Special Economy Truck? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

BIG10 · 12-09-2009, 11:56 PM

I found this magazine ad (circa 1982) for a "Chevy V8 Special Economy Truck" that reportedly got 20 city and 28 hwy. Anyone know anything about this? First I thought it was a diesel, but the ad never mentions diesel or what size V8. Thought it was interesting.

*2tons of fun* · 12-10-2009, 12:08 AM

like any good promo add it lacks any specs.

probably the same setup my 86 had.

305, 700r4, 2.73. gutless wonder.

BIG10 · 12-10-2009, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2tons of fun

like any good promo add it lacks any specs.

probably the same setup my 86 had.

305, 700r4, 2.73. gutless wonder.

I would think with 2.73's it would have to work too hard to get 28 mpg, but maybe not.

Benelli · 12-10-2009, 12:15 AM

I don't think the new pick ups with the 5.3's and new 5 speed's hit 25 MPG... how on Earth could a less aerodynamic, heavier pick up do that?

BIG10 · 12-10-2009, 12:20 AM

IDK, I barely get that out of my 4 cyl, 5 spd Nissan.

Benelli · 12-10-2009, 12:23 AM

That's pretty much my point. Take them numbers and divide by two and that's what the truth is......

bigblock73 · 12-10-2009, 12:43 AM

That ad looks familiar.

BIG10 · 12-10-2009, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigblock73

That ad looks familiar.

Oh, did I get from you? I'm really not sure. I've had it for a while, but I just paid attention for the first time and I just don't understand how 28 mpgs is possible. If you are the source, thanks for a great looking ad!

*78 Chevyrado* · 12-10-2009, 12:49 AM

At the bottom center of the Ad ---

"Your mileage May differ depending on speed, distance, weather. Mileage will be less in heavy city traffic. ACTUAL highway mileage LOWER."

In other words, the big numbers are meaningless and irrelevant.... lol

It all probably means 50MPH tops, drive on long stopless desert roads and do it while it's not raining. It has to have the light-duty everything on it.

BIG10 · 12-10-2009, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 78 Chevyrado

At the bottom center of the Ad ---

"Your mileage May differ depending on speed, distance, weather. Mileage will be less in heavy city traffic. ACTUAL highway mileage LOWER."

In other words, the big numbers are meaningless and irrelevant.... lol

It all probably means 50MPH tops, drive on long stopless desert roads and do it while it's not raining... lol

Good eye.

thirdstreettito · 12-10-2009, 12:52 AM

There is a guy on another forum with a 2wd diesel burb getting 32mpg hwy. 6.2/700R4/3:08 or 2:9?

**old Rusty C10** · 12-10-2009, 12:52 AM

back then the formula was different for calculating the MPG so its prolly that fancy old math that just dont add up

TwoFiftyShifter · 12-10-2009, 12:57 AM

Grandfather had an 86 Jimmy with 305 2.73 700R4... drove it highway at 55mph.... got 25pmg. That's what they meant.... I slow truck thats geared to the max and cant tow or haul....

BIG10 · 12-10-2009, 12:59 AM

It may be gutless, but would be okay for cruising back and forth to work. IMO.

wfomkivdrvr · 12-10-2009, 01:25 AM

i have seen a couple trucks with od manual trans in them but never drove one

*2tons of fun* · 12-10-2009, 02:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benelli

I don't think the new pick ups with the 5.3's and new 5 speed's hit 25 MPG... how on Earth could a less aerodynamic, heavier pick up do that?

better more powerfull gas for starters.

Quote:

Originally Posted by old Rusty C10

back then the formula was different for calculating the MPG so its prolly that fancy old math that just dont add up

like todays math that all has asteric's and specail notations attached to it, like a medication comercail.

Keith Seymore · 12-10-2009, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benelli

I don't think the new pick ups with the 5.3's and new 5 speed's hit 25 MPG... how on Earth could a less aerodynamic, heavier pick up do that?

I don't think the old trucks are heavier than the new ones; our 2002 GMT800 is quite a bit heavier than our previous trucks -

MHO

K

Keith Seymore · 12-10-2009, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wfomkivdrvr

i have seen a couple trucks with od manual trans in them but never drove one

They drive great!

ironroad9c1 · 12-10-2009, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

I don't think the old trucks are heavier than the new ones; our 2002 GMT800 is quite a bit heavier than our previous trucks -

MHO

K

Yea I just dropped a used 87 tbi 350 in my 84 and slapped a carb on it and it surprises me how quick it is even with 2.73's. Its will burn the right rear clean off the rim almost to 3rd gear if you don't let up....From a straight standing stop, hell you can't even try and make a right turn into traffic in a hurry cause it will just spin and you don't go anywhere..lol

SSC's76 · 12-10-2009, 09:47 AM

Ive heard of this before. 305 2.73 rear end with the dodge 5 speed trans and the first attempt at electronic spark controll. Under perfect conditions its possible just not likely.

Mr.Scary · 12-10-2009, 10:42 AM

man i wish i could get this kinda mileage outts mine = (

larrystone · 12-10-2009, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIG10

It may be gutless, but would be okay for cruising back and forth to work. IMO.

