Bluesteel's 86 SVO Mustang

[jcp123]

SVOs are cool little cars. They are just rare enough that I wouldn't hack it with a V8.

[cosmick]

I've had several of the '79-'93 'stangs, including a pair of N/A 2.3L versions. Neither of them ever saw 30 MPG no matter what. And a 392W is the cheapest stroker, as it uses 351W rods and 302W pistons. The cast steel cranks are Chinese, but they'll hold 900 HP if you have NO detonation EVER! Better to put the money in the heads, the turbos, and the cam, in that order. A single turbo isn't enough for this, but this is still more money for worse results than an LSx swap. And rare means nothing by itself, for example, Yugos are rare now, but still worthless in any condition.

[bluesteel93]

Filled up a few days ago and averaged 23.8 mpg. About 3 mpg better than last tank with not so ideal driving conditions. All I did was try keep my foot out of it (which is hard, boost is addictive) and neutral coast occasionally down hills. Notes are in my fuel log.

I think it's a good start for now and hopefully I can keep improving on the SVO's fuel economy.

[bhazard]

Used to get 25-30 mpg in my Tbird with the same drivetrain.

And the 2.3 can make plenty of power. In fact the stock block can hold more power than a 302 windsor block.

HX35 turbo 2.3 Ranger. 11.79@111.92

[sregord]

Originally Posted by bluesteel93

Filled up a few days ago and averaged 23.8 mpg. About 3 mpg better than last tank with not so ideal driving conditions. All I did was try keep my foot out of it (which is hard, boost is addictive) and neutral coast occasionally down hills. Notes are in my fuel log.

I think it's a good start for now and hopefully I can keep improving on the SVO's fuel economy.

I have a 1985.5 SVO I've done some lightening, ported intake & exhaust,T3/T4 turbo,3.55 rearend... if I stay out of the boost, I have pretty consistently averaged 33mpg at 78 mph. Calculated fillups at south Reno to/from Truckee.
Don't ruin a SVO by putting a v8 in it.. there are plenty of NA 2.3s out there to cut up.

[Piotrsko]

I assume when you get that mileage, you are not taking 341 to truckee either way although downhill out of VC wouldnt be bad except for brakes. Kinda sucks on the weekends with all that traffic going up hill at both ends, but it does limit speed.

[sregord]

Correct.
That 33mpg was mileage calculated from the gas station at the bottom of the hill at the round-about...via I580 &I80... to Truckee and back. 2950rpm, keeping the AR meter dancing(closed loop)
I could only suspect ~5 or 7mpg up Geiger Grade without traffic or bicycles...fun road.

[Piotrsko]

Thanks for the verification. Kinda what I expected. Geiger grade is a fun road at 6 am in a cornering car with big brakes on Sunday, no fun on friday evening after 5pm, worse in any kind of weather like now.