It's interesting that your better aerodynamics (as compared to my brick wall) don't do any better on the fuel consumption. Yours is a Vortec too right?

I'm a big diesel fan, and my daily driver is a VW Rabbit diesel pickup. I drive the 'burb the same as you. As long as I do that, and keep the speed down at or below the legal limit, I can get decent mileage. But bring the speed up to the 70-75mph range (empty) and the mileage drops right off to 11mpg.

The 700R4's were never designed for towing in overdrive since the only thing hold all that load in 4th is one brake band. I'll put mine in 4th towing if I'm on a level stretch and not bucking a headwind. Otherwise, I pull it back into 3rd. Mine comes in and out of lockup as needed, in both 3rd and 4th. I think yours does that via computer. Mine does it purely mechancally.

We also prefer road trips in the 'burb. It's like traveling in your living room.

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First year for the Vortec, went from 200 to 250hp. Mine has the 4L60E transmission. I understand it's robust and derived from the turbo 350. Must be, it's still the original at 180K miles.

I can really feel the difference when I try to average 70 vice 65 mph. Trans will drop out of lockup at the hint of a grade, and even downshift into 3rd if steep or long enough. You know it's sucking gas when it does that.

Nice on the road, lots of room AND separation for the kids. I was able to get an M103 engine and trans lengthwise with back with the 3rd seat folded, and an M130 without trans in the back transversely, with the 3rd seat up.

Not nearly as nice to drive on the road as either the 560SEL or the E320 wagon, though.

Jim

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14 E250 BlueTEC black. 45k miles
95 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 66k miles
94 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 152k miles
85 300TD 4 spd man, euro bumpers and lights, 15" Pentas dark blue 274k miles