Hey guys, this is just a thought sitting in the back of my mind (for now) but I have a 1994 GMC Jimmy which I'm thinking of replacing with a mid to late 80's Camaro Sport coupe, Berlinetta, or LT (if i'm lucky) with a V6 MFI... 2.8 most likely, maybe 3.1. That along with a manual transmission. The Jimmy isn't exactly a gas guzzler but it's not the cheapest car to run. What do you guys think of that replacement? Do you think it's practical/more economical? Thanks!

 

I just went on the EPA website and was really surprised to find these fuel mileage numbers:
Jimmy:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/2008c...f.jsp?id=11530

2.8 Camaro auto vs. manual:

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/2008car1tablef.jsp

The 4 speed auto gets better mileage than the 5 speed manual! How is that possible? And what kind of mileage do you guys get with your V6s?

 

If I found a Berlinetta and was able to afford it, I wouldn't be racking up miles on it, but that's just me. I don't have a V6 but I have two V8 305's.. one is in a truck and the other is in my Camaro. Truck = 17 mpg & Camaro = 22 mpg ... if I keep my foot out of it!

 

My DD is a 89 V-6 hard top with the 2.8 and a 5 speed. I paid 850 bucks for it, it runs great. I had to put some money into it, but those where oddities (cluck spring went all sideways) but I discovered it had a rebuilt motor in it while I was replacing stuff. I am getting around 24 mpg average with it. I would suggest a 90-92 as they have better fuel injection with DFCO and other things that can help the gas mileage.

 

i get about 24mpg with my 92

 

I've been running my 2.8L/5-speed Firebird as a DD for the past 8 years. To add a little life to the car, I did a major build-up on the engine (425,000 km) last fall. I, at present, still get about 32-35 mpg on the highway. If I put good snowtires (Nokian) on all four corners and a little weight in the trunk, I'm as good as the 4X4's on the asphalt. Ask me about the white-out blizzard last January.

So, if you want a Thirdgen as a DD, then go for it. I also have two GTA's but the 305/5-speed is a little heavy in traffic and therefore not a good option. The lighter clutch pressure of the V-6 is much preferred in my opinion.

 

I used a 91 Firebird with a 3.1L auto as a daily driver for about 4 years and it worked just fine. Every winter I'd go out and find a set of take off 15" tires from a midsize car, and it got through South Dakota winters without any traction problems. Gas mileage in town wasn't that impressive, but on the highway it was acceptable. I also had a 84 Camaro sport coupe with a 2.8/5spd for 6 months, and it was fine also. I'd probably hold out for a 305 if I were looking again, but there's nothing wrong with the V6 as long as you don't want to go fast. Not to mention the 6cyl parts are easier to find and much less expensive then V8s.

 

Just watch when you have to merge onto busy streets with oncoming traffic. They have a difficult time getting out of their own way!