around 30-35 mpg, if the tires are in good shape and balanced, has had a good tune-up, has had all it's fluids replaced regularily, etc. I wasn't sure if I was reading about the right car or not though, and now I can't seem to find the article anymore.

Anyway, sorry for the long-winded post for such a small question. I hope someone can get back to me on this quickly. Thanks very much in advance guys!

The gas mileage estimate for the 76' mustang II Ghia was 26 street, 29 hwy.

STANG II · 05-19-2008

In the real world look for about 23-26 on the hwy, BUT there are so many factors such as weather, altitude, driving habits, true condition of engine and driveline that it is impossible to guestimate...
I would suggest however you take the vehicle on a shorter road trip of at least 100 miles on highway before attempting the 500 mile trip. This should give you an idea of mileage as well as condition of car. A vehicle that has been on blocks for 13 years and starts right up is not a true picture of it's reliability.
Mine when purchased 1 year ago looked great ran well but took 6 months to make it reliable transportation. Since I have had it I have logged over 2000 miles around town. Starts and runs great, would I trust it to drive 500+ miles one way on a road trip? not yet.

Zerax · 06-15-2008

I'm of the opinion (after reading a bunch and some personal experience

) that mileage will vary quite a bit. The biggest thing that will effect it will probably be the gear ratio in your rear end.
Take a look at this site:
The Mustang II Organization Axle decoder

The transmission may also play a large part (Haven't really looked at this aspect yet.)
Another site to look at:
The Mustang II Organization Transmission site

Until recently, I was of the opinion that you wouldn't get more than 20-21 mpg with the V6. Had a 74 fastback w/ a 4 speed manual that got a good solid 20 mpg no matter what I did to it.

I am open to any ideas that can give us better mileage. Any takers?

STANG II · 06-16-2008

Biggest improvement in mileage, especially with an older car, SLOW DOWN... At 55 my 302 automatic, now well tuned with dual exhaust no cat and a 2 bbl gets 22 mpg at 55, at 70 it drops to about 14 mpg and at 75-80 about 10 mpg while screaming rpm's.
My 2006 V6 Dakota Quad cab 23 mpg at 60 and 16 at 75 with 4 speed auto.
My wife now calls me Pu$$y Foot, but at $4.26 a gal I can take it.