Hammerhead75
04-04-2006, 07:24 AM
Hello all--newbie here.
When you are designing an engine, what do you do in order to get good power but also good fuel economy? I purchased Dynomation dyno simulation software to help me design but am at a crossroads.
I hear that if you want good fuel economy, stick with low rpm torque, which basically makes for a tow motor I think? Not a lot of accleration but good throttle response (they say)--whatever that means. I was also told that building a 'red light rocket' will make for very bad MPG. This is for a daily driven street vehicle--I don't race.
Goals are something like 350+ hp, plenty of torque (400+?), 250k miles, and 25 mpg. I'm willing to put on Tri-Y's, a 4L65e so I get overdrive, etc. This is going into a first generation Monte Carlo.
I know this can be done as I've personally ridden in a 350k+ mile 72 Impala convertible that gets 22 mpg with no overdrive, 4-into-1 headers, and highway torque that beats anything I've been in, all out of a large displacement naturally-aspirated small block. Part of the reason for my design is to surprise this person (my mentor) with an engine of my own without letting him know.
My current plan:
small block Chevrolet
4L65e
Tri-Y
Jacobs ignition
Eaton limited slip
3.23 (or so) in the rear
BFG radial T/A tires,
and the list goes on and on, but wanted to give an idea.
Would an engine built to these specifications be more of a highway cruiser or a red light rocket? Given three wishes, one would be torque especially in the 30-90 mpg range but I'm open to discussion.
Any input would be appreciated.
When you are designing an engine, what do you do in order to get good power but also good fuel economy? I purchased Dynomation dyno simulation software to help me design but am at a crossroads.
I hear that if you want good fuel economy, stick with low rpm torque, which basically makes for a tow motor I think? Not a lot of accleration but good throttle response (they say)--whatever that means. I was also told that building a 'red light rocket' will make for very bad MPG. This is for a daily driven street vehicle--I don't race.
Goals are something like 350+ hp, plenty of torque (400+?), 250k miles, and 25 mpg. I'm willing to put on Tri-Y's, a 4L65e so I get overdrive, etc. This is going into a first generation Monte Carlo.
I know this can be done as I've personally ridden in a 350k+ mile 72 Impala convertible that gets 22 mpg with no overdrive, 4-into-1 headers, and highway torque that beats anything I've been in, all out of a large displacement naturally-aspirated small block. Part of the reason for my design is to surprise this person (my mentor) with an engine of my own without letting him know.
My current plan:
small block Chevrolet
4L65e
Tri-Y
Jacobs ignition
Eaton limited slip
3.23 (or so) in the rear
BFG radial T/A tires,
and the list goes on and on, but wanted to give an idea.
Would an engine built to these specifications be more of a highway cruiser or a red light rocket? Given three wishes, one would be torque especially in the 30-90 mpg range but I'm open to discussion.
Any input would be appreciated.