Gas prices and driving to the National

Nevada Hudson

Diesel here now is $4:00 a gallon. Regular unleaded is now $3:75 a gallon.
How will the high gas prices effect your driving to the National? At what price of fuel, will you decide not to drive?
Gas prices have an effect. We chose to fly to the Boston area National several years ago, because it was cheaper than driving. Diesel fuel then, was $4:89 a gallon here.

[Deleted User]

If gas hit $5.00 or better, then that money will be spent going to Maui, Hawaii. We here in SF are now up to $4.13 for 87 and no sign of going down. Walt.

hudsontech

From Memphis to Oklahoma City it's 475 miles - so call round trip 900 miles. Close enough to figure out mileage easy. The Olds gets 30 mpg - so that's gonna be 30 gallons, more or less. At the current $3.30 a gallon here in Memphis that works out to about $100. I can live with that, barely.

If it goes to $4 a gallon, well, now we're talking $120. I can always take the big dog and leave the driving to Greyhound. It's about 9 hours, about the same as driving. Prices are about the same either way, so I'd probably drive.

However, much over $4 a gallon and I'll consider, closely, going by bus. But I'm already planning on driving.

I was a bit disappointed in the attitude at the New England National in 2008. I know there were a lot of people, most closer than I was, that said "Oh, $4 a gallon is outrageous - I'm going to save my money for next year. Hell, folks, I drove near 1400 miles just to get to Marlborough. I'm afraid that high gas prices are going to convince a lot of people to stay home - and that's a shame. It's only once a year folks - and it's worth putting up with high gas prices.

Now that said, next year is Gettysburg. I would hope gas prices are back to manageable levels. However, I will probably think twice about going. $115 a night for a room is a tad high for this old war horses budget. Especially if gas prices linger in the $3.50 a gallon range. If I can find a room and ride share, then we'll think more on it.

Hudsonly,
Alex Burr
Memphis, TN

Aaron D. IL

We're supposed to be a driver's club in an already expensive hobby. I worry that increased gas prices might put the hobby itself at risk, not just attendance at events..... or maybe more car folks will choose to go only to local or regional events and wait for Nationals to show up in their region. Perhaps in the future alternative fuel or some other power plant might wind up under the hoods of our Hudsons. OR we decide to sock away money in a savings account just to go to these events once a year assuming you can.

Lee ODell

Alex,

Some more food for thought. I did some figures and if the gas prices average $4.00 on the 3000 mile round trip to the national. My 308 Hornet gas mileage and other engines I've had in the past as possible engine swaps. Some good and some not so good choices.

308 Hornet 15 mpg, $800.
390 Ford 9 mpg, $1333
500 Cad 10 mpg, $1200
454 Chevy 5 mpg, $2400
400 BB Chevy 10 mpg, $1200
327 Chevy 26 mpg, $462
350 Supercharged Chevy 24 mpg, $500
390 AMC AMX 19 mpg, $631

In the past the 390 Ford, 400 BB Chevy and the 327 Chevy got this gas mileage, on our 5,000 mile round trips from Calif to east Tenn. The others were local highway driving.

I talked to one person that put a LS-1 Chevy in his 39 Chevy and was getting 31 mpg, that would only be $400. I plan to keep the 308 in the Hornet, but for someone planning an engine swap, the gas prices may be an important factor in engine choice.

Anyone have actual gas mileage figures to share, that would make a good swap, not EPA figures, and get 30 or more miles per gallons? Just something to consider.

Have a good day.

Lee O'Dell

GrimGreaser

I've been impressed with the little 2.2L Ecotec 4-banger in our Chevy HHR. It's just the standard performance engine but it still has a lotta guts. I can get close to 40mpg on our trips into the mountains (take it easy going up, coast on down...) with two kids and a loaded car. I think these litte Ecotec engines would be awesome in more hotrods, especially in front of a north-south tranny to get rid of the front wheel drive.

