I am a "new" 181 owner. I have owned several VWs in the past and find them to be fun, honest and real to drive. I couldn't pass up the '73 in nearly 90% orginal condition, but showing it had happier days. I have been reading the 181 lit on the web. I have found VW or other publications calling for anywhere between 22mpg Hwy to 33mpg Hwy, 19 - 23 city. VWs original brochure called for 21 mpg as rated by the EPA. What can truthfully be expected?
I use mpg and oil consumption as part of determining my engines' health, and as a way of termining if I should stay stock PICT34, or go dual Solex 34 on a rebuild. I had a beelte 1600 dual port engine I put in my181. With dual Solex - main 130, air correction 130, idle 50, a SVDA distributer, pertronix ignition points, timing at 7.5 deg BTDC, idle rpm 850, I am getting 24 mpg c/h combined. What kind of mileage do you folks get and are you running stock or modified?
