V8's, travel and fuel consumption

[johnydep]

I used to drive from Adelaide to Melbourne on regular basis for holidays, before cheap flights. Done it in 6's and 8's. Last time was in 2005 with the Territory. For the past 10 years we have flown.

On the weekend we went with a V8. I was pleasantly surprised; drove there, dropped into a few towns for a look and munchies, on one tank with ease. Total fuel cost for the weekend - $220. Both ways with travel around Melbourne & suburbs.

Last time I drove a V8 to Melbourne it took me 3 tanks, one way. The Territory only got us, comfortably, to Ballarat.

I realise that a modern 4 or 6 will be better, fuel consumption wise. But there's nothing like driving a V8 on the highway, with the added bonus of fuel economy, overtaking power and sound

Long live the V8

[Smoke Pursuit]

So what was the actual economy? I assume this was your SSV ute? Is it an AFM?

Cheers.

[johnydep]

Originally Posted by DASH GT

So what was the actual economy? I assume this was your SSV ute? Is it an AFM?

Cheers.

Yes, AFM.

I haven't sat down and worked it out. The Trip Comp showed a best of 8.1, with a total average of 12.4L/100km.

I filled up in Adelaide, tank holds 71L, and when I got to Melbourne the Trip showed I had 65 km of fuel left. On the way back, got into Adelaide with 100 km fuel left.

[fordomatic]

The newer V8's are very economical on the highway, I know my uncles FG GT gets 8l/100km which is the same as my FG XR6 turbo.

[Elks]

Originally Posted by fordomatic

The newer V8's are very economical on the highway, I know my uncles FG GT gets 8l/100km which is the same as my FG XR6 turbo.

Wow. That's great running. The best I've ever got is mid 9's which I still think is sensational from a nearly two tonne with 500+ hp.

Our round town average is 13's which is nearly all short run stop start.

Compare that to the TS50. 300 hp. (220kw). Gets 12's on the country and 17's in the city. With a 22 recorded on a bad traffic run.

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by Elks

Compare that to the TS50. 300 hp. (220kw). Gets 12's on the country and 17's in the city. With a 22 recorded on a bad traffic run.

Yes tell me about it, daily driving a V8 in CBD traffic is hell.

But, on the open road my TE goes under 10's no worries. Anything under this usage for a V8 of any description is good in my books.

[commonrails]

Originally Posted by fordomatic

The newer V8's are very economical on the highway, I know my uncles FG GT gets 8l/100km which is the same as my FG XR6 turbo.

I got 8.1l/100 driving from sydney to sussex inlet like an 82yo in my SC5.0 FG GT. I even took a photo as I couldn't believe it. But drive around town with a heavy foot and its 19l/100 easy lol.

[Tokyo Geoff]

Last year I did 5000km from Sydney to Adelaide for the Clipsal. 10L/100km which included some slightly naughty bits across the Hay plains and either side of Broken Hill. Love cruising in the 5.4 Boss.

[new2ford]

The Rover V8 in the P76 was more economical than some sixes. I used to get about 11 l/100 on trips (the Ford and Holden V8s at the time would get about 20 l/100 iirc). We may have the P76 to thanks for the fact that V8s were around much longer. The Whitlam government wanted to ban V8s in the 1970s but Leyland Australia went along to them with the figures and the plan was dropped.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by new2ford

The Rover V8 in the P76 was more economical than some sixes. I used to get about 11 l/100 on trips (the Ford and Holden V8s at the time would get about 20 l/100 iirc). We may have the P76 to thanks for the fact that V8s were around much longer. The Whitlam government wanted to ban V8s in the 1970s but Leyland Australia went along to them with the figures and the plan was dropped.

On trips, my 302 XBs and 351 XDs used to get 12.3 l/100 km (23 mpg) and 14.2 l/100 km (20 mpg) respectively.
With fuel economy like that, I wouldn't like to own either today, consumption in city driving was wicked (50-80% more)

I had a friend who had a P76 V8 and while it kept the 302s honest, the fuel economy was only slightly better..
The one that surprised me was Holden's 253 V8 which had economy like a 250 but more punch.

[castellan]

Originally Posted by new2ford

The Rover V8 in the P76 was more economical than some sixes. I used to get about 11 l/100 on trips (the Ford and Holden V8s at the time would get about 20 l/100 iirc). We may have the P76 to thanks for the fact that V8s were around much longer. The Whitlam government wanted to ban V8s in the 1970s but Leyland Australia went along to them with the figures and the plan was dropped.

Shows you what an idiot Whitlam was, i worked in a servo back them days and had people spinning out about people with V8's even abusing other people for owning a V8 when filling up.
My dad had a V8 because it was better on fuel than any 6cyl as he towed most of the time.
I had a HQ 202 manual 25 MPG highway but 17 MPG towing on the highway at best.

[johnydep]

Originally Posted by new2ford

The Rover V8 in the P76 was more economical than some sixes. I used to get about 11 l/100 on trips (the Ford and Holden V8s at the time would get about 20 l/100 iirc). We may have the P76 to thanks for the fact that V8s were around much longer. The Whitlam government wanted to ban V8s in the 1970s but Leyland Australia went along to them with the figures and the plan was dropped.

My 1976 Caprice 5.0L high comp, mild cam full exhaust mod, 3.08:1 diff had a best of 15L/100, average of 17.5L/100 on the highway. In the city I didn't bother worrying.

