'53 4dr Chevy Sedan - Page 2 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

slowmover · 08-30-2011, 12:58 PM

VBOD · 08-30-2011, 03:05 PM

LOL, you guys just keep feeding my addiction...misery loves company. Knowledge...I just can't get enough.
Thanks

VBOD · 08-30-2011, 04:16 PM

Just found a $400 4.3L Olds V6 diesel in an '83 celeb., 90K on it. Anyone here have hands-on experience with these? I've read they're basically a 5.7L olds diesel with 2 cyl's cut off. Could be a cheap way for me to get into a diesel and not get too beat up if'n I don't like it.

tortoise · 08-30-2011, 10:59 PM

The 2 must-haves for a reasonably fuel-efficient setup are FI and an OD trans.
You could, if you want to remain a stock underhood appearance, use an engine from the same family with a modern trans (adapters are readily available), a TBI conversion to replace the carb (hidden under the air cleaner), and an electronic conversion to replace the points. Powermaster makes an alternator that looks like an old generator.

It'd really be simpler, more efficient and cheaper to swap in a modern engine/trans as a unit from a wreck, but less fun.

user removed · 08-30-2011, 11:24 PM

How about the 3.0 4 cylinder that was 2/3 rds of the 6 cylinder. With modern fuels higher compression and FI (or a good carb) you could equal the power of the original. Then go with a modern 5 speed or an good auto with overdrive. I think they use the same motor in Mercruiser stern drives.

regards
Mech

Rusty Marina · 08-31-2011, 01:47 AM

I like the idea of using the old stovebolt. Be interesting what can be done with an engine dating back from the late 20s or early 30s

Rusty Marina · 08-31-2011, 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VBOD

Just found a $400 4.3L Olds V6 diesel in an '83 celeb., 90K on it. Anyone here have hands-on experience with these? I've read they're basically a 5.7L olds diesel with 2 cyl's cut off. Could be a cheap way for me to get into a diesel and not get too beat up if'n I don't like it.

Good engines, the 4.3 had many of the bugs worked out from the older 5.7 V8. They had 5 bolts around each cylinder vs the 5.7s 4 bolts.
Very hard to find, and Im told 40 mpg.
They were even supposed to be moderately peppy for an old diesel.
I'd grab it !

VBOD · 08-31-2011, 03:43 AM

I've been boning up; your right, 4.3's are better than the 5.7's. That 4.3 wouldn't be a bad little diesel but here's my concerns:
1. It's a transverse model so I'd have to mod mounts for it; not terrible but one more thing to work out. Be tougher to find one longitudinal mounted.
2. It'd have to have a BOP trans, tough to find around here.
3. Those cars weigh around 2,800lbs, mine is about 3,500lbs. Mine would be used for weekend family outings and summer vacations so add 4 persons and luggage, maybe our 13ft scamp.
4. 85hp and 125tq is almost half of a 6.2L or 350gasser, I'd be worried I'd be on it most of the time thus not get the good mpg.

What do you think?

DonR · 08-31-2011, 01:10 PM

My dad had a '91 2wd S10 extended cab with the 4.3L v6 gas engine. 5spd tranny. They will mate up to a 700R4 or 4l60e trans. They may bolt up to the 6L80e as well, I don't know. With the 5spd, running the A/C he would get right at 30 mpg (didn't do much city driving). My stripped down 4cyl S10 weighed 2900 lbs with me in it. So his probably weighed just a little less than your car. It wouldn't give you stellar numbers, but I'm guessing in the 22-25 range with out a problem.

Just my .02

VBOD · 08-31-2011, 02:50 PM

Thanks guys.
Well, I found the haystack, now for the needle AND I DO MEAN NEEDLE.
82-84 regal limited & 82-83 regal wagons appear to be the only cars that used 4.3L v6 diesels rear wheel drive. They weigh about 3500-4000lbs came with 3sp autos & sticks with ratios as low as 2.29 & 2.41. Now just to find one. I'm not holding my breath.