Who here daily drives their square body? (long(

[Firebirdjones]

Originally Posted by Skunksmash

I've calculated mine and its a pitiful 14 MPG. 16 on the highway. I got TBI though so I can only imagine what some of the carb'd guys get. I'm switching to a 5.3L ls motor one day for better mileage AND 80 more HP lol

Stock TBI 350 is only 220Hp and the newer 5.3's are 305hp

I get 14 mpg highway and 11-12 mpg city with my big block 1 ton, 400 turbo and 3.73's. Really not bad compared to your truck. My father told me his 91 TBI 350 short bed 4x4 gets 17 mpg.

5.3 swap will be a nice addition though. You'll like it.

[74 stepside]

79 Silverado made some good points, but man its a good thing you dont work for a magazine. Because you would scare away any potential new comer to the classic truck world. LOL Back to the question, there really isnt a realistic answer. Some people, like myself, prefer driving an old truck or car to a newer one. To me it gives me a feeling that you either get it or you dont. Thats of course one that runs proper, not a broke down pile. I drove a 65 shortbed for years as my only vehicle. I upgraded it with disc brakes, all new suspension, and a rebuilt 350. The thumbs up every day was just too cool. Ya every day, not exagerating. Dont expect any good mileage out of a BBC and good luck.

[Firebirdjones]

Originally Posted by tucsonjwt

Depending on the price of diesel where you live, a diesel conversion will likely not pencil out in terms of overall economy. Where I live, diesel is consistently 15-18% more costly than gasoline, so 20 mpg in a diesel is really 17 mpg gasoline equivalent here today.

I went through this dilema when my 79 spun a bearing in the original 454 last year. I wanted a newer diesel truck. Swapping a diesel in the 79 just wasn't an option, I consider it too nice of a truck to start changing things that drastically, and BBC trucks seem to be getting scarce.

Then I started paying more attention to diesel gas prices. For an unrefined fuel I can't believe this stuff cost more than regular gas. Right now in my area diesel is 70 cents more per gallon That's just laughable, I feel sorry for the diesel guys, and I'm seeing alot of them forsale lately.

In the end I decided to just install a new BBC in my truck and keep it. I don't drive the truck enough to warrant replacing it with a diesel anyway, and $4.39 a gallon for diesel is just ridiculous. That stuff used to be dirt cheap and all the rage 15-20 years ago, alot cheaper than gas, but someone see's a chance to fill their pockets I think.

I'll just keep my truck the way it is and drive it when I need it. It still gets the job done and it doesn't cost me a dime sitting there. Gas mileage isn't all that horrible considering (14 mpg highway and 11-12 city)

[jhamrick512]

I DD my 78 short wheel base. No AC in Texas is a bit of a pain but you get used to it, now when im in my ol ladys car the AC is too cold lol. Radio is a must for me though. Currently the only grip i have is a stupid loud exhaust leak that keeps coming back.

[Pyrotechnic]

Where are you at on the payments for the truck? What would be left once you sold it and paid off the bank?

My advice is to get the 454 truck, but take the rest of that and get a car. Find an early 2000's Cavalier, Focus, Civic, Corrolla, etc. That doesn't sound exciting, but the bottom line is you end up with a cool truck with a 454 for when you feel like it, and FWD car that gets great fuel economy when it's gonna break you to get in the truck. Best off all, you end up with both paid off.

[killthewabbit]

Mine is daily driven, but it has a 305 and I'm only 8 miles away from work. It's got A/C and power stuff so it's relatively comfy. I have the original radio, which just plain sucks and needs to be replaced. Also, I might have gone a bit overboard lowering it for daily driving in the city use since it rubs some and my turning radius has decreased.

Before I moved closer, I daily drove my 78 stepper (80 miles round trip) until gas prices really hit the roof a few years back.