This was the car that took 3 tanks to get to Melbourne (25L/100); late night run getting into Melbourne as people were leaving the clubs

[Ben73]

It really depends on how you drive and your location.
The following 2 photos were taken only a week apart in the same car, different location.
300c 5.7L V8 Hemi

[johnydep]

Originally Posted by Ben73

It really depends on how you drive and your location.
The following 2 photos were taken only a week apart in the same car, different location.
300c 5.7L V8 Hemi

image

image

I love down hill runs for economy 0.0L/100km shame there's always an up to a hill though the V8 loves them

[simon varley]

my VE series I SS wagon averages 12.2 on a mix of about 70% highway and 30% urban which is good enough for me.

[zilo]

Just did Hobart to Devonport yesterday in a V8 Toyota Landcruiser (petrol)

Admittedly it was loaded with camping gear, but no roof racks or trailer.


350k and a breathtaking 90 Litres of unleaded to do it.


Yep...that's 9 miles per gallon...long live the V8...LOL

[johnydep]

Originally Posted by zilo

Just did Hobart to Devonport yesterday in a V8 Toyota Landcruiser (petrol)

Admittedly it was loaded with camping gear, but no roof racks or trailer.


350k and a breathtaking 90 Litres of unleaded to do it.


Yep...that's 9 miles per gallon...long live the V8...LOL

Most trucks have diesel engines for a reason

My brother just purchases the new V8 Patrol, got it for a bargain because Nissan can't move them - no surprise. Moving a 3 ton brick with petrol is crazy. Goes like a rocket, handles like a boat.

http://www.caradvice.com.au/195899/2...pecifications/

[XR Martin]

You should get better than 12s in the country with your TS50.
I get under 10s in my EL.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by XR6 Martin

You should get better than 12s in the country with your TS50.
I get under 10s in my EL.

I cant get my EL 6 under 11.5L/100km and all i do in that is highway.

[XR Martin]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

I cant get my EL 6 under 11.5L/100km and all i do in that is highway.

I used to get that on the highway in my previous EL 6 on LPG

I actually thought my XR8 should be better than what its getting though.

[galaxy xr8]

My XR8 uses 8-9 on the hwy, best ever was 8.1 from Torquay to Bendigo.
I mainly use the XR8 on the hwy and it has never seen more then 10l per 100, even around the Great Ocean Road which we frequent often it is amazing on fuel, no complaint's here.

[blackf6]

V8's rule the highways. Have done 2400km's in the GT in the last month. $85 gets me @500km's on the highway.

[data_mine]

My GT (before changing the diff*) got high 7's on the highway (actual figures from km vs. fuel put in, not the trip computer). Best tank worth was 7.11km/100 (774km from 55L)

Then again, I also managed to average 50L/100 on a track day, 102km from 51L

*now with the 3.93 rear end, highway economy is high 11's.

[blackf6]

That's good to know Data mine. I get scared when fuel level drops to a quarter, and fuel up early.

[data_mine]

Originally Posted by teak81

That's good to know Data mine. I get scared when fuel level drops to a quarter, and fuel up early.

As you should really.

The fuel is what cools the fuel pump, and below a 1/4 you can get surge/starvation on heavy acceleration/cornering.

[chevypower]

8 years ago while still in Australia, I had a Gen 3 5.7 which showed 7.9L/100km on the highway. No matter how far it went. When I got into town, it would climb its way up to about 13.3. So yes it CAN get really good fuel economy, but in the real world you have to stop and start, and that matters when it comes to filling up your tank and paying for it. If you are happy to ignore the bad bits and only look at the good bits, you get to rave about how great the fuel economy is.

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by chevypower

8 years ago while still in Australia, I had a Gen 3 5.7 which showed 7.9L/100km on the highway. No matter how far it went. When I got into town, it would climb its way up to about 13.3. So yes it CAN get really good fuel economy, but in the real world you have to stop and start, and that matters when it comes to filling up your tank and paying for it. If you are happy to ignore the bad bits and only look at the good bits, you get to rave about how great the fuel economy is.

Many many moons ago I had a VT Gen 3 and once I got 250klm to its 75 litre tank.

I was being very naughty though.

My BA 6cyl sucks *** with economy, its on LPG but is constantly on 15-16L/100klm, that's 100% urban driving though.

[BA-XT]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

Many many moons ago I had a VT Gen 3 and once I got 250klm to its 75 litre tank.

I was being very naughty though.

My BA 6cyl sucks *** with economy, its on LPG but is constantly on 15-16L/100klm, that's 100% urban driving though.

Same here. The BA's around town are horrendous on lpg! Highest I managed was 18.3L/100km doing the 6km trip to station and back.

Just filled up and averaged 16.5/100km.

[wicksy]

in our VF SS Wagon, we have got 700km to a tank and the best we have got is 9.3L but its only got 5000km on it at the moment, around town we average 13.7 there abouts

[cro142]

Back in 2005 I did a trip from Brisbane to Darwin return with a Falcon car club.
There were about 33 cars on the trip. All were BA's, either XR6, XR6 turbo, XR8, GT, GTP. Utes and sedans.

The interesting thing was the comparative fuel consumption across this range of vehicles while travelling in convoy, so pretty much the same conditions for all.

There was a lot of discussion and careful measurement of fuel consumption among the group.

The overall results, on average, looked like this:
XR6 non-turbo 9 L/100km
XR6 Turbo 9.5 L/100km
XR8, GT 10 L/100km