I would start by noting the rear axle ratio, tire sizes. Then the tune up.
If everything is in order (Compression/Timing/Carb jetting)?
Automatic? Loose torque converter?, Trans slippage?
Tire pressure?
Things I'd start to look at

How do the plugs look?

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

What about one or two bended pushrods or clogged valves?


Hyvinkää, FI

I am trying to take a fresh look at my high fuel consumption and would welcome the forum's input.

I log my odometer and fuel consumption on a spreadsheet.  My cumulative average since 2013 is 10.8 mpg.  On most tanks, I do between 10.2 and 11.2 mpg regardless of driving style or speed.  I usually drive economically.

Using google maps on a recent 53 mile trip, I calculate my odometer error at 1%, so I believe my fuel economy numbers are accurate.

I have tried many things, made many improvements to the car such as rebuilding the front suspension and getting an alignment, altered timing, advance curve, carburetor settings, etc yet tank after tank I see 10-12 mpg.

Performance is good.  The car feels responsive, smooth, quiet.  There are no drivability problems.  All the numbers I have checked (compression, vacuum, timing) at various points over 2 years have been in the prescribed range either by the manual or this forum.  So, I am pretty stumped as to why I am not seeing the more typical 14-16 mpg out of my Fairlane.

I'm not quite ready to accept that this is good as it's gonna get.  I am hoping this discussion will either improve my economy or show me I'm going to have to accept it as is.

Where should I start?

1954 Crestline Victoria 312 4-bbl, 3-speed overdrive