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Think it would be a good DD?

skyyk5

skyyk5

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I been thinking about putting a 4.3L and 5 speed into a K5. The hour drive to work has been killing me in gas. So A K5 with a newer 4.3 and 5 speed sounds good to me. Keep the weight down on it, and keep it on 31's. I can't stand driving a car, and since I'm 6'9" like the fullsize stuff.

I'm just kicking it around now, but if anyone has any ideas that would be great. I do need to finish the trail rig before, so I have time to collect parts and different ideas.
 
Diesel:D

With a stock 6.2, 3.73 gears and 700 tranny I got 25mpg on the highway.

Want better than that? Go with a Cummins 4BT.

Personally I think if you kept 25mpg your goal you can build a 4BT with more power than the 6.2

Lot of good info here:

http://www.4btswaps.com/forum/index.php
 
I don't think it would be worth the trouble and expense. The V-6 is down on torque compared to a tbi smallblock and it will be working harder to move a heavy, barn door aerodynamic K5.
 
I've got an 81 K10 with a 250 inline six, 3 sp manual, 3.73's, and HUGE 235/70/15 tires. I wouldn't call it a gas getter, but the mileage isn't too bad. The little six popper isn't a power house either, but it'll run 60MPH no problem, but gets a little whiny at anything above 65. I really need a tach, but the motor is running pretty good at that point. One great thing about that 6 is that it starts every time. Gotta love that.

Kris
 
it would cost less and take less time to just buy a 2wd regular cab truck with a 4.3 and a stick and drive that to work. slap a toneau cover on it and fold the mirrors in, 20mpg on the highway. whats the new truck getting for mileage anyways?
 
I want to do a 79 K5 with this setup. I like my retro, so I really don't want another "newer" truck.

Not a diesel guy. Never had one, but don't think they are bad. Just like to play with gas.

And the new truck reads about 12mpg. But I never got it programed for the 33's. I go through 2 1/2 tanks a week! ouch.
 
Hmmm well you don't want a "newer" truck and you don't want a diesel :doah:

Suck it up and quit cryin' then :)
 
Im with avery.

The cost alone make the swap not worth it. In a k5 i couldnt see you getting better that 15 witht he v6. Trucks too heavy and 4.6's arent know for there gas saving abilities.

Best solution would be a 5.3 swap. Plenty of power and better mileage:D
 
Yeah a 2wd blazer stripped down w/ a 5.3 vortec and 4l60e would be sweet but again you could literally buy a 1/2 ton 2000+ standard cab short bed w/ a 5.3 and 4l60 for less than swapping and buying another blazer...
 
Very true. I was thinking of getting a j**p cherokee, with a 6. So you can't blame me for trying to think of a way to stay in a old K5. Just want a cheep beeter to go back and forth to work. But still want a truck/suv and 4x4.
 
Seriously man I completely understand the want to stay in an old truck but when it comes down to it a NBS truck makes a great daily driver...especially for your wallet at the end of the month :)
 
Yea I know. Since I just bought my new 07 gas hog, I just want something cheap. I'll have to kick around more ideas as to what to drive to work. See whats going cheap at the auction.
 
So you have the 6.0 in your 2500hd? Thought of going duramax? It'd make a good DD...
 
yea got the 6.0. just didn't feel like going with the diesel, don't know why.
 
I like the 6.0's (my head boss has a CCLB 2500hd w/ the 6.0L) and I like how "peppy" it is compared to my truck. But man oh man its hard to deny the duramax and its mileage :)
 
my 4.3 S10 Blazer only gets 16 or 17, I dont thing theres anyway youd get better in a K5. Talk to Mikey he found a place where 5.3s can be had for Dirt Cheap
 
Right now i got $ going out to other things, and I need to finish the trail rig before starting a new project. But wanted some ideas before just buying a cheep j**p or something.

the 6.0 in my 07 is night and day from my old 03. it reminds me of my old 5.3. And when you hit 4 grand there is just another boost of power.
 
Our old Cherokee never got better than 14 mpg...it was a complete pig on fuel.

A NA 6.2 has more power and 'response' in a full size rig than a 4.3 would. Both of my 6.2's feel about as strong as a stockish small block. My 83 pick-up get 25-26 mpg on the highway, and has a range of over 1000 miles. Pretty cheap to swap too...

Rene
 
my thoughts sincce im shopping for a economy second pickup..


the cherokee is a great rig, stupid easy to work on..but the inline six is a thirty motor, ive had a couple of them and loved them, still want one again..but thirsty.

as avery mentioned..the d-max..great choice but the $7500.00 added to a trucks cost to get it sucks a$$..takes a while to make up the gas savings.


a second truck, say a 01 chevy with a 5.3 might average 15-17, in a w/t 2wd you might find one 5-7k....not the best option

a ranger/s-10/cherokee also does not fit your full size wants... the cherokees do have nice leg room and head room, my buddy chris is 6'3'' and loves his.

one more option is a cherokee with the 4cyl..cheap, lots of parts and easy to work on, i could see one getting close to 20 mph


what I want to do is get a fuel injected comanche and swap on a 97-01 cherokee front clip to update it, 4 inch lift and 33 inch muds...whoops there went the gas milage:D

maybe a single cab 99-02 v6 or 4.8 v8 truck? ive seen a few beat up work trucks like this for under 3700.00
 
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