Ha! My ugly 73 beater Pinto has a 1600 stick shift. It gets 33 mpg at 70 and 40 mpg at 55.
I drive it 110 miles a day through Detroit, even in winter. That is why the rust is starting to take hold.
I will probably take it to the Ohio event even though it is not much to look at. But the engine looks good!
Here is what I did to get that great gas mileage:
1. I changed to 15" rims & tires and it gives me 10% overdrive. (Before I has even taller tires for 20% overdrive, but they would rub) I verified my speed and overdrive by using an online calculator and my Garmin GPS.
2. I added an electric radiator fan and removed the mechanical fan. The electric fan only comes on when caught at a dead stop for more than 5 minutes.
3. I added a Mallory 4758101 electronic distributor. It has a better advance curve besides the better spark.
4. I use Bosch 4016 platinum plugs. Make sure to torque them as the box says. Over torque and they run bad!
5. Mobil 1 oil
6. I rejetted my carburetor. (actually had to jet it richer)
7. I added a front and rear spoiler for less drag.
8. I got rid of any junk that added weight (no charcoal recirculation system, no spare tire, etc)
9. I smoothed the inside of the exhaust manifold and added a turbo muffler.
Keep in mind that my engine is a 1600.
Wifey has a 1979 2300 that I will reseal the engine over the winter and do some modifications. So either later this winter or next spring I will see what mileage we can squeeze out of a 2300 with an automatic.