HeavyAsAChevy
I'm Awesome
I just saw a video of a k5 blazer(technically a jimmy, but you can picture what I’m talking about) had a 8in lift or something with like 37’s(not exactly sure) but it was a BBC 572 and he got about 16mpg
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A better way to view that is to consider the larger engine does the same as the smaller engine - but at lower rpm (and therefore with less internal friction).Yeah, but think about that. If it takes "X" power to move "Y" car down the road at "Z" speed, the big block is going to make that power with less throttle opening. Efficiencies come in to play and create differences, but it's definitely not as clear nor simple as the big block is just inhaling more air. Now at full throttle; yes.
Vettepilot
A better way to view that is to consider the larger engine does the same as the smaller engine - but at lower rpm (and therefore with less internal friction).
Less throttle opening (at the same rpm) is where it falls apart due to throttling losses.
There's a thousand factors that influence fuel economy; and operating expense in general. Many of those factors are contradictory, or off-setting.
A larger-CID engine that's NOT using a power-enrichment system to add fuel under load can be more economical than a small-CID engine that has to run extra-rich to haul the barge around.
More intake vacuum means greater pumping losses, reducing fuel economy. But more intake vacuum also means a more-sparce/lower-mass air/fuel charge in the cylinders, potentially increasing fuel economy.
Overall vehicle weight means almost nothing in terms of fuel economy AT STEADY SPEED.
Big blocks are great fun. A "350" or similar--Intercoursible 345, Dodge 360, Ford 352, etc.--needs some help in many cases to achieve adequate power once strangled by well-intentioned but poorly-thought-out emissions/economy regulations and compromised engineering to meet those regulations. It's a genuine shame that Chevy gave-up on the 400 small-block.
CAFE regulations have done more to damage US automakers and US consumer choices than emissions standards. The USA should IMMEDIATELY and ENTIRELY abandon CAFE standards.
It's a genuine shame that Chevy gave-up on the 400 small-block.
CAFE regulations have done more to damage US automakers and US consumer choices than emissions standards. The USA should IMMEDIATELY and ENTIRELY abandon CAFE standards.