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

[mgoblue9798]

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

If you are driving less than 12k miles per year then drive a hot rod and dont worry about fuel mileage.

There is a long thread on moparts or forabodies posted by a guy who built a 68 barracuda with a 318 he built that would get 29 mpg on the highway.

 

[rustytoolss]

If you are driving less than 12k miles per year then drive a hot rod and dont worry about fuel mileage.

There is a long thread on moparts or forabodies posted by a guy who built a 68 barracuda with a 318 he built that would get 29 mpg on the highway.

Well life is not like that for me ( might be for you). Living on a fixed income, and everyday cost ( including to price of gas are important factors) also driving a 60's-70's car is a great thing to do...but Having a car that is quiet, drives nice , and well manored is more enjoyable on a daily bases, for my wife and I ( somehow I don't think she would be into driving a vintage car to her doctors apointments . And Living in NE Ohio that might not be the best option, with winter being unpredictable. Also my wife has mobility issuess. So anything I would likely buy would need to fit more requirements than just MPG. I do like the idea of an 81-83 Imperial 318 AC etc.

 

[YY1]

Plenty of F/M/J body cars out there CHEAP right now.

That fits with easy to work on and perhaps acceptable MPG.
Should be able to get high teens/low 20's average.

Just missed a 79 Diplomat 318 for $2400 on local CL.
Last year was a 79 LeBaron T top 318 for $2700.

If you stay on top of the cooling system, meaning seasonal flushes (which you are probably already doing being in OH), and are prepared to eventually replace the heater core (which require pulling the dash), I'd suggest a club or quad cab Dakota.

We've had half a dozen Dakotas in out extended family.
They feel like driving and working on a A body.
The 5.2 versions tend to get around 16 MPG while the 3.9 versions get around 18/19 (although they have MUCH less power).

 

[rustytoolss]

Plenty of F/M/J body cars out there CHEAP right now.

That fits with easy to work on and perhaps acceptable MPG.
Should be able to get high teens/low 20's average.

Just missed a 79 Diplomat 318 for $2400 on local CL.
Last year was a 79 LeBaron T top 318 for $2700.

If you stay on top of the cooling system, meaning seasonal flushes (which you are probably already doing being in OH), and are prepared to eventually replace the heater core (which require pulling the dash), I'd suggest a club or quad cab Dakota.

We've had half a dozen Dakotas in out extended family.
They feel like driving and working on a A body.
The 5.2 versions tend to get around 16 MPG while the 3.9 versions get around 18/19 (although they have MUCH less power).

Those all sound like they will work. I'm not sure when 318 got roller cam, or FI even. But at least the driveline would be sound, don't know much about the 3.9 also,

 

[YY1]

Roller cam started in 83-85-ish.
Really just a wear/longevity upgrade as it had the same or very similar specs as the HFT cam it replaced.
Still cool for small upgrade potential.
TBI EFI around 88/89.

3.9 is a 318 missing two cylinders.
Same water pump, timing cover, accessories, etc.
Perf is hit or miss.
We've had them that performed as well as a 5.2 and others that were just dogs.

 

[Don Frelier]

Roller cam started in 83-85-ish.
Really just a wear/longevity upgrade as it had the same or very similar specs as the HFT cam it replaced.
Still cool for small upgrade potential.
TBI EFI around 88/89.

3.9 is a 318 missing two cylinders.
Same water pump, timing cover, accessories, etc.
Perf is hit or miss.
We've had them that performed as well as a 5.2 and others that were just dogs.

The 3.9 is an imbalanced engine it will always have a shake to it.

Early 3.9 engines had no tensioner and the chains would stretch, hence poor performance.
Otherwise they were just as durable as a 318, I've had 3 of them.
We had one in a 2003 Dakota with 225k on it and it still had great power.

You really don't want a TBI EFI they were a transitional thing.
But those would have a hydraulic roller cam.

A real fuel injected Magnum 5.2 (ODBI or ODBII) is a superior setup to an LA.
I would never have a carb vehicle as a daily driver again.
Especially where we live with lots of days in the mid 30's with rain, drizzle and fog...
As a classic cruiser yes but daily = no.

 

[Unkle Krusty]

Not anything good said about car built in the last 10 years. All of thier major systems are just poorly made. Most times when you are going to buy a used car. The natual idea is to purchase something newer, better. But in this day and age , that is no longer true. IMO.

Guy let his daughter chose her own ride. She picked a used Range Rover. Daves fixit shop posted a video of the thing smoking, and oil everywhere. The turbo was toast plus other stuff. I advised Shirley to stick with Honda for her new car purchase. So far it is fine.

 

[rustytoolss]

The 3.9 is an imbalanced engine it will always have a shake to it.

Early 3.9 engines had no tensioner and the chains would stretch, hence poor performance.
Otherwise they were just as durable as a 318, I've had 3 of them.
We had one in a 2003 Dakota with 225k on it and it still had great power.

You really don't want a TBI EFI they were a transitional thing.
But those would have a hydraulic roller cam.

A real fuel injected Magnum 5.2 (ODBI or ODBII) is a superior setup to an LA.
I would never have a carb vehicle as a daily driver again.
Especially where we live with lots of days in the mid 30's with rain, drizzle and fog...
As a classic cruiser yes but daily = no.

What years of 5.2 do you consider " real fuel injected magnum" ?

 

[YY1]

"Magnum" 5.2, 5.9, and 3.9 started in 92.

Easy 100 HP over the 318, and 360. Even more over the 225.

92 has slightly larger exhaust manifolds and the 5.2 is rated only 10 HP lower than the 5.9 that year.

IIRC it's a "real" 230/235 NET HP for the 5.2 and a real, net 245 for the 5.9.

 

[rustytoolss]

The 3.9 is an imbalanced engine it will always have a shake to it.

Early 3.9 engines had no tensioner and the chains would stretch, hence poor performance.
Otherwise they were just as durable as a 318, I've had 3 of them.
We had one in a 2003 Dakota with 225k on it and it still had great power.

You really don't want a TBI EFI they were a transitional thing.
But those would have a hydraulic roller cam.

A real fuel injected Magnum 5.2 (ODBI or ODBII) is a superior setup to an LA.
I would never have a carb vehicle as a daily driver again.
Especially where we live with lots of days in the mid 30's with rain, drizzle and fog...
As a classic cruiser yes but daily = no.

You said " don't want TBI EFI...what years are those ? maybe you mean the early 81-83 Imperial efi system ????......and " a real fuel injected 5.2 (ODB1 or ODB2 what years ?