Thinking about an 80's chevy

[stavendirtbike]

I currently drive a 78 f150 4x4 and am looking for something different. The truck is good but the 351m gets horrible mileage. I've had the truck a few years and would just like something new. I'm even thinking about going with a 2wd this time around since I really never had to use 4wd much. I'm thinking mid 80's to the 87. One thing I would like that my ford did not offer, was an overdrive. My ford has the np435 transmission and 3.55 gears, she doesn't like to cruise the highway too well. Is the 700r4 a good transmission? Also, what engines should I be looking at (v6, I6, 305, 350)? Will any of these get better than the 10mpg my ford 351m is getting? Also, how is the 87 TBI? It's first year for these trucks so I'm not sure if it's something to avoid. Does the tbi get better mileage than the carb? I'm not in for a 80's truck for the fuel mileage, but better mileage than my Ford would be nice.  

Edited by: stavendirtbike at: 4/5/07 10:02 am

[Blazin]

Welcome from New Hampshire. The 87s are great trucks the TBI is a good setup. Carbs. are also good if they are in proper working order, tunned and adjusted correctly. If you are shopping for a truck I would shop for a 350. Some of my 305s were the best running most reliable small blocks I ever had. But the 350 has a little more power, gets very similar millage.
As far as 2x4 VS 4x4 I would rather have it and not need it, than not have it and need it. Unless your planning on keeping the Ford, then a 2x would be the better choice. The early 700R4s had their issues, but after the first couple years the bugs were worked out. If you have one rebuilt with the updates, shift kit, etc. they are one of the best transmissions out there. Take your time and shop around if you have the option, I can't tell you how many times I have seen people jump on the first thing they see, and regret it later.
Harold.

[roundedline]

Welcome to the site!
I agree with Harold.  I have an '87 for my daily driver.  It averaged 21.7mpg on the last trip I made.  I honestly haven't checked my normal driving.  Mine is a 305TBI with 700R4 and 2.76 gears.

The 89-92 700R4's had all the problems worked out.
I would look for a 350 on a 4x4, and would expect about 17mpg for the TBI on average.

Chris Lucas
www.73-87chevytrucks.com
www.captkaoscustoms.com
Project Su
Jimmy 2WD Project

[stavendirtbike]

wow that's really good numbers considering these are fullsize older iron trucks with 8 cylinders moving up and down. The 78 ford I have is also a well built truck, even a chevy fan will admit that the 78-79 f-series were stout rides but the 351m and 400 engines they were equipped with GUZZLED the gas literally. I'm going to start looking in the local papers. My main concern is a pretty rust-free body, which will be hard to find in Connecticut. As far as the 700r4 being updated after 87.... is that to say the 87 and ealier 700r4 is something to avoid?

[Blazin]

I would avoid them unless they have been rebuilt. By this time in there lives I would say it would be harder to find one that hasn't been than one that has. I have an 84 K10, not on the road anymore. It had a 283, RV cam, aluminum intake, and headers, SM456, 208, and 2:73 gears. It got around 19 / 20 MPG. When the 283 gave it up I dropped an all stock 86 305 with a little over 100,000 miles. It averaged 23 MPG. I think because of the high gears.
Never have been a Ford fan but do respect the older ones as pretty decent rigs. When i was about 16 my buddy had a 76 F150, 351 Cleavland, 3 speed on the column, 3:55 9" posi. That thing ripped on.  

Edited by: Blazin at: 4/6/07 6:40 pm