Non computer controlled RWD with best gas mileage ? Car and truck

[rustytoolss]

With how ALL modern vehicles just are not worth buying anymore, (engine, transmission, electronics issues etc). What old tech non conputer controlled RWD vechicle would you think would be worth owning that got good MPG (for it's day). Ease to work on. I would even say with " Lean Burn" because that can be replaced simply.
The more I hear about modern car engine problem, electronic problems etc, I would give up fuel mileage , for something that was dependable. But then again I drive less that 12,000 miles a year....Lets hear you thoughts

 

[Kern Dog]

 

[Pikser]

Pre 1973 is best.

 

[rustytoolss]

I was thinking up to 1988/89 5th ave new yorker 318 . As I recall reports of 26 mpg highway . think they had 2.22 or 2.45 gear ratio ???

 

[DeltaV]

1) 1980's Dodge pickup truck or Ramcharger (preferably) because:
Easy to work on.
318 / 360 drivetrains are dependable.
They will hold their value IMO.

2) rustytoolss suggestion in post #4 and you might find one at an estate sale. There are probably some just sitting unused because the owner is quite elderly.
Note: I used to own an '88 Fury retired cop car. It was virtually indestructible, very dependable, and very reliable. I don't believe I ever checked the mpg, but I know it consumed a lot less gas than my '79 Chrysler 300 equipped with a 360-4V and dual exhaust.

3) An '81-'83 Chrysler Imperial. Many people cursed the factory fuel injection, but Chrysler retrofitted them with a carburetor. It's a nice looking car too IMO.

4) Anything with a slant 6.

Good luck in your search!

 

[#41]

Any pre-lean slant 6 car/truck with 833 overdrive was and would be my choice. Both this engine an transmission have stellar service records. A 318 in lieu of slant 6 or 904 in lieu of 833 would be second-tier choices. Mid-late 70's will have hardened seat for unleaded gas. There is a huge range of choices in coupe, hardtop, sedan, wagon, truck, or van. These types of cars were my daily drivers for 30 years.

 

[MarPar]

Sheeit, Im lucky to get 14mpg with this...

Then again, I can't keep my foot out of it. lol

 

[Darter6]

I was thinking up to 1988/89 5th ave new yorker 318 .

I was thinking the same. Good for open roads, but not the best in hill country. Slant or 318.

1980's Dodge pickup truck or Ramcharger (preferably) because:
Easy to work on.

Not the best for mileage mid teens at best. This is also depends on where and the type of driving conditions. Flat ? hills ? round town ? highway ? Many variables.

 

[RR Fan Dan]

Ford Pinto

 

[matthon]

I bought an 88 S10 from a farm field sale.
2.8 V6 5 speed.
Iirc, first year of 'computer controlled.'
Has a throttle body, a few sensors, nothing major.

Great reliable fuel friendly transportation.

I saw an Aspen wagon with the OD 4 speed that would be nice.

 

[Runcharger]

Best fuel mileage I personally experienced was my 68 Formula S, 4 speed with a 71 340, TQ and headers. That one got 25MPH (imperial gallons so figure 20MPG US) at 75-80MPH. I didn't even mess with it. I probably could have tuned it even better but I was happy with it the way it was. I know lots of guys have pulled 30MPG with their 440's but this little A-body was the best one I had. The 30 for a 440 was obviously sarcasm directed at BSers on the internet for those of you that didnt get it.

 

[toolmanmike]

I get close to 20 from my 3.23 geared 318 2 barrel powered Mopars. Back in the 70's the Dart Lites and Feather Duster's with the aluminum components and the slant 6's and the O/D 4 speeds got high 20's to mid 30's on the highway. They were built for economy.

 

[WileE]

A-body Dodge Dart or Plymouth Valiant with /6.

 

[rustytoolss]

) An '81-'83 Chrysler Imperial. Many people cursed the factory fuel injection, but Chrysler retrofitted them with a carburetor. It's a nice looking car too IMO.

I've always had a thing for those 81-83 Imperials. I like the way you think. I'm not sure of what they had for a rear axle ratio., but I do have an A500/42RH overdrive I would like to use someday.

 

[Don Frelier]

know lots of guys have pulled 30MPG with their 440's

Uhhh I don't think so...

 

[AR67GTX]

Best fuel mileage I personally experienced was my 68 Formula S, 4 speed with a 71 340, TQ and headers. That one got 25MPH (imperial gallons so figure 20MPG US) at 75-80MPH. I didn't even mess with it. I probably could have tuned it even better but I was happy with it the way it was. I know lots of guys have pulled 30MPG with their 440's but this little A-body was the best one I had.

I would like to see the 440 that got 30mpg out of curiosity. I was usually doing good to get 10mpg out of my stock 64 383 Sport Fury (an intermediate). I don’t think my current 440 GTX is any better although I’m a lot calmer driver now.

 

[68-500]

I know you said non computer controlled. But the trucks with 3.9, 5.2, & 5.9 magnums are rock solid. Maybe not best mpgs in full size 4x4 but Dakota/ Durango aren’t horrible. Ive got as much as 18 mpg in 5.9 Durango 4x4.

 

[DeltaV]

worth owning that got good MPG (for it's day)

Not the best for mileage mid teens at best.

Good for its day though

 

[Don Frelier]

I would like to see the 440 that got 30mpg out of curiosity. I was usually doing good to get 10mpg out of my stock 64 383 Sport Fury (an intermediate). I don’t think my current 440 GTX is any better although I’m a lot calmer driver now.

My 66 Charger in stock form with a 3:23 gear could get 17mpg but that was driving it with an eggshell under my foot.
Now it will get 14.5 driving to Carlisle mostly 65-70 mph.

We had a 66 Newport 383-2 when I was a kid that could get 18 mpg towing a small aluminum boat.

 

[rustytoolss]

I'm just so sick of seeing things about modern cars that only last a few years, and then end up with problems that cost $$$$. And it's not just one Brand..it's almost all of them. You know things are bad when dealerships have engines in parts rooms. Because they need to install them every week. Old cars you pick the brand, yeah they had there problems. But they were not major failures. You may not have gotten 28 + MPG. , but at least the mechanics for the most part was relieable. The money you save in fuel mileage looks good / and is good. But when major systems componets let you down, and you may still be paying for the vehicle. The manufacture has let you down, and the are not vehicles you can trust ( ford, chevy,KIA, Chrysler.............and the list goes on.) Just my rant. I worked at a Chrysler dealership late 70s-early 80's. FWD years and nearing the end of RWD. Even after that when computers were becoming more widely used. The mechanics was still for the most part good.....not any more.