First truck need ideas people

[sumran]

Nice truck!

You can make a six go faster but, if you do, it will be because you think its cool, not because it save you money or gas. The six is heavy, inefficient, probably leaks oil but will run a long time and has that old truck vibe. The people that designed it didn't care that much about fuel economy, because their customers didn't care that much about it. It is likely that you have the intergral head which tilts things even more toward the V8.

Within the bounds of what is possible, you can build a SB to your ideal blend of performance and economy. If you do this on an engine stand you can aquire parts as they become available at a good price. You get to drive the truck throughout the build process and the switch could be made on one weekend, once the engine is ready. Or, if you are in a hurry, you could be like most of us and drop unreasonable money in an old truck. It is a losing proposition financially, but you get to grin while you drive around.

You can get incremental improvement on MPG messing with the motor. You can get more from the gearing. The biggest improvements will come from driver behavior. If you add the gas savings from the various bolt-on products and additives, our trucks should run without gas. Sadly, they still won't make 25 MPG unless you have a diesel. If you make the high teens you will be doing well.