Luxury car hypermiler... Olds Aurora?

[jpgmtech]

Just throwing around an idea. I can get an first generation Olds Aurora with a dead engine for cheap. Car has a drag co of 0.32 and the body looks like it would integrate further aero mods very well. A 3800 powertrain can be transplanted in place of the northstar v8 and big heavy 4t80e trans (the buick riviera was the same platform, with 3800 driveline)

My primary driving is highway, and long trips to get anywhere. I'm thinking both comfort and passanger carrying ability. Would like to go wild with aeromodding to stretch the mileage.

Thoughts?

[Daox]

I can very easily think of 10+ cars that would be a way better choice, and can be had for cheap.

[jpgmtech]

I should qualify my choice a little more...

Needs to be a General Motors product for the simple reason of parts and serviceability. I'm in a small town with the big 3 auto dealers (I work for the GM one). I've tried owning toyotas before... big pain out here to repair/service.

And I am thinking full-sized luxury car here, which does break the mold for the average hypermiler I know, but comfort is a big factor (for me) on 7+ hour trips...even 1.5 hr trips for that matter.

[brucey]

I think it could be fun! Just make sure that a swap would be easy, but you could probably eek out a lot of range from one of those. a 20 Gal tank and average 30 mpg (not even trying) is 600 miles...

I had a V8 Lincoln that regularly would get 29 on the highway. And that was driving like an 18 year old.

[jpgmtech]

I know an Aurora owner who was able to get 7.0 l/100kms out of one totally stock, driving 55-60mph on a long highway trip. And he is one of the few people I can reasonably trust for accurate FE numbers...

[taco]

i dont thikn a olds and luxury should go together.

[TimJFowler]

Since I know nothing about GM car parts interchangeability ... can you swap in a manual transmission and a diesel?

What motors and transmissions are on the 'easy' direct bolt-in swap list?

What is on the "it'll fit but it requires fabrication and modification" list?

Since the existing aerodynamics are decent and you can buy the chassis for cheap this could be a great test platform for building a super efficient highway cruiser. Good luck, this sounds like an interesting project.

Tim

[jpgmtech]

3800 V6 powertrain is the most direct bolt-in as it was available in the Aurora's cousin, the Buick Riviera. There will be some electrical work to do, but relatively minor.

Virtually any GM FWD powertrain could be made to work if one was determined enough...

Now to look for a wrecked donor 1996+ Buick Riviera...

[TimJFowler]

I was just wondering if a lighter/more efficient drivetrain combo can be bolted in.

If you do enough aerodynamic and weight reduction work (maybe not as extreme as the aerocivic) a 3.8 liter V6 could be overkill. Also a manual transmission should? be lighter and more efficient than an automatic.

Just brainstorming on your project.

[jpgmtech]

I had thought about swapping in a 2.2 w/5speed from a cavalier into a full-body GM car a few years ago... quite a bit more work involved than a 3800 swap.

Good to brainstorm though!