Most fuel efficient drivetrain for an A roadster build?

I'm trying to decide on what drivetrain to put into an A roadster project to get the most fuel mileage possible with a V8 (preferred, not absolutely required), auto and whatever gears are needed. I prefer the sound of the V8, but since I commute 40 miles each way to work, I'd like to get maximum economy. I figure since it's going to be light weight anyway, i don't need a lot of power but i am after a good sound an look for it.

I tried to search but got tired of readign semi-related posts that didn't give me the info I need.

What engine (size and mfr), auto/OD (tranny i assume) what rear gear ratio to keep the RPMs low?

Thanks for any input,
Kenny

 

im going to go with saying a hemi...topped with a dragstar and 6 97s. hot rods and fiel effiecancy dont seem to go well together. i drive a 53 f100 daily 120km a day to and from work. ford 302 and c4 (no overdrive) and mid 3's in the rear. its not as bad as you'd think. i get about 20% better milage than i do with my 2002 sierra duramx

keith

 

I'm not familiar with all the components mentioned, but I *think* i detect the sarcasm.

I'm just looking for the best possible combination to get the best possibly mileage. I will drive the crap out of this thing and I want to get the best mileage I can while still retaining some hotrod look and sound.

I don't rule out a straight or V6 if it sounds good, but I know a V8 will be correct, regardless of displacement.

I'm also basically going toward, low-buck, traditional rod style; nothing fancy, skinny tires, etc

thanks

 

If I was building a mileage rod I would put in a 305 with a T5 and top it off with an Autolite 2300 series two barrel. It would have an RV cam. I'd then top it off with the tallest rear end ratio I could find. I know AMC Eagles had 2.35s in the rear of an AMC model 20. I had a 93 Caprice with a 350 that would pull 24 mpg. I would think the afore mentioned combo in a light-weight rod should be good for at least that if not close to 30 mpg.

 

SBC w3-2's, 200R, 3.00 gears

 

go with an inline, they are cheap, fuel efficient, you can run an overdrive xmsn and they sound great when you uncork one...

 

That's the type of suggestion I was looking for, although I will likely go automatic.

i had a '95 Caprice 9C1 (LT1) and it would also easily do low-mid 20s and it was a big beast.

I'm hoping to push 30mpg or therabouts.

 

One motor I always wanted to try:

The aluminum Buick or Olds 215 cu in V8 early 60s. I never heard much about MPG with those, but geeez only 215 CI, how can it be a gas hog?.. plus the weight savings alone...and the V8 sound is included

 

3 dueces? really? i wouldn't have thought of that for economy.

 

I like to be different, which is why I would do an inline 6 if it makes for an efficient combo. i have heard some done up right and they sounded great.

 

I figure there are some obscure (not sbc or sbf) engines out there that might fit the bill.

 

Just for looks....run on one with 2 dummies

 

If i go SBC, would i benefit by dropping down to a 283 vs a 350?
If SBF, 260, 289, 302?
What 6 cylinder might I look at? inlines? 4.3 chevy? I assume whatever motor choice i go with, I need to bolt up an auto/OD transmission.

 

If i go SBC, would i benefit by dropping down to a 283 vs a 350?
If SBF, 260, 289, 302?
What 6 cylinder might I look at? inlines? 4.3 chevy? I assume whatever motor choice i go with, I need to bolt up an auto/OD transmission.

 

ahhh, yes. i definitely like that thinking....

 

I've heard the old Stude 259 V-8s were really easy on fuel and were actually better on fuel than the six cylinders. I've also thought that those old 215s might be the ticket for fuel economy.

 

Nope, just make the linkage progressive then you can have your cake and eat it too. Run on the center around town and highway, then push your foot to the floor and have a real Hot Rod. Also 2x4's on a 327 hooked up progressively with 3:25 gears will give you 17+ on the highway until you mash the loud pedal. Probably more in a lighter car like an a.

But the best would be a 283 with a two barrel that's jetted right and a four speed with only an alternator for accessory. Or a Pinto, or Chevy Iron Duke I almost couldn't type that

But that's boring, built a Hot Rod and enjoy the horsepower!


Tim

 

i need to be able to find parts for it. That sounds a bit "rare-ish".

I'm thinking readily available and easily repairable would be best.

 

ooops

 

And radial tires. Seriously, the #1 improvement you can make.

 

In a light car yes. The best gas mileage I ever got out of my Chevy II was with a 283. Better than the 250, 327, etc.

Also, a manual OD has less parasitic losses than an auto OD.

 

Save weight wherever possible when you build it,it shouldn't weigh much anyway..If you're driving 80 miles a day,every bit will help..Look at the weight of any engine you consider,too.

 

ooops

 

Id go with a 305 and an overdrive trans and 3.90 gear ratio And a good towing cam ,

 

I really like the GM quad 4 engine.

 

'87-later roller 305, with roller rockers, 500 cfm Edelbrock, T56 6-Speed manual (or similar), tall-skinny radials, gear ratio to keep it at 2300 at 65 in 6th.

 

Dude...how about the original 4 banger! It got 28-30 mpg from the factory! HeHe!

 

Since I'm a Ford guy, my suggestion is a roller-cam 302 ('86 and later 5.0, I believe) with an AOD or a T-5. Rear gears in the 3.50 to 3.70 range, depends on your rear tire size. You could run a 500cfm 4-barrel Edelbrock. These engines don't mind running a few rpms going down the road. My guess is you could easily get 25 mpg out of this combo in a light Model A Roadster.

I put a hopped up roller 302/T-5 in my '62 Galaxie w/ 3.70 gears and regularly got 21 mpg on the highway. That car was over 2-tons for comparison.



Malcolm

 

200 inch inline 6,with a offy tri- Carb conversion, Clifford split header, set up the carbs progressive. With a t5 behind it you'll get good mpg's and the power will surprise you.

 

You don’t need to go with uncool to get there.
This 276 gets 19 mpg highway w stock 3 spd & 373 gears in a heavy 40 coupe.