"Eco-El-Camino"

[OziDarklighter]

My favorite car of all time is the El Camino. My current car is in the dumps (still runs, but probably not for too long) and I want to get my dream car. Here's the problem:

The El Camino (depending on the year and engine) gets anywhere from 4mpg - 12mpg which is completely unacceptable to me. So here's what I want to do:

Step 1 - Buy a used El Camino (~$2000) mainly making sure it's in good condition body wise, and everything but the engine is in great shape.

Step 2 - Swap out the Engine (~$2000-$3000) since I believe this to be the most efficient way to boost the fuel economy. I don't have the means to do it myself, so I'll find someone to do it for me who loves the project and won't charge as much.

Step 3 - Make any adjustments that would be beneficial (transmission, gear ratios, etc) to fuel economy.

Where I could use some help from the community is on Step 2. What engines would I be picking from? I'm wanting to aim upwards of 30mpg, but I'm not sure what engines will physically fit in (and match relatively well). Also, there were a limited number that ran Diesel engines, so I could possibly convert to bio-diesel. I've searched all sorts of El Camino hobbiest sites and they shun me, since an El Camino is a muscle car, and I'd be taking most of the muscle out of it by swapping in a smaller engine for fuel economy... so I'm hoping you guys can help :-)

[Mustang Dave]

A 4.0 liter Cologne V-6 is capable of 30+ MPG in a '07 Mustang (with some minor adjustments to the "nut behind the steering wheel").... Your mileage will most likely vary.

[2000mc]

an 87 with a 4.3 and 4spd auto, is rated 16city/22hwy, so its not like 12mpg would be a best case scenario. 3spd autos are also an option, that you want to avoid, unless you plan on swapping engine and trans. (i'm guessing that 4spd isnt going to have a lock up converter, so maybe swap it anyway)

without someone lined up to work long hours for free, i dont think i'd look much past a pretty basic swap. i was thinking a smaller v6 "might" bolt up to the trans, but looking through the numbers on camaros and s10's of that era / similar years, i dont think a 2.8/3.1/3.4 would offer much if any improvement.

engine and probably trans from a 2.2L s-10 might be your easiest higher mpg swap, theres a good chance you would be geared for mileage, or unfortunately might just be geared too high. although you might be fine with the horsepower of a 2.2, its not going to have any torque like what would have came in the elcamino.

i think i'd be alot happier with a 4.3l out of a '96 or newer truck, same if not better mileage than the 85-87 4.3s, only a couple mpg worse than a 2.2L (guessing from s-10 ratings) and 180-200hp instead of the 2.2L 120hp or 85-87 4.3L 130-145hp, and it should have enough torque to turn whatever gears the car came with. 260lb-ft vs 2.2L's 140lb-ft.

[Daox]

Forget gasoline power. Go electric.

TDL Electronics Electric El Camino Page

[Tango Charlie]

I looked up the 1984 on www.fueleconomy.gov/, and the diesel version was rated at 21 mpg (combined). It might be tough to find one, but I would start there. Before jumping into an engine swap project, drive it like we know how and do the standard mods; grille block, tire pressure, wheel discs, belly pan, etc. I'd think 30 would be achievable. Plus, you could run veg and smell like french fries. Bonus!
Or, if you're bent on the swap, buy a Geo Metro for your daily driver and make the El Comino an EV project! Now that would be cool.

D'oh! Daox beat me to it. ha ha!

[Frank Lee]

Diesel. Or maybe a 4 cyl drivetrain from a vehicle known to get more than 30 mpg; it will likely get less in it's new heavier, less aero shell.

[BackroadBomber]

If you're okay with an el camino-like vehicle I'd say get a dodge rampage and swap in a more efficient engine

[Diesel_Dave]

This guy put a Cummins 4BT 3.9L diesel in one:
1967 El Camino 4 BT swap

A guy I know just put a 4BT into his Dodge Dakota, and he was getting mpgs in the high 20's and I don't think he's very eco-minded.

I've thought for a while that an El Camino would be a great vehicle for an aero-cap as well!

[Big Dave]

From the standpoint of being easily within the capabilities of a hot-rodder used to engine swaps, and getting the desired MPG I would:

1) Lose the gas engine and automatic
2) Find a GM 6.2 liter diesel A 6.5 is dimensionally the same but a bit heavier
3) Get the T-56 transmission out of a Camaro. Junk yards are full of them.
4) With the T-56 either a 3.08 or 2.73 rear axle ratio will work.
5) Upgrade front springs/shocks to accommodate the heavier (~700 lb) engine.

Bingo! You're over 30 MPG. Its mostly a bolt-up although you may have to fabricate new motor mount brackets.

You'll probably want to keep the engine NA, but if you have room, Banks makes a good and monkey-proof turbo kit for the 6.2.

[OziDarklighter]

Wow, I'm overwhelmed by the extensive posts. Thanks all!!!

The fully electric el camino is pretty sweet! I'd love to own that, but I don't have that kind of money / time / expertise. Maybe I'll e-mail them and ask though.

I like the idea of taking a stock El Camino and changing out minor parts to increase fuel economy, but I'm still not sure that 30+ is achievable. Thoughts?

The T56 swap seems to be the most promising, since it sounds like everything will match up and require far less labor. Isn't it a bit counter-intuitive that you'd want to put in a heavier engine (700+ pounds) in order to achieve a more efficient result though?