Sounds like some people need a lesson on tuning and setting up a car ect.... No reason a 318 should be getting such horrible millage.
My big block C body gets 15mpg with decent performance.
I agree. My sister's ex '76 Volare, slant/4OD got 34mpg highway at a steady 60mph. And that was averaged over a trip from upstate NY to the Tampa, FL, area and back.
I saw somewhere in this thread that someone was going to try to lean it out. Being in good tune and looking for more mileage isn't leaning it out. Car's still got to have a happy place for A/F mixture and that happy place is 13.5-14.5. Go below the low end and the tune gets worse, go above the high end and the tune gets worse.
If all you're getting is in the low teens I think I'd go over everything, starting with a compression check. Pull a few plugs and read 'em. Don't know how to read 'em the old Chiltons books had some good pics with explanations in 'em. Doesn't hurt to acid test the coolant. What's the thermostat temp at? What's the condition of the rear, what's the overall condition of the trans?
After that I think I'd have to look in the mirror and see what I'm doing wrong. No jack rabbit starts, no quick braking. Adjust your speed to try to time the lights. Steady speed. It's amazing how teaching yourself to drive for mileage effects actual mileage.
My old '99 Alero got 21-22mpg combined all day long. I started out with about 18-19mpg and adjusted my driving. Sold the car to a 19 year old girl and she can't break the 15-16mph mark.