Experts!! Best economy package?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**JQ-72** · 11-26-2004, 11:00 AM

I am considering selling my 72 3/4 Cheyenne BB truck (more details later). I am tired of getting $25 worth of gas at least once and sometimes twice a week. I would like to fix up a swb truck and put a powerplant that would get good gas mileage. I'm not worried about towing, just driving. I thought about a 230 L6, TH350, and 3.08 rear or 307 V8 with 700R4. What are your ideas or experiences? Thanks for any help.

Joshua

Fred T · 11-26-2004, 11:15 AM

If you're going with a six, get the 250. It will do as good economy-wise as the 230, and have more power. Also, avoid the integral head, it is horribly inefficent. The last 250 I owned was in an 80 van, had a progressive 2 bbl carb, 3 speed and 3.73 gears. Got about 18 mpg. With a 700R4 tranny and 3.73 or 3.90 gears you should be able to do better.

4x4Poet · 11-28-2004, 11:24 AM

I always lose money with buy/sell transactions. Switching 67-72 trucks will cost you a year's fuel costs, at least, unless you upgrade to a meticulously maintained, 6-cyl truck which would cost even more. These 30+ year-old trucks rarely come to us in perfect shape. I have spent over $1000 on each of my two 4x4s, so far. Worn brakes, old radiator & hoses, carb rebuild, fuel tank issues, etc add up quick. Not to mention oft-neglected interior work. Maybe you could do a better buy/sell by buying a truck that isn't worth near what yours is. And auto transmissions lose major mileage behind little 6 cyl engines. Maybe a lockout tc gives ok mileage at cruise. A short-throw, Muncie 4-speed would do better.

For the money saved sticking with your truck, you could closed-loop fuel inject the BB. Next rebuild, add hyd roller lifters and a cam made for the lifters and the EFI computer's capability. You should gain some mileage, though maybe not with enough savings to justify the cost for a decade or so. Since towing is not an issue, you might look at higher gearing, too. And how much of your mileage is due to how long it has been since the carb's last rebuild? At least add a vacuum guage to gauge your own driving habits. Lots of savings often available there.

Now, if you're talking about a second truck.........?

tom hand · 11-28-2004, 12:07 PM

Getting gas mileage out of these trucks is like trying to get orange juice out of a cocoanut....keep the big block and buy a jap car beater for a daily driver

bigvinnie · 11-28-2004, 12:31 PM

a good running stock smallblock mated to a 5 speed manual trans and 3.07 gears, and a light foot would be about as good as you can do, and it ain't gonna be too great... the vac gauge suggested earlier will help you keep fuel consumption to a minimum... 2 or 4 bbl is a matter of opinion as to which is more fuel efficient, I'd go with a 2 bbl... fuel injection is another story, but you're into some coin there...this all depends on the kind of driving you'll doing most (hiway vs. city)

And as was stated earlier, it would take you a while to recover your investment with the money you save in fuel costs...

I ran a stock 250 with 3 speed manual for years, and it wasn't that great on gas, mainly because the motor was so underpowered that you had to use a lotta pedal and the gearing had to be numerically high... I'd rather have V8 power at my disposal when I needed it.

hopefully someone who's running a 5 speed manual can comment on gas mileage...???

johnje · 11-28-2004, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom hand

Getting gas mileage out of these trucks is like trying to get orange juice out of a cocoanut....keep the big block and buy a jap car beater for a daily driver

I agree. I have a 40mph Ford Escort for this very reason.

John

mooneyes · 11-28-2004, 01:28 PM

...when i first got my truck out i had a stock 305 with a small 282-292/ 465-488 cam 4 speed and 3:07's...and got awsome milage for what it was ..i would say 18 to 20 mpg range..changed over to a stock 350 same cam 700r4 and same gears..and lucky to get 10-12mpg..i've always had good mpg with 305's..i think i've only ever had 1 350 that got descent milage...

Longhorn Man · 11-28-2004, 03:54 PM

Does one to two tanks of gas hurt that much?
Your complaint was my defence when i was driving my truck.
"I only go through one tank a week."
I look at it as the cost of a cool vehicle.
As far as buying a small ecinomical car...how much will THAT cost? Car note, full coverage insurance...other costs to drive...
How many miles would you have to drive to make up the difference of $20 more a week in gas?

