Smells like unburned gas and bad mileage?

[Dober89]

I recently had the intake manifold gaskets done on my car and I've now noticed a strong gas odour coming out of the exhaust pipe. Its rather cold here right now, and I can see the cloud of smoke get visibly whiter and after it runs for a minute or so the cloud thins out and the smell goes away. What could be causing this strong smell??

Also, I only get about 12 mpg, isnt this a little bit harsh or is it normal?? I dont drive much at all in 4wd, and even when it was all 2wd driving the mileage was this bad.

Any suggestions??

[rodeo02]

These engines do tend to smell a bit rich on a cold start, but do lean out once they warm. My winter time MPG's can get into the low teens as well (on a 2002). Make sure your air filter is clean & dry, and keep your intake clean around the throttle plate area. Your check engine light will light up if you are having an O2 sensor or combustion related issue on your 2000. Try to run a quality 5w-30 motor oil for temps well under freezing. This will also help increase your MPG's.
G/luck
Joel

[Cat Fuzz]

I get about 15mpg highway with my 94 4x4. Seems a bit low since I had a 77 Monte Carlo with a 327 V-8 that got 20mpg.

[Dober89]

Hehe yea I have an 89 Camaro with a 5.7L V8 and I drive it really hard and get about the same mileage. I just thought maybe there was something wrong with it.