That's why I own two trucks. The one with 4.10 gears loaded down with landscape maintenance equipment and the other with 2.73 gears the is my car that also happens to be a light duty (5k gvw) truck.

My custom deluxe weights 3850 pounds empty on the local scrap yard scale. The 4.3/th350/2.73 drive line is perfect with an empty pickup in the mountains of NE PA. Gutless no way runs better than any 305 empty but put a 600 pound lawn mower in the bed and your wings get clipped. My fuel mileage is 17 between fill ups which equates to about 20 highway mpg.An overdrive 4 speed transmission would not be of much benefit in NE PA but if I was a flatlander I could easily achive 25 mpg highway with 4.3/700r4/2.73 combo.

My 1992 had 3.08 gears from the factory with 4.3tbi and a 700r4 and I WAS getting 25 mpg highway with a 500 pound motorcycle in the bed b/4 the 4.10 swap.

PS I just wanted to add that the smaller diameter of the tire the better the fuel mileage. I just went from 225/70/15 to 235/70/15 on the rear axle and at just a half inch taller the truck is working harder to rotate those slightly bigger tires.

bighoss0331 · 03-13-2012, 11:36 PM

that is the 6.2 diesel mag cover

gchemist · 03-14-2012, 12:11 AM

My old 83 305 could hit 18.5 with a nonlocking converter at 70 MPH. So yea, 20+ was possible @ 55 MPH. My ZZ4 hits 18.5 at 70 MPH. At 65, it goes up some. Not sure how much, but I can see the fuel gauge move slower. At 55-60 MPH, I could probably hit a little higher. Problem is I can't drive 55 MPH!! A diesel at 55 MPH, could make them numbers.

**Corts60** · 03-14-2012, 12:44 AM

Wowsers, old thread back from the dead. It has to be a diesel truck. I can pull 22-23 MPG's in my diesel with overdrive and 3:73 at 70 MPH. If I were to slow down I'm sure I could pull 25+.

12-09-2009, 11:56 PM	#1
BIG10 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Jenks, OK Posts: 314	Special Economy Truck? I found this magazine ad (circa 1982) for a "Chevy V8 Special Economy Truck" that reportedly got 20 city and 28 hwy. Anyone know anything about this? First I thought it was a diesel, but the ad never mentions diesel or what size V8. Thought it was interesting. Attached Images __________________ Jay 1978 Big 10 Silverado, 355 + 700R4 + 3.42 + factory tach + A/C + dual tanks + working cruise control = awesome highway cruiser.

12-10-2009, 12:08 AM	#2
2tons of fun Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: galt ca, Posts: 749	Re: Special Economy Truck? like any good promo add it lacks any specs. probably the same setup my 86 had. 305, 700r4, 2.73. gutless wonder.

12-10-2009, 12:15 AM	#4
Benelli Watchin the rust grow Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Western Nebraska Posts: 950	Re: Special Economy Truck? I don't think the new pick ups with the 5.3's and new 5 speed's hit 25 MPG... how on Earth could a less aerodynamic, heavier pick up do that? __________________ 1979 Chevy K10 (H/D Front end) - 350 w/ Holley Truck Avenger, Weinald Intake manifold, headers, bored .060 over, mild cam, Built up TH350 (TranStar Shift kit) with a part-timed NP203 t-case SOLD ($3,000) 1997 Chevy Silverado 1500 - 4.3 vortec, extended cab, 21 highway MPG, stock. "Red" SOLD ($3,000) 1987 Toyota 4wd Pick-up - work in progress, future DD SOLD ($1,850) 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins 5spd Quad cab - old 12 valve with some work done 2004 Chevy Silverado - Black, 4x4, 5.3L, stock for now Underneath that rust is a heart of gold

12-10-2009, 12:20 AM	#5
BIG10 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Jenks, OK Posts: 314	Re: Special Economy Truck? IDK, I barely get that out of my 4 cyl, 5 spd Nissan. __________________ Jay 1978 Big 10 Silverado, 355 + 700R4 + 3.42 + factory tach + A/C + dual tanks + working cruise control = awesome highway cruiser.

12-10-2009, 12:23 AM	#6
Benelli Watchin the rust grow Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Western Nebraska Posts: 950	Re: Special Economy Truck? That's pretty much my point. Take them numbers and divide by two and that's what the truth is...... __________________ 1979 Chevy K10 (H/D Front end) - 350 w/ Holley Truck Avenger, Weinald Intake manifold, headers, bored .060 over, mild cam, Built up TH350 (TranStar Shift kit) with a part-timed NP203 t-case SOLD ($3,000) 1997 Chevy Silverado 1500 - 4.3 vortec, extended cab, 21 highway MPG, stock. "Red" SOLD ($3,000) 1987 Toyota 4wd Pick-up - work in progress, future DD SOLD ($1,850) 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins 5spd Quad cab - old 12 valve with some work done 2004 Chevy Silverado - Black, 4x4, 5.3L, stock for now Underneath that rust is a heart of gold

12-10-2009, 12:43 AM	#7
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,824	Re: Special Economy Truck? That ad looks familiar. __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale

12-10-2009, 12:49 AM	#9
78 Chevyrado Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Unnapreciative, Trollville Posts: 2,079	Re: Special Economy Truck? At the bottom center of the Ad --- "Your mileage May differ depending on speed, distance, weather. Mileage will be less in heavy city traffic. ACTUAL highway mileage LOWER." In other words, the big numbers are meaningless and irrelevant.... lol It all probably means 50MPH tops, drive on long stopless desert roads and do it while it's not raining. It has to have the light-duty everything on it. Last edited by 78 Chevyrado; 12-10-2009 at 12:51 AM.