64fleetside · 11-28-2004, 04:20 PM

305/700R4 & 3.42 gears in an 88 silverado got me over 20 always. My bro had same combo in a 88 full size work van also gave over 20. I know these were both injected but a well tuned Qjet would be close. I get 17-18 in my 64 w/350/700R4/3.42. Brian

4x4Poet · 11-28-2004, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

Does one to two tanks of gas hurt that much?
Your complaint was my defence when i was driving my truck.
"I only go through one tank a week."
I look at it as the cost of a cool vehicle.
As far as buying a small ecinomical car...how much will THAT cost? Car note, full coverage insurance...other costs to drive...
How many miles would you have to drive to make up the difference of $20 more a week in gas?

Excellent points.

meathead95 · 11-28-2004, 04:26 PM

pm me when you are ready to sell that bb truck

zooza · 11-28-2004, 06:00 PM

ALSO with a beater spare ,you save lots of miles on your truck ! I would get a 300-500 dollar pos . shop right and the maintenance isnt too bad.

70 Burb · 11-28-2004, 06:24 PM

Hi
I'm looking for some suburban side trim .
Another member linked me to your 8/16/04
message about your trim. Do you still have
it? Is it the trim below the windows?

gregsplace · 11-28-2004, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

Does one to two tanks of gas hurt that much?
Your complaint was my defence when i was driving my truck.
"I only go through one tank a week."
I look at it as the cost of a cool vehicle.
As far as buying a small ecinomical car...how much will THAT cost? Car note, full coverage insurance...other costs to drive...
How many miles would you have to drive to make up the difference of $20 more a week in gas?

This is my way of thinking also. That's why I'm selling my '98 and returning to driving 67-72 as a daily driver again. Insurance on 98 is $320-6 months, ins. on a '69 is $125-6months. No more $250 payments and high tax/tags at the end of the year either. Can buy alot of gas for a $250 month payment.

cableguy0 · 11-28-2004, 09:13 PM

spending thousands to save a few bucks a week in gas doesnt really make sense. so figure u spend 25 bucks a week in your truck. well say you get another vehicle and pay 3500 for it and ya still spend 15 a week in gas your only saving 520 dollars a year. your talking about 7 years before you actually see any savings. its a waste

Steven Sellers · 11-28-2004, 09:22 PM

I say buy a beater one at least 10 yrs old and foreign. I have a 88 Toyota P/U that I picked up for 200.00, put a clutch in it and 2 years later still runs like a champ at 28 mpg. I got a screamin deal IMO on this truck but if you look around you can still get a deal. I have a 2500HD and shes thirsty all the time so it does pay for me to have the yota, another thing my insurance actually went down when I bought the toy because I listed it as my drive to and from work vehicle.

weasel29gm · 11-29-2004, 12:21 AM

Yep, if you want mileage get a 4 banger!!!!!!!! My '99 S-10 25mpg everyday,on a trip close to 30!!!!! And it looks goood and its a Chevy!!!

68w/sbc406 · 11-29-2004, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cableguy0

spending thousands to save a few bucks a week in gas doesnt really make sense. so figure u spend 25 bucks a week in your truck. well say you get another vehicle and pay 3500 for it and ya still spend 15 a week in gas your only saving 520 dollars a year. your talking about 7 years before you actually see any savings. its a waste

thats fine if you only spend 25 bucks aweek (100 a month) my average monthly gas bill is 250 a month. i just bought a 91 accord for 1200 bucks, put a cv in and its a great driver. now if it drops my gas bill to 100 a month then thats a 150 amonth in my pocket. 150 x 8 = 1200. so in eight months the car pays for its self.

Longhorn Man · 11-29-2004, 12:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68w/sbc406

thats fine if you only spend 25 bucks aweek (100 a month) my average monthly gas bill is 250 a month. i just bought a 91 accord for 1200 bucks, put a cv in and its a great driver. now if it drops my gas bill to 100 a month then thats a 150 amonth in my pocket. 150 x 8 = 1200. so in eight months the car pays for its self.

That is a different story...we were talking about one tank of gas a week.

Blue Beard · 11-29-2004, 05:55 AM

I'd rather give up mileage than drive a rice grinder. More secure in the event of an accident. And I don't like being cramped in a small vehicle.

*dtlilly* · 11-29-2004, 07:18 AM

I agree with all the advice here. The only reason I didn't go with a 350 in the 1 ton, is because I wanted to maintain originality. The fuel milage is about the same with a 350 and 250. Don't take you or your family's life at risk by driving a jap crap just to save $10/week in gas.