[Oilbrnr]

I've gone back to driving my K5 pretty much daily here in Scottsdale, AZ. Three miles of my commute one way are on dirt washboard roads which is brutal on any DD. The remainder of the 15 miles is cake. I just can't afford to replace my 2005 Dmax and the more I drive it, seems like more I have to fix it. At 86k, I've been less than impressed, just put $400 worth of front wheeling bearings in it. That was MY cost. Just sad. I'd like to have a chat with that GM Bean Counter!

I'm gathering parts and motivation to finally put a 2007 4.8 LSx in it this fall. While it is a 'mouse motor' I think it will serve me well, and it was free! Next fall will be paint and the final interior refresh.

When you do the math, these old trucks really are not that bad. Parts are easy to get and relatively cheap, not to mention ease of working on them. And the mileage difference is negligible depending on how far you drive every day. Insurance is also a big factor. IIRC I pay $187/6 months for the K5 and K20 vs. $450ish for the Dmax. (Liability vs full comp, but still roadside assistance)

As for the quality of stopping ability someone alluded to earlier in this thread, I'd have to seriously disagree. Squares, when in good repair, stop as good as any of my new cars. ABS is a crock in many situations. But that's just my .02

[kwin]

Originally Posted by Firebirdjones

I went through this dilema when my 79 spun a bearing in the original 454 last year. I wanted a newer diesel truck. Swapping a diesel in the 79 just wasn't an option, I consider it too nice of a truck to start changing things that drastically, and BBC trucks seem to be getting scarce.

Then I started paying more attention to diesel gas prices. For an unrefined fuel I can't believe this stuff cost more than regular gas. Right now in my area diesel is 70 cents more per gallon That's just laughable, I feel sorry for the diesel guys, and I'm seeing alot of them forsale lately.

In the end I decided to just install a new BBC in my truck and keep it. I don't drive the truck enough to warrant replacing it with a diesel anyway, and $4.39 a gallon for diesel is just ridiculous. That stuff used to be dirt cheap and all the rage 15-20 years ago, alot cheaper than gas, but someone see's a chance to fill their pockets I think.

I'll just keep my truck the way it is and drive it when I need it. It still gets the job done and it doesn't cost me a dime sitting there. Gas mileage isn't all that horrible considering (14 mpg highway and 11-12 city)

Posted via Mobile Device

[kwin]

If your going to go through the trouble of a diesel conversion , and I am, consider different fuel options. I'm building my 3/4 ton suburban to run waste vegetable oil/ diesel / home brew!
I learned last year that I can get an unlimited source of clean vegetable oil for free! Now that is savings!
I found out that vegetable oil turns rancid and cannot be sold but the diesel engine does not care, there is a local company that dumps 1000's of liters a year.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by kwin

If your going to go through the trouble of a diesel conversion , and I am, consider different fuel options. I'm building my 3/4 ton suburban to run waste vegetable oil/ diesel / home brew!
I learned last year that I can get an unlimited source of clean vegetable oil for free! Now that is savings!
I found out that vegetable oil turns rancid and cannot be sold but the diesel engine does not care, there is a local company that dumps 1000's of liters a year.
Posted via Mobile Device

I have always wanted to do this. I'm a huge proponent of waste veg oil in a diesel.

My only concern is that around here we may have missed the window for "free" waste oil - I think folks here are charging for it now.

K

[Firebirdjones]

Interesting. Like anything else I fear, when more people start using it, they'll see dollar signs and start charging for it, as it seems Keith in Michigan is finding already. Kinda funny seeing as how it was heading for the trash can anyway....

Just how much is it Keith?

[CoggedBelt75]

Fuel prices are going to have to get alot higher to keep me from driving mine. 99% seat time is in town tho. 10 mpg on highway with 92 octane @ today's price of $4.19 does keep me from the occasional roadtrips.

