|
It takes so much horsepower to move so much aero drag and rolling resistance at different speeds. So what you need is the best thermal efficiency to make that horsepower. Better yet lower drag so you don't need as much horsepower. In a way the torque is a meaningless number as it is a force without motion. I can put my 200 pounds on a 10' lever and put 2000 ft lbs on a wheel and not move it an inch. Force but no work. Now say I do move a giant van slowly up a hill, I make more torque than a Cummins diesel but moving the van at 12 inches a minute I still am only making a 1/4 horsepower and 2000 ft lbs of torque (I'm just guessing at the HP number). If max economy is the goal I don't see how increasing the size of the engine helps. I would think going the other way would be the way to go and turbos or diesels or both is what improves thermal efficiency. You want it so you are running 3/4 throttle for your cruise speed, not choking down a powerful motor with lots of reserve hp. Torque does help of course in the real world and makes the van more enjoyable to drive, it just isn't going to be a majic bullet in economy.
As far as Chevy motors, do an LS swap and you will be amazed. The LS is so much better than any Chevy motor that came before it and it bolts right in where the 350 was. They are like big block power with small block weight and efficiency.
|