67ChevyRedneck · 11-29-2004, 01:15 PM

67 Chevy, 350, edelbrock 650, 700R4, and 3.73 rear. 13 city. near 16 highway. Truck DID have a 250 I6 with manual 3 speed. I think I got around 13mpg. Not to mention top speed was about 70 and the rpms were around 4500. OH, did I also mention that the motor was WAY underpowered and SUCKED??? They're cool trucks. I'd say to heck with it and leave it alone. You'd be messing with mounts, driveshaft shortening/lenghtening, wiring, throttle cables, cluthes or TV cables...leave her alone man....ENJOY IT. SIX BANGERS ARE NOT FUN! As for the 305 the reason they do better on gas is the pistons are way smaller than a 350 and they produce about 50 hp less and much less torque than a stock 350. I spent about a grand converting my truck from a six to a V-8. I WANTED the v-8 so it was worth it to me. I can't see saving a couple dollars a week in fuel worth losing tremendous power and all the work and money it will cost to convert. Not to mention it's a lot of work and a pain in the

Super Duck · 11-29-2004, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 64fleetside

305/700R4 & 3.42 gears in an 88 silverado got me over 20 always. My bro had same combo in a 88 full size work van also gave over 20. I know these were both injected but a well tuned Qjet would be close. I get 17-18 in my 64 w/350/700R4/3.42. Brian

I have one of these injection set ups with or without heads. every thing is rebuilt and ready to run. $1000 for with heads and $400 without

Steven Sellers · 11-29-2004, 06:22 PM

Jap Crap is exactly that but there is nothing wrong with using it as a beater IMO, heck mine even has more room in it than an S10. As far as family, they dont ride in it thats what the 2500 is for. I know what about me since I am part of the family.....well I live in the country and so the deer is about all I have to worry about and well they are the size of goats here

**JQ-72** · 11-30-2004, 06:32 AM

Thanks for all the input, guys. I have daily driven a 66 or 72 truck for the last 10 years. It wouldn't feel right driving anything else! Plus I have a complete 72 swb truck (minus motor/trans) just sitting. I have a 250 6cyl, a 305 and a 307. I was just wondering what combo would give me the best gas mileage. I'm also kinda tired of driving a big 3/4 ton. It's not too sporty, rides like a log truck, and my wife definitly has issues when she drives it. I guess I'm looking for a sporty older truck that is not going to kill me on gas.

Joshua

11-26-2004, 11:00 AM	#1
JQ-72 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Killen, Alabama USA Posts: 3,537	Experts!! Best economy package?? I am considering selling my 72 3/4 Cheyenne BB truck (more details later). I am tired of getting $25 worth of gas at least once and sometimes twice a week. I would like to fix up a swb truck and put a powerplant that would get good gas mileage. I'm not worried about towing, just driving. I thought about a 230 L6, TH350, and 3.08 rear or 307 V8 with 700R4. What are your ideas or experiences? Thanks for any help. Joshua

11-26-2004, 11:15 AM	#2
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	If you're going with a six, get the 250. It will do as good economy-wise as the 230, and have more power. Also, avoid the integral head, it is horribly inefficent. The last 250 I owned was in an 80 van, had a progressive 2 bbl carb, 3 speed and 3.73 gears. Got about 18 mpg. With a 700R4 tranny and 3.73 or 3.90 gears you should be able to do better. __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

11-28-2004, 11:24 AM	#3
4x4Poet Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: "Under Montana skies." Posts: 1,836	I always lose money with buy/sell transactions. Switching 67-72 trucks will cost you a year's fuel costs, at least, unless you upgrade to a meticulously maintained, 6-cyl truck which would cost even more. These 30+ year-old trucks rarely come to us in perfect shape. I have spent over $1000 on each of my two 4x4s, so far. Worn brakes, old radiator & hoses, carb rebuild, fuel tank issues, etc add up quick. Not to mention oft-neglected interior work. Maybe you could do a better buy/sell by buying a truck that isn't worth near what yours is. And auto transmissions lose major mileage behind little 6 cyl engines. Maybe a lockout tc gives ok mileage at cruise. A short-throw, Muncie 4-speed would do better. For the money saved sticking with your truck, you could closed-loop fuel inject the BB. Next rebuild, add hyd roller lifters and a cam made for the lifters and the EFI computer's capability. You should gain some mileage, though maybe not with enough savings to justify the cost for a decade or so. Since towing is not an issue, you might look at higher gearing, too. And how much of your mileage is due to how long it has been since the carb's last rebuild? At least add a vacuum guage to gauge your own driving habits. Lots of savings often available there. Now, if you're talking about a second truck.........? __________________ '71 GMC K20 Suburban, '71 GMC K10 Suburban, '72 Chevy C10 CST Suburban, '72 Chevy K20 clunker pickup. Last edited by 4x4Poet; 11-28-2004 at 11:28 AM.

