timing Q...

[MylilBowTie]

That doesn't seem like it would help much to wire the choke open. It will also make it more difficult to warm up and need to be tended to until it is.

What kind of mileage are you getting now? I'm sure its not that great but not many 454 are. The short run of 90's SS trucks with the 454's with tbi are only rated at 10 city and 11 highway. Depends on how bad it is to make it better. The engine compression test seems fine and now the timing seems to be back in order. With the tune up and new parts I don't really see what's in need of repair. Carb could probably use good overhaul with new throttle shaft bushings. Other than that I cant think of much. Yeah there is little to be desired for wind resistance on the trucks. I think the one other part is the weight and energy to get these up and moving.

My truck on the other hand gets about 9-10 mpg and has nowhere near the towing capability of your truck. I have to use high octane whenever I fill up 92 or higher. Switching to a small car with a 4 cylinder and getting 23 mpg or better most the time. Makes a big difference on the gas bill and everything works. Don't have to keep fixing this and that.