Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - S-10 trying to have it both ways!

pashiner · 03-30-2022, 09:02 AM

Thanks for the quick replies! Please keep in mind, the existing motor is in need of a rebuild within the next year or two, and I'm looking for some more bottom end torque.
I've already done the synthetic fluids, tune up, and low rolling resistance tires...but that doesn't get my oil pressure back...or make my lifters any quieter...or fix my leaking rear main seal.

So the choice comes down to rebuild an already somewhat inadequate motor for my purposes, and still struggle on hills, or try to make an improvement.

I know modifications cost money, but fuel economy is only half the equation here. What makes the 5.7 swap so attractive is that I already have a good running motor and the complete donor vehicle of the same make and year.
That old 3/4 ton van got 19mpg average pushing 3.73 gears, with an extra 1000lbs of body and frame, and the aerodynamics of a brick.

Obviously, it'll be more work than my other options, but I do have a well equipped shop and plenty of extra hands to help.

Does anyone have any real world experience with this combination?
I've found a few threads with folks proposing a similar project, and plenty speculation and bench-racing, but not too much in the way of results.

03-30-2022, 09:02 AM	#5 (permalink)
pashiner EcoModding Lurker Join Date: Mar 2022 Location: Gettysburg PA Posts: 9 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Thanks for the quick replies! Please keep in mind, the existing motor is in need of a rebuild within the next year or two, and I'm looking for some more bottom end torque. I've already done the synthetic fluids, tune up, and low rolling resistance tires...but that doesn't get my oil pressure back...or make my lifters any quieter...or fix my leaking rear main seal. So the choice comes down to rebuild an already somewhat inadequate motor for my purposes, and still struggle on hills, or try to make an improvement. I know modifications cost money, but fuel economy is only half the equation here. What makes the 5.7 swap so attractive is that I already have a good running motor and the complete donor vehicle of the same make and year. That old 3/4 ton van got 19mpg average pushing 3.73 gears, with an extra 1000lbs of body and frame, and the aerodynamics of a brick. Obviously, it'll be more work than my other options, but I do have a well equipped shop and plenty of extra hands to help. Does anyone have any real world experience with this combination? I've found a few threads with folks proposing a similar project, and plenty speculation and bench-racing, but not too much in the way of results.