Nevada Hudson

Lee ODell wrote:

Alex,

Some more food for thought. I did some figures and if the gas prices average $4.00 on the 3000 mile round trip to the national. My 308 Hornet gas mileage and other engines I've had in the past as possible engine swaps. Some good and some not so good choices.

308 Hornet 15 mpg, $800.
390 Ford 9 mpg, $1333
500 Cad 10 mpg, $1200
454 Chevy 5 mpg, $2400
400 BB Chevy 10 mpg, $1200
327 Chevy 26 mpg, $462
350 Supercharged Chevy 24 mpg, $500
390 AMC AMX 19 mpg, $631

In the past the 390 Ford, 400 BB Chevy and the 327 Chevy got this gas mileage, on our 5,000 mile round trips from Calif to east Tenn. The others were local highway driving.

I talked to one person that put a LS-1 Chevy in his 39 Chevy and was getting 31 mpg, that would only be $400. I plan to keep the 308 in the Hornet, but for someone planning an engine swap, the gas prices may be an important factor in engine choice.

Anyone have actual gas mileage figures to share, that would make a good swap, not EPA figures, and get 30 or more miles per gallons? Just something to consider.

Have a good day.

Lee O'Dell

Hudson Jets get better mileage 18-22 mpg

[Deleted User]

Lee, my 53 gives me 18 to 22 on highway driving, but to give the gas companies 5 or better per gallon is nuts. Like I said earlier, off to Hawaii and have some left over. You know I'm not afraid to drive across this country, but now the gas is going too high. Remember this, if gas goes to 15 ALCOHOL and 85 gas, the jets in the carb will have to be opened at least 1 to 2 thousands of an inch. This info is now being written and gas mileage goes down. New cars with computers have no worry. I'll go to $4.50 but not a penny higher. Walt

Lee ODell

Walt
I know you have made many trips over this country. You even flew past me on the economy run. I found a couple of things so far getting ready for the nations that was hurting my mileage. One was dragging brakes and the other was carburator choke not opening up all the way and a dirty air cleaner.

How much for ticket to Maui Walt? I only checked one airline and the lowest price for two was still twice the cost of gas to the national. For the right price we may join you there. I even check Grayhound. Even the bus was more than the cost of gas. I agree, $5.oo per gal is out of sight. That may stop our trip too.

Our plan, after the national, is to continue on to Elizbethton, Tn. in fareast Tn, then back to Calif. via Dallas, Tx. to visit my aunt. Making it about a 5,000 mile round trip. So I hope gas prices stop increasing soon.

Have a good day.
Lee O'Dell

Huddy42

Our current price for fuel in Oz is
Ordinary unleaded $1.50.9,
Premium unleaded $1.65.9
Unleaded with 10% ethanol $1.43.9.
Diesel $1.47.9 these are all per litre.


I know we don't drive the distance you guys do, but the price will not stop us driving our hobby cars, may slow down the shopping cars, but, heck, this is our hobby.

hudsontech

Lee ODell wrote:

W
Our plan, after the national, is to continue on to Elizbethton, Tn. in fareast Tn, then back to Calif. via Dallas, Tx. to visit my aunt. Making it about a 5,000 mile round trip. So I hope gas prices stop increasing soon.

Have a good day.
Lee O'Dell

There you go Lee - I'll take the Greyhound to Oklahoma City then you can carry me back to Memphis and I'll split gas with you. LOL

Hudsonly,
Alex Burr
Memphis, TN

brumac

Maybe it is time to resurect the Sommender Singh idea that was bantered around a few years ago. The idea was to cut slots into the cylinder head squish area, angled toward the spark plug. They are supposed to improve combustion, add power etc. All the good stuff.
Anybody done it???
Bruce

Browniepetersen

At this point I am planning to bring the Hudson to the National. We will have to wait and see what happens between now and then. By the way, that reminds me that I need to make my reservations.

I am planning to drive to California for our Western National. The wife and I were going to call it a retirement vacation--but she went back to work this past week? Made arangements to have a HET buddy make the trip with me and share gas expenses. That means that the car will stay in the shop.....

