Hey Lowell, thanks for the added info. I certainly understand how the Rans could consume that amount of fuel (or any aircraft for that matter). Piloting technique, dirty aircraft - could have been a dacron covered s6 with the big wing, pitched for climb, needed a tune, combination of all, etc, etc...
What I don't get yet is how a Model IV can achieve 2.4 gph averaged over a 3 hour flight - which also had to include taxi, takeoff, climb etc. Clean it up all you want, but that's a mighty impressive fuel flow figure for any bird. I'm sure there are a bunch of us that would like to know what engine, PSRU, prop combination can achive that 2.4 gph avg. burn throughout an entire flight envelop. Not yet clear.
Thanks, Greg