BigDave -
Quote:
Think about what you are trying to do.
The OEMs have engineering resources you cannot even imagine. You can bet the farm they've taken a long hard look at this and rejected it unless it uses a direct injection engine and/or hybrid drive. You run into control issues and a loss of torque that makes the vehicle a burden to drive. The OEMs rejected it for good reasons.
Another very doable and proven effective strategy (maybe long term for you) is to ditch the automatic and get a stick. That's a slam-dunk 2 MPG improvement. there are all sorts of kits available to convert these vehicles to a NP4500 five-speed manual. The manual enables you to run a lower ration final drive. Yukon makes a 3.23 R&P set for GM 12 bolts front and rear. That's a 14% reduction in engine RPM at a given road speed If you need more torque, push the pedal and yank the stick and Viola! There it is.
A NP4500 and 3.23 gears. We're talking a 4 MPG improvement and a big improvement in reliability. You keep your 4x4 for off-road driving, and don't have to do any body work.
Not cheap, but entirely doable and you can expect a 33% increase in gas mileage.
Every time i park my F350, I feel like the Captain of the USS Nimitz trying to bring her alongside without any tugs. A short but still roomy vehicle like yours might be the answer.
I don't think any K-Blazers were ever built in a 4x2. There were some 4x2 Broncos but those are as rare as honest politicians. 3" front and 6" slam kits are available for F150s so should work on a Bronco.
4x2, moderate slam, manual transmission, a Cummins QSB (4.5 liter four-banger), 3.08 gears, and some aero cleanup. You'd have a easy to park but roomy vehicle that would scare 30 MPG.
Too pricey for a college student but within the reach of an average working person.
With my aero package right (it need work right now), diesel engine, 4x2, manual transmission, 3.08 my F350 routinely gets 27 MPG in the summer without even having to bother with aggressive hypermiling. That's not an instantanous ScanGauge reading but a three tank full (1,500 mile) average in real-world mixed driving. And all that in a 7,800 lb vehicle. A 4x2 Bronco or Blazer would come in at roughly 5,000 lb. A 37% weight reduction would have to buy you some MPG improvement even in flat terrain. 30 MPG looks attainable.
Imagine. A roomy, comfortable vehicle with all the virtues of a SUV but getting (stock) Honda Fit range mileage.
|
You bring up an excellent point. GM surely knew what Crower was doing less than 10 years before and rejected it for good reasons.
The manual may not be long-term. I have to rebuild my 700r4 and it will take over $800. For less money, I can buy a used NV3500 will most of the components
Do you think the NV3500 will handle the K5? I'm also on the lookout for higher gears/ high geared axles. To be honest, I was planning on putting in 4.56 R&P. Why so deep? Because @ 50 mph (my usual cruising speed) with 32" tires and in 5th gear, I'd be turning ~1750 rpm. This is on the lowside of the efficiency rpms for a 350. @ 65 mph, my rpms would be 2272. Which is not super bad for my aero and weight.
Could 3.23 gears cause lugging? @ 50 mph in 5th with a 32" tire, the rpms are 1238. Remember that lean burn cruise is planned and that can change everything.
BTW, a future project of mine is a 1985 C10 2wd with 3.08 in the rear
I would like to keep it a 350 gas because it was my granddaddy's pickup (deceased now). I have played with the idea of a LS1 with the Atkinson cycle and a 5-6 speed manual and a suspension slam. At 1/2 your size (3500-3800 pounds) and better aero, it will be the gas truck to top 30 mpg
just have to get there first! A man can dream, right?