The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Best mileage/power combo?

Thinking of a small block in the 53 Panel with 700R and 342's.
Considering adequate power with a 4000lb. vehicle, which
small block would be adequate? Does high performance parts
increasing power reduce mileage? Do they get best mileage
when left stock? (283/305/350) What about going Gen III with
EFI? Cheers

A 305 or 350 would have plenty of power to propell it. As far as performance parts and feul mileage, it depends on what the part is and how it's designed to work. Some things, like cams, can be designed to do both increase power and help mileage. The newer oiled type air filters is another one that helps, along with the better flowing exhaust systems. There are EFI systems on the aftermarket that can off decent mileage, too. If you want to gen 111, either make sure to get the computer and harness from the doner, or use one of the aftermarket control systems. I beleive that they would offer as good or better mileage than an older carbureted system.

Best fuel mileage I've ever gotten with a small block has been with a 350. It has tuned port injection and does 25 mpg plus while also being the fastest car I have ever owned.

A good EFI will give both power and economy. Think in terms of torque rather than horsepower and you should enjoy great drivability and mileage both.

Personally I think aero is the biggest limiting factor. You can make carbed motors get great mileage, just look up Mobilgas Economy run. Given these cars and drivers were a little on the extream side, but it shows carbed motors can get good mileage.

I am saying this and I own a gen 3 swapped 63 pick up. Now mine is not meant for mileage as it gets about 10-11mpg on the freeway right now. I think I still have 2mpg to pick up once I lean it out for freeway cruise, but this is a 410 rwhp combo through a 4L80E tranny which is known to suck the power (460rwhp 6 speed combo). I have a 3,200 stall in it (locks on the freeway) 12bolt with 3.73's and a 26" tire.

If this wasn't a drag truck I would have a late model 6 speed in it and I'm sure the MPG would pick up even more (6th is a .5 vs my current .75 overdrive)

The heads cam combo was once in my buddies 2000 F-bod. His 4L60E 3.23 geared car would knock down 23mpg on the freeway.

While it is true that they got exellent mileage back then with carbureted engines, IMOP, todays gas just isn't as good as the stuff they had back then. Just look at todays mileages, there really isn't that much improvement.

The 350s are plentiful and a good engine just running stock.Way too much emphisis put on engine horsepower.The 700 R4 is a great choice,and with the 3:42 gears you should get great gas mileage.if you need more performance,0 to 60 put in a set of 4:11 gears.the 700 R4 will handle it as it is an overdrive tranny.I am running that combo with 3:90 gears ,which equals good performance plus good MPG.