[LEEVON]

I'd be much more inclined to do this in an area like Houston, provided you aren't sitting on the freeway every morning idling...besides everything else that was mentioned up here we have to deal with snow and salt which is hell on old trucks. I have gone back and forth and can never keep myself with an old DD mainly because of the winters. Make sure your a/c is up to the job. I also find it's the little things, like how easy it is to jump in and go in a new truck. Me, I'm a hurrry-up guy who doesn't like to be bothered with the small stuff like; warming up the engine, finding the floppy seat belts, manually locking the doors, etc. It's laughable but between work, home (kids) etc, those things are the last ones you want irritating you. If you're easy going and not stressed, busy, etc. then go for it.

[86454k30]

I have a 98 K2500 xcab shortbed with a 454 love the truck but, when its nice out I daily drive my K30. Been driving almost every day to work for the last 4 months no complaints. It is nice to have a "newer" truck to jump in and drive if you have to go out of town though.

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by LEEVON

I'd be much more inclined to do this in an area like Houston, provided you aren't sitting on the freeway every morning idling...besides everything else that was mentioned up here we have to deal with snow and salt which is hell on old trucks. I have gone back and forth and can never keep myself with an old DD mainly because of the winters.

Leevon - you get snow in MO?

Funny story - my parents grew up in SE Missouri, in the bootheel, and like to tell about the time they went "down home" for a Christmas visit. They got a slight dusting of snow overnight and when they were out walking the next morning they encountered an old woman sweeping it off the porch with a broom.

"Oo wee, we sure got a big one last night!" the lady hollered when she saw my folks...



Seriously, though - I think folks not in the snow belt don't truly comprehend what that salt/water/slurry mix does to old iron.

K

[Skunksmash]

Originally Posted by Firebirdjones

I get 14 mpg highway and 11-12 mpg city with my big block 1 ton, 400 turbo and 3.73's. Really not bad compared to your truck. My father told me his 91 TBI 350 short bed 4x4 gets 17 mpg.

5.3 swap will be a nice addition though. You'll like it.

I'm just wondering how hard it will be to do the AC and power steering. A lot of the 5.3L guys you see on youtube have no ac and now power steering. So something tells me that's where it actually gets difficult.

[tucsonjwt]

I can confirm 11 mpg city/13 mpg highway in my stock 454/SM465 C20. I think mpg could go up a little if I used cruise control and gear vendor more regularly. Gas mileage will go down in the city to about 8-9 mpg when I am hauling a full 2-3,000 payload.

Parts prices are cheap for a domestic model small car also. I liked the Hondas I have owned but unless I bought genuine Honda parts the repair never lasted. Genuine Honda parts are much more expensive than domestic parts, and you can get domestic parts for about the mechanic's price from online vendors, plus free shipping and no sales tax.

The simple calculation is comparing the variables between old truck and new small car and it is all based on how many miles you drive per year:

Purchase price
Insurance
Repairs needed
Fuel economy (gas consumed based on miles driven)

As much as the automotive press disliked the Cavalier, you really can't beat it for fuel economy per dollar of acquisition cost (20/30 mpg and I am getting better than that.) Also, the junkyards have a lot of Cavaliers with a good sampling of parts remaining - unlike old square bodies (at least around here.)

On the other hand, I just hauled a load of sheep manure for my neighbors and their community garden and managed to get my truck stuck in the poop (2WD, worn out highway tread commercial BFGs, and no posi did not help). Poop hauling capacity of my Cavalier is limited even with the back seat folded down.

[Oilbrnr]

Originally Posted by Skunksmash

I'm just wondering how hard it will be to do the AC and power steering. A lot of the 5.3L guys you see on youtube have no ac and now power steering. So something tells me that's where it actually gets difficult.

Nope, not true, and you can hydroboost at the same time.

In reality, the LSx's were one gift the engineers at GM gave all of us. IMHO.

[Firebirdjones]

Originally Posted by Skunksmash

I'm just wondering how hard it will be to do the AC and power steering. A lot of the 5.3L guys you see on youtube have no ac and now power steering. So something tells me that's where it actually gets difficult.

