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Old 07-18-2008, 01:45 PM   #15 (permalink)
SuperTrooper
Master EcoModder
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Auburn, NH
Posts: 451

Wicked Wanda - '99 VW Beetle GLS
90 day: 29.59 mpg (US)

Green Monster - '99 Ford Explorer Sport
90 day: 16.73 mpg (US)

Dad's Taxi - '99 Honda Odyssey EX
90 day: 24.23 mpg (US)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Dave View Post
I've tried to keep the truck true to its mission. It can tow and haul just like stock. But a lot of these heavy-duty components limit my options.

Maybe its time for a different vehicle. Two options would be either a Chevy 4x2 half-ton or a 1994-96 Caprice. Both use the same drive train.

I can get either of them converted to T-56 Corvette six-speed. The T-56 has two overdrive gears. Fifth is 0.71:1 (about what most overdrives are) and sixth is a whopping 0.5:1.

The light-duty GM axles host gears from 2.47 to 4.88.

There are a ton of slam kits for both vehicles.

The engine choice would be either a GM 6.5 or a Cummins 4BT3.9 diesel.

Both offer some scope for aero-mods.

I can get either vehicle fairly cheap - $3,000 to $6,000. The low cost allows making exotic moves.

With either, I think 35 is possible and a project done for under $12,000.
The Caprice might be the better choice. Cd of 0.34 is a major bonus. On the other hand, the parts for the diesel conversion of the truck pretty much already exist. Lots more fabrication involved with the Caprice.
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