I've got a 1982 2wd GLF EA81. I'm pulling about 30 mpg on average, running all stock with Hitachi carb.I'm lowered on stock 13". I don't see much of a thread for increasing out mpgs for us daily driver only guys. what can we take out of the system or add to get milage? I'm not worried about horsepower in this girl

Drive her nice and easy. Driving habits are number one for fuel consumption IMO. Use MMO (Marvels Mystery Oil) regularly in your gas. Keep the fuel filters changed on a regular basis. Play with the timing a little and see if advancing it a few degrees gives you better burn. Use only NGK wires and plugs. Make sure your thermostat is working properly and is an OEM one. Make sure the float level is dead nuts in the center of the carburetor bowl. Make sure tires are filled to correct psi at all times (I usually fill mine to 40psi).

The single biggest factors for mine seem to be highway speed and throttle position.  That is, if I am trying to maintain 70+ there is no way I can get 30mpg.  The closer I get to 55 the higher my mpg gets . . . and the angrier the traffic around me gets.  Also, the difference between 90% throttle and wide open is about 2hp, and 2-3mpg.  If I can remember to keep my foot just a bit off the floor I get noticably better mileage with no functional loss in performance.  Just difficult to remember when all of the traffic is zipping past me.

that seems to be what I've found. and what I have done. my float level is low. I'm going to replace the float soon and I didn't put the carb spacer on last time I had it off . I tried capping off my smog lines to see if that changes anything this week. I want to go through my wheel bearings and my shocks and struts are shot, and my cv axles are on their way. but I still get 30 driving 65mph.

Once you get to 50 or more, it's aerodynamic drag. That's why all the new cars almost look the same.

Taller tires, inflated to their recommended max. And/or taller gearing. Swap out the transmission for a 3.7 final drive ratio, unless that's what you already have. 

because I want mine low, I will avoid the taller tires... I am running a 5 speed. not sure the ratio. tires are new and I keep inflated. I have not altered the timing yet. that will be on my list

Subaru scott is yours a convertible? Ive got the same yellow, but I also have the extra rear quarter window

Synthetic oil in your trans and dif get rid of any extra wait in the car remove the engine mounted fan and replace it.with a electric one and add a msd ignition to get a very complete burn add a air damb on the front and smooth the body of any ruff edges for arodinamics maybe it will net 2-3 mpg

Subaru scott is yours a convertible? Ive got the same yellow, but I also have the extra rear quarter window

Yes it is. Most fun one to drive! Needs a top, but she does get to stay in the garage while the SVX and XT have to stay outside. 

Have replaced stock air filter with a K&N, and in this area an '87 EA81 doesn't need a cat, so had an oversized exhaust built without one. Power and gas mileage improved - not a whole lot, but enough to feel the difference.

I get 33mpg in my Brumby but our speed limit is 100kph (just over 60mph)

And our gallon is the Imperial gallon (4.54 litres)

 

BUT driving around town on short trips I reckon it won't even make 20mpg.