Park_W

We've decided we're definitely going to the National, the only question is whether to drive or fly. And it would take a big reduction in air fare for flying to be cheaper.

Lee, you didn't mention spark timing among your gas-saving measures. Remember that note in the manual about the factory setting's being based on about 80 octane fuel, and that for higher octane advance the setting accordingly, but not over 1/2" on the scale (interesting that they use a distance measurement rather than crank degrees). Go with 5 degrees basic advance and you'll see a substantial improvement in throttle response, power, and fuel consumption.

dwardo99

Regarding engine swaps - I plan to keep my Hudsons all Hudson for now, but one of my "regular" cars is a '94 Roadmaster wagon with the LT1 engine. It moves that 4600+ pound beast with amazing speed and gets from 17.5 to 21.5 mpg. In a much lighter Hudson I would think it might be a great and fairly economical choice.

SamJ

Poop

MikeWA

For those of you going to Hawaii, or taking the bus instead of driving on account of fuel prices, I'd think again- planes and buses use fuel, too, and price of the trip will reflect the increased price. And you can't beat the system by getting your ticket early- they'll honor your ticket, but will add a "fuel surcharge" if fuel costs go up. I understand the fuel surcharge on flights to Europe these days is 120 bucks (not sure if that is one way or round trip).

BTW, would be curious to know who I got crossways of on the board- my Karma went from +3 to -2 overnight! Don't really care about the karma thing, but am concerned if I offended anyone.

Lee ODell

Walt - I guess I'll have to change the jets one day.

Alex - that's something to consider.

Bruce - Dany Spring is cutting slots in heads. I talked with him last week and he is planning to do a 232 head for his 308 engine and see if it will reduce carbon buildup and eliminate pinging.

Park - I'll check the timeing.

dwordo99 - Good engine. I sold a LT-l out of a Camero to my brother and he gets 23 mpg in a lighter 68 El Camino. After driving it I kicked myself for selling the motor.

GrimGreaser - 40 mpg would be great. I did see a V6 front wheel drive setup in a 46 or 47 Hudson a few years ago. I don't recall what motor was used.

I like hearing these suggestions and real world mpg.

Lee O'Dell

[Deleted User]

People don't realize my trip includes across the country, ocean to ocean and covers 10 to 11 thousand miles. Try that on 5 per gallon or flying. Hawaii for 2 will cost me about $3,500 and that includes a rental and 8 days at the best resort. And what I'll save on hotels and food across this country for at least 5 weeks. I'll do Hawaii. Walt.

Browniepetersen

SamJ wrote:

Poop

POOP? Is that a verb or a noun?

Save a place on the beach for me Walt, sounds like a good place to spend a few weeks doing nothing....

[Deleted User]

Right now I am planning to go to the Gettysburg national and am saving up ahead for anything that may befall us, such as higher fuel costs. My plans could still be derailed if prices go off the chart.

Alex, I noted, too, the higher prices for a hotel room at Gettysburg and have wondered why, except that as it is a tourist area the club may have been told to take it or leave it. I wish they had the prices like Oklahoma City for that would make my planning that much easier.

If I should have to rejet my carb as Walt mentioned, who could do that for me. Would Dave Kostansek have what is needed for that job?

Geoff Blake

brumac

Lee and others, A few years ago I had a 94 Caprice with the 4.3 liter V8 in LT-1 configuration and a 700R4. I was getting 25-26 average and at times up to 28 mpg but that was before ethanol. I also found that aftermarket knock sensors, oxygen sensors and others were no substitute for the original factory equipment. The aftermarket parts were not tailored to the exact application like the factory parts are, resulting in poorer performance and a loss in gas mileage. I have often thought that it would make a great swap.
I've put the slots in a 262 head for my 308 but I have to wait for the snow to go away to bring the car home. Presently 87 octane with 10% ethanol is $3.60 here in Western NY.