Piece of cake. Here is a pic of mine, a 6.0 in my 72 blazer. Scroll down to post #20
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=544824

Power steering hooks up just like the stocker. I simply removed the metric 0-ring fitting in the back of the LS pump and installed my old PS pump fitting so my flared pressure line goes right back in, very simple

On the AC, since it originally mounts low, I didn't want to cut the frame (some guys do) so I used a high mount AC kit from Kwik Performance, mounts the AC up where there is some room, and you just use a slightly longer belt. Very easy.

[Firebirdjones]

Originally Posted by tucsonjwt

I just hauled a load of sheep manure for my neighbors and their community garden and managed to get my truck stuck in the poop (2WD, worn out highway tread commercial BFGs, and no posi did not help).

That just sounds like it would have completely ruined my day

[Rubble]

My DD is a 86 K20,350/465/208/ with 14bolt ff. 4:10. 35" tires 7" lift. On the highway it runs between 12-14mpg.I drive about 100-120 miles/day mostly gravel roads & run 50-55 mph mostly. My spare is 81 CCLB 4x4 srw. 454/400/205 4:10. Gets about 10 on a good day,but no payments so I can spend a bit more on fuel.When the lease roads get muddy the 86 really shines,plus I can have fun too!! I figure if I can get paid to drive an old square around it's a good job.Just about got my 82 6.2 oil burner back on the road,then my fuel bill will even be smaller.82 K25 6.2/A833/208/14sf 3:73 on 35s with 6" lift.
Posted via Mobile Device

[tucsonjwt]

Rocking back and forth and a lot of wheel spinning got me out in about 15 minutes, but left much sheep poop sticking to the underside of the truck bed. Good thing I have a dump bed so I could lift it and hose out the poop.

[oldwagon]

Only drive my dooly when I want to haul or pull something, but that's okay because it's there when I need it. They are a great daily driver though! My dd is my 79 Caprice, so I'm usually riding in comfort anyway.

[Skunksmash]

Originally Posted by Oilbrnr

Nope, not true, and you can hydroboost at the same time.

In reality, the LSx's were one gift the engineers at GM gave all of us. IMHO.

Is hydroboost better than the cruise control on the older trucks somehow? Also I don't really want an LSX cause I'm going more for fuel economy and reliability than power. Even though a 5.3L will see a significant power bump. Unless im not understanding what you're saying somehow. I watched horsepower TV and the LSX they did on there looked very fuel guzzle-ish.

Originally Posted by Firebirdjones

Piece of cake. Here is a pic of mine, a 6.0 in my 72 blazer. Scroll down to post #20
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=544824

Power steering hooks up just like the stocker. I simply removed the metric 0-ring fitting in the back of the LS pump and installed my old PS pump fitting so my flared pressure line goes right back in, very simple

On the AC, since it originally mounts low, I didn't want to cut the frame (some guys do) so I used a high mount AC kit from Kwik Performance, mounts the AC up where there is some room, and you just use a slightly longer belt. Very easy.

Nice. What about the fuel lines? And how about getting the AC plumbing to work with all the factory stuff though? Like where it finally mates up to the airbox and all that. I think it would be nice if I could get a low mileage 5.3L married up to a 4L60e out of some 2011 wrecked truck, with nothing cut and all of it just still hanging there. Even the R12 still in the AC. Just change the AC bracket and pump fitting (like you said) and plop it in there and start hooking everything up. Maybe the driveshaft is the same? Since the 4L60e is just an updated 700R4...

[V3500KING]

I daily drive mine. 1990 V3500 4x4 crew cab dually. Ride is real nice. Gas mileage is not so great. I average 10.5 mpg. I drive mostly on the highway. It has a TBI 454/TH400/205 with a dana 70HD with 4:10. My truck will stop on a dime. Its has the factory tow package which means its got the big brakes and hydroboost. I am looking at putting in a cummins for better fuel economy at some point.