Barry Tones

1984 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Sedan - 5.0 Litre Engine (Not the California model,) Overdrive Transmission:



This was owned by my grandfather, He bought it in 1985. He passed on in 1992 and my grandmother drove it for some time, Then she stopped driving. The car has been garage-kept most of the time and I got access to it in 2010 (Though that's before I got my driver's license) and I didn't start driving it a lot until this year, 2014. I'm working on it to get higher fuel economy in it! I may put a Diesel Engine (but not the stock 5.7 type) and a Manual Transmission in it, But I'd like to drive it for at least 5,000 miles before I do that. I'd like to run it on some kind of Biodiesel!

So far, I have two MPG readings: 18.52 and 19.79. (Most of the driving done in this car is not in a city.) I think that MPG reading can be put up above 35 if I stick a Diesel Engine and Manual Transmission in, Plus some other mods and LRR Tires which I'm hoping to buy soon.

MD913

What kind of diesel are you wanting to put in? cuz to be honest, you won't get 35 city in a body, even if it was a little 1.6L 4 banger, putting a manual in would be a good start even with the 305 in it right now, that and clear up emissions, and restrictive parts, that will boost your mpg

ReekyMarko

Not to be offensive, but these cars are not for people who want great gas mileage. Please have the decency of keeping this great american car AMERICAN, don't ruin it with this economy bull****!

If you want/have to change the engine, respect the car by putting a GM made V8 in it

If you want an ecological car, buy a prius!

Barry Tones

Thanks, I was wondering if removing the clean-air system would make a difference or not. I realize the current engine is a great runner so I'm not in a rush to stick a Diesel in yet; I'm interested in seeing what changes do what. The readings I got so far are much higher than I thought they would be initially.

I've seen the EPA Ratings that Diesel G.Ms (Even Station Wagons) got for that Boxy era and I've read people's thoughts of the 5.7 Diesel - Some said they got 28-33 MPG and that's with an Automatic transmission. I asked on Ecomodder.com about an engine swap and was suggested a 6.2 G.M Diesel which would bolt right in.

As it is now, I've been driving it on cold starts and on 35 Cold/39 Hot PSI for the tires. I'm not sure what the most fuel-efficient PSI for this car is yet but can learn that, And sticking engine heaters in will make a difference too (I've seen the difference in using the heater in my Dad's Caravan with the Scangauge II meter.) Sticking some Pontiac wheel-well covers on the rear wheels (If they fit) will make the car a little more aerodynamic too. And the MPG Readings I've had so far are higher than I thought they would be.

MD913

fender skirts help for sure, but stuff like cutting the cat out, changing to a free flowing muffler, changing the air filter housing to a open one are all good starts, if you want more you can change carbs (those Rochester ones are good but can get real finicky over time) also getting a new intake manifold and headers make a difference too, plus more power

MD913

yeah those detriot 6.2's are good, just gutless, but very durable, don't try to find an olds 350 diesel, they cracked heads like crazy

moorevisual

reddtheLegend

not a caprice but close enough

MaximGo

Greetings! I'm from Russia. The last autumn I purchased this car, it was a childhood dream. The former owner bought it and wanted to restore, but then changed his mind, left the city and the car was a year under the street (under the canopy). Owner of the car was a lot. According to documents this car in Russia since 1997. Probably I got into an accident, because the hood and front fenders blue inside. For a long time the car is not cared for and now the burden of her restoring will fall on my shoulders. I will try!

Jusu1410