What drivetrain would you put in for 30 mpg?

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Wageslave

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My G-body is my daily driver that I use to keep the miles off my new truck. I love the 350 that is in it, but the 200 miles per tank is kind of annoying. That got me to wondering what drivetrain I could put in that would push me to 30 mpg.

I was thinking a 2.2 Ecotec hooked to a T5 5 speed would get killer fuel mileage and could be upgraded as time and money becomes available to put 300 hp or more out to get the best of both worlds.

This could be done fairly cheaply too as there are small GM cars everywhere in junkyards for the engine and computer, as well as V6 bolt pattern T5 transmissions.

This is my version of perfect. What is yours?
 

Clone TIE Pilot

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What are the specs of your 350? Do you have an OD trans? Remember, G bodies are not as aerodynamic and heavier than the newer cars you would find a ecotec in. Not to mention Ecotec are transverse mounted for fwd.
 
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565bbchevy

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If I was going to do it I would install a 50 state legal E-Rod LS3 that has 430 horse might not be as budget friendly but would be 100% new with a warranty.
 
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Wageslave

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What are the specs of your 350? Do you have an OD trans? Remember, G bodies are not as aerodynamic and heavier than the newer cars you would find a ecotec in. Not to mention Ecotec are transverse mounted for fwd.
Its a block and bottom end out of a TBI era 90's Chevrolet Truck with Vortec heads and a comp cams XE262 cam. This is hooked to a TH-200 metric transmission (not 200-4r) and a 2.73 rear end.

I have a 5 speed in the garage, ready to go in, but time and money never seem to meet at the same time.

This was more of a theoretical question, as there is no way in hell that I will be giving up a V8 that I spent months working on. That crap transmission on the other hand...
 
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motorheadmike

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L67ss

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What kinda driving do you do the most? City or highway?
 

Clone TIE Pilot

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Its a block and bottom end out of a TBI era 90's Chevrolet Truck with Vortec heads and a comp cams XE262 cam. This is hooked to a TH-200 metric transmission (not 200-4r) and a 2.73 rear end.

I have a 5 speed in the garage, ready to go in, but time and money never seem to meet at the same time.

This was more of a theoretical question, as there is no way in hell that I will be giving up a V8 that I spent months working on. That crap transmission on the other hand...

A non od trans will hurt mileage for any engine. A vortec headed SBC is a good start, especially with 9.5 compression or better. Then either a CCC Qjet or TPI for the fuel system. Don't forget a front airdam.
 

Wageslave

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Mostly highway, maybe 25% low speed driving. I am averaging about 15ish right now. I am running about 1950 rpm at 60 mph. The crappiest part is the lockup torque converter solenoid is shorted out, so I can't even gain that advantage.
 

Wageslave

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I wouldn't mind seeing an Ecotec 3 4.3 in something old. That motor supposedly puts out 285 hp stock.
 
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L67ss

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First step would be the od trans like previously stated
 
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