Any "tricks" tha work on making a car faster, work on making it more efficient. Plus, the car is a whole, not just an engine. First, the ignition can becurved to give you better performance and milage. Make sure teh choke pulls off properly, and let the car warm up. The worst you can do is repeated cold starts with little warming. Make sure the tires are inflated to the max pressure. Usually 35psi or so. Make sure the kickdown is adjusted properly so it uses the gears. Make sure the air filter is clean, and you'll find a little more power and economy buy flipping the lid upside down. (also makes it a little noisier) There is no reason a multi-use car with stock everythign can't get at least 15mpg in mixed driving. When was the last time you flat footted it on an on ramp and let it run up thru the gears? Old lady driving is hard on a car.