You would be able to do an LT1 swap for that budget. That would be a direct bolt-in and should be good for mid-20s with a 3.08 rear gearing. Might be able to do a 5.3 inside that budget too.
Best BUDGET Fuel Economy Combo Advice
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I have looked at lt1s for sale but I find mostly junk, from my research the ls swap nickels and dimes you and I really just want to be ready to go by mid-Jan. I have been thinking about going the crate 350 ($1800-$2000) for reliability and so so gas mileage. I am still exploring options.
If you go with a new crate, get one with a roller cam so you don't have to worry about low ZDDP oils, but those aren't cheap 😢 . Besides high compression you also want a tight quench to reduce spark knock and increase MPGs since more of the hydrocarbons are burnt. So stay away from thick head gaskets. Vortec heads are just as good as LT1 heads except for being normal coolant flow, they will improve MPGs quite well. As far as I know BOP do not have as advanced factory heads as the SBC Vortecs, though Olds do have better valve angles.
Is the 190cfm from the aluminum version? It's been my understanding that the iron LT1 heads flow better than aluminum.pontiacgp said:
MikesElco94 said:
My thoughts exactly. Your 330 is a great engine. If I had the combo you have, I'd surely freshen up the 330 and 200R4 and use the 2.56 to see how it felt. Olds engines pull those gears better than any sbc. You'd get great gas milage for sure. The 3.73s are fun gears not milage gears. Unless your planning a T56 swap in the future, then the 373s would be ideal with the 330. The high compression can be handled by putting on heads from any 350 from 70 and up. Another thing is you want to swap heads anyway because the later heads have hardened valve seats that are good for unleaded.
To use my car as an example, Since I never calculated MPG, I can only go by full tanks. My 88 CSC's original 307/200R4 with 2.56 gears, would use a full tank to drive 2 hours to NC from my home town in VA. And i would have to put extra fuel in once I got in town. Now with my '73 350 sbo/T-5 with the same 2.56s, I have done the same 2 hour drive to NC 4 times since August, And each time I have arrived there with a 1/4 tank left. And thats loaded with 3 extra people in the car. When I was alone it had a little under 1/2 tank of gas. You guys can crunch the numbers, All I know is round trip (4 hours total) mostly all highway driving, cost me under 70 bucks with regular gas at 3.20 - 3.35 per gallon. And I'm doing that trip again this friday.
Your Cutlass is lighter than mine, so I feel your 330 engine would be great in your car. put the extra money toward tuning your combo. The 200R4 would do good, but a manual would do better.
Just my 2 cents.
T
Great advice guys! Since much info and guidance has been coming in here is what it has caused.
Since many posts have mentioned the LT1. I started doing more research and searching and I have found a 94 lt1 with 95k that guy is selling with ecm, wiring and harness that needs new connectors for $400 but shipping will be around $200-$250, so a total of $650.
I have also researched the 5 speed option and love it more and more and MORE. I have seen real nice prices on these also. I also went to trans shop to see what it would cost to rebuilt my 200-4r and was giving a quote of $700-$800 but that's the only qoute I have sought. The 5 speeds I have been seeing from third gen cars have been less than cost of rebuilding the 200-4r and sound MORE fun. But once again this will be a daily driver and high fuel economy is desired.
I have a set of #5 Olds Heads that I can get freshened up to lower the compression on the 330 but haven't sought qoutes yet on head work. Anyone know estimate or guestimate costs to do so? My 330 is still in the mix but internet searches for this project haven't been much olds. 🙁
Sooo, as you can see I am ALL over the place with many options right now.
Since many posts have mentioned the LT1. I started doing more research and searching and I have found a 94 lt1 with 95k that guy is selling with ecm, wiring and harness that needs new connectors for $400 but shipping will be around $200-$250, so a total of $650.
I have also researched the 5 speed option and love it more and more and MORE. I have seen real nice prices on these also. I also went to trans shop to see what it would cost to rebuilt my 200-4r and was giving a quote of $700-$800 but that's the only qoute I have sought. The 5 speeds I have been seeing from third gen cars have been less than cost of rebuilding the 200-4r and sound MORE fun. But once again this will be a daily driver and high fuel economy is desired.
I have a set of #5 Olds Heads that I can get freshened up to lower the compression on the 330 but haven't sought qoutes yet on head work. Anyone know estimate or guestimate costs to do so? My 330 is still in the mix but internet searches for this project haven't been much olds. 🙁
Sooo, as you can see I am ALL over the place with many options right now.
I stand by the 330 and the T5 plan of attack. It's doable, it's different, and your smile from driving it will be worth it. My DD 350/ T5 can only be topped by a T56 and 3.73 gears. Saving for it as we speak.Lol And you will have that T56 option also down the line. The drive shaft can get pricey. I went with a 79 firebird driveshaft. It's perfect size for when I go with a 8.5 rear but works with the 7.5 in it now. Check out my treads, my fly wheel fits your 330 and was under 160 + shipping.
Sorry to sound repetitive, but I love this combo that much.
T
Sorry to sound repetitive, but I love this combo that much.
T
Yes 32 mpg Imperial, one time with the original 5A headed 307 vin Y. It usually got 26 to 29 mpg imperial before it was worn out, then low to mid 20's till I pulled the motor at 420,000 km. The motor ran another 30,000 km till the timing chain skipped, still ran fine. The car was very well taken care of since day one, big stack of bills with car, all just routine maintenance. Best $500 my parents spent.
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