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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: Stodie78Chevy on February 27, 2014, 02:11:11 am
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Okay so I have a 78 K10 right now that is currently running a small block 400 with a th350 auto tranny. I'm uncertain on the gearing. Right now I am trying to put together some ideas to make this truck get the absolute most MPG possible. My plan is to purchase a crate engine and a rebuilt tranny. So my question is, what is going to be the absolute best combination of engine/tranny/gearing or any other mods that would help gain MPG. Also I would like to stay with an auto tranny unless you think that it would make an entirely significant difference. Throw some ideas at me, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
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I should also add that the truck is 4 wheel drive but not full time. I have locking front hubs. Also I am riding on 31 inch all terrain tires.
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well the question has been as a few times on here and answered in different was but all boil down to maintenance and driving style.
things to do:
change to synthetic oils; engine, trans, t/case, diffs - this will provide less resistance for the moving parts.
properly tune the engine
keep tires at proper inflation
keep your foot out of the throttle - buy a vacuum gauge and keep the vacuum up.
put the truck on a diet - loose any unnecessary wieght.
and the list will go on.
you also have to consider how many miles are on the drivetrain. a fresh engine will get better mpgs than tired one. same with the trans. look into getting an OD trans (700R4), a lighter t/case (203s are not light by any means).
find out your gear ratio, you'll get better mpgs with 3.5s than 4.10s. but go with what you have IMO
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by time you replace all that stuff you will counter the little mpgs you will pick up. go to an od trans and see how far that gets you.
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The absolute best drivetrain for mileage in a 4x4 would be 6.2L Diesel with a SM465 or 700R4. You could get up to about 20mpg out of it.