global_high
New Member
Sometimes I think I love my car too much.
Posts: 25
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Post by global_high on Aug 7, 2020 19:34:02 GMT -5
What would be the approximate mileage of a GT and GT2, with the VW motor? Basically, does the Bradley body harm or help the gas mileage?
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Post by Jeff Troy on Aug 8, 2020 8:20:22 GMT -5
In short, either Bradley should increase mileage over a Beetle to some varying degree.
A Completed GT is roughly 800 pounds lighter than a standard Beetle, so you'd have to figure from there, depending upon the engine you choose, air conditioning, performance modifications, and anything else -- and don't forget to figure in your own weight! Because they are kit built, few of these cars are exactly alike.
My car weights about 1600 pounds. When it had the 1641 (dual carbs, fly-cut heads, air-co), it gave me roughly 20 mpg on Sunoco 94 octane. So far, I've only run out one tank on the new 1776 (stock heads, Scat cam, air-co) on 93 octane, but it appears to be getting a bit less than 20, maybe 18-19.
Twenty was considered good mileage back in the 1960s and '70s. Cars are different now, so don't expect a Bradley to meet current standards or expectations.
Bottom line, it's a Type 1 Beetle that, however you choose to set it up, will weigh anywhere between 300-800 fewer pounds. Plan on 20 and hope for the best.
Don't know the Twoie from personal experience, but I remember that it's approximately 300 pounds heavier than the GT - roughly 500 pounds lighter than a Beetle.
Best of luck...
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Post by jspbtown on Aug 8, 2020 8:46:13 GMT -5
And don't expect the kind of mileage you see in today's modern fuel injected / computer controlled cars. You are talking about 50+ year old technology that is rarely tuned correctly for highest mileage. Most people add things (carbs, exhaust, ignition, etc) that are designed to improve performance...not gas mileage.
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global_high
New Member
Sometimes I think I love my car too much.
Posts: 25
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Post by global_high on Aug 8, 2020 9:08:58 GMT -5
In short, either Bradley should increase mileage over a Beetle to some varying degree. A Completed GT is roughly 800 pounds lighter than a standard Beetle, so you'd have to figure from there, depending upon the engine you choose, air conditioning, performance modifications, and anything else -- and don't forget to figure in your own weight! Because they are kit built, few of these cars are exactly alike. My car weights about 1600 pounds. When it had the 1641 (dual carbs, fly-cut heads, air-co), it gave me roughly 20 mpg on Sunoco 94 octane. So far, I've only run out one tank on the new 1776 (stock heads, Scat cam, air-co) on 93 octane, but it appears to be getting a bit less than 20, maybe 18-19. Twenty was considered good mileage back in the 1960s and '70s. Cars are different now, so don't expect a Bradley to meet current standards or expectations. Bottom line, it's a Type 1 Beetle that, however you choose to set it up, will weigh anywhere between 300-800 fewer pounds. Plan on 20 and hope for the best. Don't know the Twoie from personal experience, but I remember that it's approximately 300 pounds heavier than the GT - roughly 500 pounds lighter than a Beetle. Best of luck... Thanks, I expected around 20-22 or so. What fuel should I use? Online everyone suggests different things. My engine is the 1596 with a VW pict 3 carb. Should I use Ethanol Free fuel? |
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Post by Jeff Troy on Aug 8, 2020 21:29:50 GMT -5
I used 94 (when it was still readily available at the Sunoco pumps) because of the higher compression in my 1641 with the fly-cut heads. The convenience and savings of regular 87 is one of the reasons I built my 1776 with stock heads.
However, I must be stuck in the brain somewhere because the first and so far only fill-up of the new engine was at a Sunoco station - with 93.
I'm not a mechanic and certainly not a chemist. I wish I could advise you, but I don't know jack about fuels. I listen to people who know more than I do, and from others' comments, I've learned that oil can be even more of an important factor than mileage.
Change the oil every 3,000 miles, and always try to let your engine idle for 1-2 minutes to circulate the oil before you get rolling. Adding a 1-quart oil sump is a good engine modification to make sure that cylinder #3 stays wet.
I built my Bradley because I'm an RC airplane modeler, and the idea of an "AMT 3-in-1 model car kit" with a Volkswagen engine -- that I could actually climb into and drive around the block -- was just too ridiculous to pass up. Build your car, get it on the road and drive. After the first two miles, you won't give another thought to mileage. Just fill the tank whenever it needs it and enjoy the ride.
These cars were never meant for anything practical - and your date/wife/girlfriend/mom will never be impressed by a mileage quote.
Regards...
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Post by jspbtown on Aug 10, 2020 8:32:53 GMT -5
Ethanol fuels just ruin rubber lines. Your car will likely run fine on regular gas. If you notice some pre-ignition you can increase the octane level.
Cars designed to run on regular gas will not run as well on premium fuel. Its just a waste of money. But like I said...if you have some pre-ignition issues then premium might help.
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