Bruce

RL Chilton

Let's see . . . I gave up women (wife's insistence), I don't drink, don't do drugs, don't golf. Heck, I have almost no vices or hobbies other than the cars, so it doesn't matter if gas goes up to $20/gal., I'm still going to OKC. Gettysburg in '12 might be a different story, but I'll cross that bridge later. It just means I'll have less money for the swap meet stuff.

And, for all practical purposes, if gas went up to $6.00/gal., we'd all bitch and moan and complain like we always have and pay $6.00/gal. because, until they take our cars away, we're going to pay whatever price it is.

Sam-

Love your comment. I agree.;)

SamJ

RL Chilton wrote:

Sam-

Love your comment. I agree.;)

The quote is from Mr. Toad in "The Wind in the Willows." The only thing that matters is the differential, not the pumpkin but the difference between the price last month and the price in July. The differential between $2.75 and $4.00 a gallon will add less than $75 to my 1100 mile round trip. Guess I'll have to forgo dinner for 3 at the Olive Garden. Poop poop.:pinch:

Ol racer

FYI

Im like a lot of retired folks with fixed income without inflation protection because who would have thought the bottom would fallout of the Stock Mrkt, Banks would belly up, and the Economy would go upside down partly due to the increased fuel prices that hadn't occurred before in decades.

However since we have our Cars we should continue to drive them at the sacrifice of something else, but perhaps travel less distances out of necessity. We cant be held hostage and stop traveling simply because of the rising gas cost since who knows what tomorrow will bring.....

Put your car In-Tune, inflate the tires slightly, and drive like your on an economy Run with a raw egg on the gas pedal, but do drive them....
Lets hope the 'Reserves' open for relief, and consider tapping our natural Resources ending dependecy on Foreign Supply.

hudsontech

SamJ wrote:

RL Chilton wrote:

Sam-

Love your comment. I agree.;)

The quote is from Mr. Toad in "The Wind in the Willows." The only thing that matters is the differential, not the pumpkin but the difference between the price last month and the price in July. The differential between $2.75 and $4.00 a gallon will add less than $75 to my 1100 mile round trip. Guess I'll have to forgo dinner for 3 at the Olive Garden. Poop poop.:pinch:

Sam, I thought "poop poop" was a saying by Betty Boop - as in "poop poop a doop"!! :woohoo:

Hudsonly,
Alex B
Memphis, TN

dwardo99

I want to know more about putting slots in the head. What is it supposed to do? Does anybody have a picture? I am really curious about this.

hudsontech

Just a quick note on gas prices. I'm a military retiree, so should save money on gas by going to the nearest military base (in my case the Navy base in Millington). Couple weeks ago, when gas on the local stations was at $3.18/9 a gallon I went over to the base. Gas prices were the same there as everywhere else, so no savings.

Hudsonly,
Alex Burr
Memphis, TN

[Deleted User]

Alex, You need to consult Aunt Hester but I think Betty Boop was saying "Boop,Boop Tee Doop". Of course that was a long time ago and my memory is not what it used to be.(never was that good to start with)
Bob Hickson
PS...Anyone that can't afford to drive to the Nationals, Remember that we have the Pigeon Forge Meet on October 28-29-30. Fun for all, so come on out and renew old friendships and make new ones.

Lee ODell

dwardo99 wrote:

I want to know more about putting slots in the head. What is it supposed to do? Does anybody have a picture? I am really curious about this.

Check the webb on Singh Grove Heads or Sommender Singh for information on grooved heads. Sommender Singh I understand was the first to develop this process and many others have followed his process. It appears to be a easy modification. There was some discussion about it on this forum in the past.

Have a great day.
Lee O'Dell

hudsontech

BJ__TN wrote:

Alex, You need to consult Aunt Hester but I think Betty Boop was saying "Boop,Boop Tee Doop". Of course that was a long time ago and my memory is not what it used to be.(never was that good to start with)
Bob Hickson
PS...Anyone that can't afford to drive to the Nationals, Remember that we have the Pigeon Forge Meet on October 28-29-30. Fun for all, so come on out and renew old friendships and make new ones.

Oh, right - must have had my head in the pencil sharpener again. :P

Hudsonly,
Alex B