11-28-2004, 12:07 PM	#4
tom hand CCRider Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Olive Branch,MS,USA Posts: 2,232	Getting gas mileage out of these trucks is like trying to get orange juice out of a cocoanut....keep the big block and buy a jap car beater for a daily driver __________________ 72 GMC Sierra SWB almost finished---- 84 Softail Olive Branch MS

11-28-2004, 12:31 PM	#5
bigvinnie Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: escondido, ca 92026 Posts: 1,222	a good running stock smallblock mated to a 5 speed manual trans and 3.07 gears, and a light foot would be about as good as you can do, and it ain't gonna be too great... the vac gauge suggested earlier will help you keep fuel consumption to a minimum... 2 or 4 bbl is a matter of opinion as to which is more fuel efficient, I'd go with a 2 bbl... fuel injection is another story, but you're into some coin there...this all depends on the kind of driving you'll doing most (hiway vs. city) And as was stated earlier, it would take you a while to recover your investment with the money you save in fuel costs... I ran a stock 250 with 3 speed manual for years, and it wasn't that great on gas, mainly because the motor was so underpowered that you had to use a lotta pedal and the gearing had to be numerically high... I'd rather have V8 power at my disposal when I needed it. hopefully someone who's running a 5 speed manual can comment on gas mileage...??? __________________ '72 short step, 350, 700R4, tilt, ps, pdb, a/c, lowered coils, etc., other work in progress... San Diego, CA 72 Stepside Project Last edited by bigvinnie; 11-28-2004 at 12:48 PM.

11-28-2004, 01:28 PM	#7
mooneyes Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Slippery Rock PA USA Posts: 1,692	...when i first got my truck out i had a stock 305 with a small 282-292/ 465-488 cam 4 speed and 3:07's...and got awsome milage for what it was ..i would say 18 to 20 mpg range..changed over to a stock 350 same cam 700r4 and same gears..and lucky to get 10-12mpg..i've always had good mpg with 305's..i think i've only ever had 1 350 that got descent milage... __________________ Ken Lyons, Slippery rock pa 68 short step 327 t10 4 gear 72 2wd blazer project 70 lwb 305/700r driver 78 caprice project 02 cavalier D.D ( hate it!!)

11-28-2004, 03:54 PM	#8
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Does one to two tanks of gas hurt that much? Your complaint was my defence when i was driving my truck. "I only go through one tank a week." I look at it as the cost of a cool vehicle. As far as buying a small ecinomical car...how much will THAT cost? Car note, full coverage insurance...other costs to drive... How many miles would you have to drive to make up the difference of $20 more a week in gas?

11-28-2004, 04:20 PM	#9
64fleetside Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: arkieland Posts: 1,070	305/700R4 & 3.42 gears in an 88 silverado got me over 20 always. My bro had same combo in a 88 full size work van also gave over 20. I know these were both injected but a well tuned Qjet would be close. I get 17-18 in my 64 w/350/700R4/3.42. Brian

11-28-2004, 04:26 PM	#11
meathead95 computer illiterate Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Des Moines, IA Posts: 6,446	pm me when you are ready to sell that bb truck __________________ 72 2wd blazer 72 swb 4x4

11-28-2004, 06:00 PM	#12
zooza Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: LINDEN, TN. Posts: 260	ALSO with a beater spare ,you save lots of miles on your truck ! I would get a 300-500 dollar pos . shop right and the maintenance isnt too bad.

11-28-2004, 06:24 PM	#13
70 Burb Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 10	Old post Hi I'm looking for some suburban side trim . Another member linked me to your 8/16/04 message about your trim. Do you still have it? Is it the trim below the windows?

11-28-2004, 09:13 PM	#15
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,950	spending thousands to save a few bucks a week in gas doesnt really make sense. so figure u spend 25 bucks a week in your truck. well say you get another vehicle and pay 3500 for it and ya still spend 15 a week in gas your only saving 520 dollars a year. your talking about 7 years before you actually see any savings. its a waste __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

11-28-2004, 09:22 PM	#16
Steven Sellers Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 692	I say buy a beater one at least 10 yrs old and foreign. I have a 88 Toyota P/U that I picked up for 200.00, put a clutch in it and 2 years later still runs like a champ at 28 mpg. I got a screamin deal IMO on this truck but if you look around you can still get a deal. I have a 2500HD and shes thirsty all the time so it does pay for me to have the yota, another thing my insurance actually went down when I bought the toy because I listed it as my drive to and from work vehicle. Attached Images __________________ 2008 Buick Enclave(wifes new non wrecked) 1996 Jeep Cherokee 2002 2500HD 6.0L (traded) 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee(wifes/wrecked) 1977 DJ5 postal jeep(mmm lots of fun) 1988 Toyota 2wd p/u(DD, blewup 199,000) 1991 Toyota 2ed p/u (sry just cant break these things) 1997 XR70 Honda 1991 Z50(FOR SALE) 1972 Z50 Honda 1970 SWB 350/knucklebuster "The adventure begins and I am confident that there will be no end".