12-10-2009, 12:52 AM	#11
thirdstreettito Resident of Here Join Date: May 2008 Location: Wesley Chapel, FL, USA Posts: 7,716	Re: Special Economy Truck? There is a guy on another forum with a 2wd diesel burb getting 32mpg hwy. 6.2/700R4/3:08 or 2:9? __________________ ~Bradley~ 2004 Black GTO LS2/T56 too much to list Miss having a truck

12-10-2009, 12:52 AM	#12
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,310	Re: Special Economy Truck? back then the formula was different for calculating the MPG so its prolly that fancy old math that just dont add up __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

12-10-2009, 12:57 AM	#13
TwoFiftyShifter Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Gwinnett GA Posts: 1,803	Re: Special Economy Truck? Grandfather had an 86 Jimmy with 305 2.73 700R4... drove it highway at 55mph.... got 25pmg. That's what they meant.... I slow truck thats geared to the max and cant tow or haul.... __________________ 1982 K10 SWB 1987 V20 - Sold - Doh!

12-10-2009, 12:59 AM	#14
BIG10 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Jenks, OK Posts: 314	Re: Special Economy Truck? It may be gutless, but would be okay for cruising back and forth to work. IMO. __________________ Jay 1978 Big 10 Silverado, 355 + 700R4 + 3.42 + factory tach + A/C + dual tanks + working cruise control = awesome highway cruiser.

12-10-2009, 01:25 AM	#15
wfomkivdrvr HORSEPOWER JUNKIE Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Esparto,CA. Posts: 97	Re: Special Economy Truck? i have seen a couple trucks with od manual trans in them but never drove one __________________ 67 C20 fleetside custom camper 69 El Camino 72 Camaro 52 Dodge b3b 108 pickup

12-10-2009, 09:47 AM	#20
SSC's76 No No Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Pueblo Colorado Posts: 1,781	Re: Special Economy Truck? Ive heard of this before. 305 2.73 rear end with the dodge 5 speed trans and the first attempt at electronic spark controll. Under perfect conditions its possible just not likely. __________________ 1976 Custom Deluxe SWB Med FMB.3/4 Drop. Gen VI 454, Muncie HD 3 speed With Modified OE Hurst Shifter, 3.73 12 bolt, GMPP HO roller cam, Hooker headers, Performer intake with modified Q-jet, Accel distributor. Best 1/4 12.3 @108. Funnest run 19.84 @88 full 1/4 mile burn out. 1997 K1500 ext cab 5.7 stock except muffler

12-10-2009, 10:42 AM	#21
Mr.Scary Project Optimus Prime Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 346	Re: Special Economy Truck? man i wish i could get this kinda mileage outts mine = ( __________________ 84 SWB work in progress 89 burb 1500 (parts pig) LOL 08 ford focus (I know, I know) Wifes car "I said it b4 and i'll say it agian wiring is my worst enemy":devil:

03-13-2012, 11:36 PM	#23
bighoss0331 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: maryville tn Posts: 15	Re: Special Economy Truck? that is the 6.2 diesel mag cover



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03-14-2012, 12:11 AM	#24
gchemist BAD BOW-Silverado XST Join Date: May 2000 Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX Posts: 6,431	Re: Special Economy Truck? My old 83 305 could hit 18.5 with a nonlocking converter at 70 MPH. So yea, 20+ was possible @ 55 MPH. My ZZ4 hits 18.5 at 70 MPH. At 65, it goes up some. Not sure how much, but I can see the fuel gauge move slower. At 55-60 MPH, I could probably hit a little higher. Problem is I can't drive 55 MPH!! A diesel at 55 MPH, could make them numbers. __________________ Gerardo a.k.a. Mad Chemist Silverado XST videos

03-14-2012, 12:44 AM	#25
Corts60 Just here to tinker Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Holland, MI Posts: 3,697	Re: Special Economy Truck? Wowsers, old thread back from the dead. It has to be a diesel truck. I can pull 22-23 MPG's in my diesel with overdrive and 3:73 at 70 MPH. If I were to slow down I'm sure I could pull 25+. __________________ 78 C10 SWB Diesel #1 (wrecked)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...1978+silverado 78 C10 SWB Diesel #2 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=650751 60 GMC Suburban (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=445526 60 GMC 1000 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=298235 67 GMC 1500 (sold) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=803695 73 Chevy C20(Daily)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=852767 86 Suburban(summer unit) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=810697 88 Suburban 4x4(sold)

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