6cyl or ls?

alotofparts · Feb 2, 2011

I'm not real sure where to put this, so I'll try here. I am tired of working on my wife volkswagen because it is a poorly designed piece of junk. I'm going this weeked to get her a 72 chevelle wagon. This is going to be her daily driver so I'm going to have to pull the 396 for gas mileage reasons. I have been set on an LS conversion, but I was also wondering if there would be any mileage benifits to using a I6 with an overdrive. The engine from the wagon should be a match for my 72 ss car so I'm just going to keep it. I just don't want anymore of these new cars that are becoming more and more difficult to diagnose and fix.

novadude · Feb 2, 2011

A stock Fuel injected 5.3 will probably do better than any stock I6 Chevelle engine.

You could always be different an look at some of the newer GM V6 engines if MPG is the ultimate goal?

alotofparts · Feb 2, 2011

That's a good idea, but i wasn't sure that they would do much better than a 5.3, pulling around a heavy wagon. I guess there are several rwd configurations I could look at though. I assume they would be just as programmable as the LS computers also?

93Polo · Feb 2, 2011

I agree with LS swap. A forced induction 5.3 or 4.8 with a magnacharger or a small turbo may get even better mileage if you want to try something out of the norm.

6cylcecil · Apr 14, 2012

For reference, I got 20 mpg when my six (194 cu in) was on the road (before this restoration effort). This is 3000lb 2 door 300 series, 3:08 axle, the lightest Chevelle, or close to it. In a heavier car the six cylinder mileage may go away.

My V8 project has gone LS and hasn't looked back. The tune capabilities of the PCMs are a dream. I would never part with my six for my Chevelle, but man I promise you will not be disappointed with a good running LS. The hassle of the conversion is the only concern.

6cyl or ls?

alotofparts

novadude

alotofparts

93Polo

6cylcecil

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