11-29-2004, 12:21 AM	#17
weasel29gm SLOW BUT SURE,BUT CLOSER Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: eleanor wv usa Posts: 3,091	Yep, if you want mileage get a 4 banger!!!!!!!! My '99 S-10 25mpg everyday,on a trip close to 30!!!!! And it looks goood and its a Chevy!!! __________________ 69 C-10, OWNED 35YRS... 350 over 30, 350 Turbo, 3:73 Posi P/S, P/B Black with red and black int. ''LOVE THESE OLD ''TRUCKS.......

11-29-2004, 05:55 AM	#20
Blue Beard Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Washington State Posts: 8,834	I'd rather give up mileage than drive a rice grinder. More secure in the event of an accident. And I don't like being cramped in a small vehicle. __________________ 1970 Chev CST 2003 Harley Fatboy 1975 Chevrolet Step Van 1956 Chev Bel Air 1977 Blazer 2WD For Sale $3000.00 1978 Blazer 2WD For Sale $7000.00 1978 Silverado 2005 Monte Carlo



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11-29-2004, 07:18 AM	#21
dtlilly Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Shadow of Lambeau Field Posts: 5,597	I agree with all the advice here. The only reason I didn't go with a 350 in the 1 ton, is because I wanted to maintain originality. The fuel milage is about the same with a 350 and 250. Don't take you or your family's life at risk by driving a jap crap just to save $10/week in gas.

11-29-2004, 01:15 PM	#22
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	67 Chevy, 350, edelbrock 650, 700R4, and 3.73 rear. 13 city. near 16 highway. Truck DID have a 250 I6 with manual 3 speed. I think I got around 13mpg. Not to mention top speed was about 70 and the rpms were around 4500. OH, did I also mention that the motor was WAY underpowered and SUCKED??? They're cool trucks. I'd say to heck with it and leave it alone. You'd be messing with mounts, driveshaft shortening/lenghtening, wiring, throttle cables, cluthes or TV cables...leave her alone man....ENJOY IT. SIX BANGERS ARE NOT FUN! As for the 305 the reason they do better on gas is the pistons are way smaller than a 350 and they produce about 50 hp less and much less torque than a stock 350. I spent about a grand converting my truck from a six to a V-8. I WANTED the v-8 so it was worth it to me. I can't see saving a couple dollars a week in fuel worth losing tremendous power and all the work and money it will cost to convert. Not to mention it's a lot of work and a pain in the

11-29-2004, 06:22 PM	#24
Steven Sellers Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 692	Jap Crap is exactly that but there is nothing wrong with using it as a beater IMO, heck mine even has more room in it than an S10. As far as family, they dont ride in it thats what the 2500 is for. I know what about me since I am part of the family.....well I live in the country and so the deer is about all I have to worry about and well they are the size of goats here __________________ 2008 Buick Enclave(wifes new non wrecked) 1996 Jeep Cherokee 2002 2500HD 6.0L (traded) 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee(wifes/wrecked) 1977 DJ5 postal jeep(mmm lots of fun) 1988 Toyota 2wd p/u(DD, blewup 199,000) 1991 Toyota 2ed p/u (sry just cant break these things) 1997 XR70 Honda 1991 Z50(FOR SALE) 1972 Z50 Honda 1970 SWB 350/knucklebuster "The adventure begins and I am confident that there will be no end".

11-30-2004, 06:32 AM	#25
JQ-72 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Killen, Alabama USA Posts: 3,537	Thanks for all the input, guys. I have daily driven a 66 or 72 truck for the last 10 years. It wouldn't feel right driving anything else! Plus I have a complete 72 swb truck (minus motor/trans) just sitting. I have a 250 6cyl, a 305 and a 307. I was just wondering what combo would give me the best gas mileage. I'm also kinda tired of driving a big 3/4 ton. It's not too sporty, rides like a log truck, and my wife definitly has issues when she drives it. I guess I'm looking for a sporty older truck that is not going to kill me on gas. Joshua

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