V6

[robin masters]

Hey guys, Im looking for some way to increase my mpg on a budget and possibly do a swap. Has anyone done the swap with the 4.3 vortec? also I have accces to a 3.3 v6 out of a chrysler new yorker and a efi 300 I-6. would any of these get better than the 10 mpg I get now?

[Hippie Metal]

Originally Posted by robin masters

Hey guys, Im looking for some way to increase my mpg on a budget and possibly do a swap. Has anyone done the swap with the 4.3 vortec? also I have accces to a 3.3 v6 out of a chrysler new yorker and a efi 300 I-6. would any of these get better than the 10 mpg I get now?

the 3.3 doesnt have a chance of moving these trucks around nicely with the weight they carry

[drlocke]

Best just to make sure what you have is tuned to the max. The difference a smaller motor makes is that you push the skinny pedal farther to the floor to get the same results in these rigs. Thus negligible savings.

Otherwise go diesel. People have done diesel swaps, but even with the exorbitant cost of gasoline now I wonder if the expense of such swap is worth it.

[csuengr]

The 3.3 is a definite no. The Ford 300 has a rep as a gas guzzler, even with fuel injection. The 4.3 will work great, as long as you don't tow heavy loads. The Vortec 4.3 has more horsepower(190-200 vs 140-150) and almost as much torque (255 lb-ft@2800rpm) as the 300 (260-275 lb-ft@2000rpm).

[tgreese]

I expect you'd have to log a lot of miles to make back the costs to swap anything. Modern engines are more efficient, but you still have to move the chassis down the road and through the air - the amount of energy needed won't change. The FSJ chassis takes a lot of gas just to move down the road and through the air, even at 100% efficiency. You can't squeeze blood from a stone.

The thermodynamics of diesel are more favorable, but the costs to swap will be way higher than any gasoline engine.

The quickest way to improve economy is to change your driving habits. Reducing your speed from 70 to 60 is more than a 26% reduction in aerodynamic drag. This will show up immediately in fuel consumption.

[drlocke]

I'm getting excellent fuel economy with my Wagoneer right this moment.

[tyrodtom]

Originally Posted by drlocke

I'm getting excellent fuel economy with my Wagoneer right this moment.

You're not driving it aren't you.

[Hippie Metal]

Originally Posted by tyrodtom

You're not driving it aren't you.

[joe]

The Ford 300's aren't terrible on gas but the AMC 258's are better fuel wise. My ex had an 82 F150 with the six (carbed) manual trans and crazy high gears. I drove it fully loaded to the roof of the cap with household stuff from MA to WA and averaged 22 for the trip. My 86 E250 van with the 300(injected) w/AT(unknown axle gearing) on various 200-300 mile trips on 60 mph two lanes gets 17/18 mpgs. Don't know about the V6's but as Tim said. No matter what motor you have you're still moving a 4500 lb box and it takes a certain amount of power to to it. I think you're better off buying a cheap little commuter car. Dumping a bunch of money into a Wag at $4/gal may bite you later when gas hits $5+/gal next year and you have to sell it. At $5/gal you won't be able to give one of these rigs away. Cheapest thing you can prolly do is get yours tuned 100% with your carb, ign, gearboxes etc up to spec an just live with it. I love these old rigs too but fuel consumtion is a bear. I know at my income level I'll probably never have another one unless I stumble on to a straight solid longbox thriftside for a toy/resto project. Get your pencil sharp and figure ALL your costs for an engine swap because once done win or lose you're gonna be stuck with it.

[Pavementsux91XJ]

I am just about to do this swap in my J-truck. My gf wrecked her S-10 with a 4.3 MPFI injection. The engine and trans will find its new home in my J10. If your going to do it, make sure you get the MPFI engine (96 and up IIRC) not the similar CPFI and definatly not the TBI. If your going for a balance of power and economy, the MPFI is the way to go. best power numbers and best economy. I'll also be swappin in the 4L60E, goin down the road in overdrive at 1500 RPM with a 4.3 = better milage than goin the same speed with a 360 in direct drive.

I know I'm gonna get...uhhh...poop for doin this, but my rebuilt 360 is already givin me problems again.

I'll let you know how it turns out. Project is scheduled to begin after my buddy buys the pool table in my garage.

[tgreese]

<j/k>

It will look strange with the V6 in the engine bay though. Maybe you can fit one of those long fan shrouds they use with the 150 cid YJs.

[drlocke]

Originally Posted by tyrodtom

You're not driving it aren't you.

My point exactly. But since I posted that the FE average for the day went down considerably. I had a service call to do and the roads have a half-foot of snow in them. So it was the Waggy instead of the DD.