I have an 1981 Thunderbird and am getting poor gas mileage, italso fluxuates between 28mpg and 8mpg anyone know what I should be looking for or adjusting?

CJ, SAME PROBLEM WITH MY BASE 1981 T-BIRD. 3.3 ENGINE 10-30 MPG IF YOU GET AN ANSWER PLEASE TELL. I WILL DO THE SAME. JOHN

What type of fuel are you using? And have you tried flushing or having the fuel injectors cleaned. Another thing that will affect fuel consumption are bad plugs and ignition wires.

Also if it's carburated, you might want to re and re it. Have it rebuilt or replace with a good aftermarket one like Holley or Speed Demon. They'll have one that will match your OEM. If you have a Rochester Carb though, you may have to get that rebuilt or as I said replaced. Also, change your fuel filter.

RE: 81 T-Bird--I replaced my carb with a rebuilt one, supposedly with the correct, original code EIBE-AFA. I just pulled an identical, original carb off an 81 Mustang, with a 3.3. (HOLLY 1946) I am going to rebuild it and keep you posted. Even using mid grade and occasionally premium, I still have the wild swing in MPG. It is a big question mark each time I pull up to a pump as to what my MPG will be. Some times I'm happy as hell, sometimes not! Am wondering if my Centrifigal Advance or vacuum Advance/Retard in my distributor is always functioning. The local Ford dealer threw away their test bench!! We are in this together. John