I want a 1981 z28 "see sig" from what i know the 81' is the best most fuel efficent year the first year of EFI will this car kill me on gas?

 

Unless its an American Z28, its going to have a good ol' GM Q-Jet carb on it. Even the American electronically controlled QJet is a far cry from being EFI.

Sad fact is that it probably won't be the most economical car to run. With no over drive transmission, gas milage in a 2nd gen won't be as good as a 3rd gen car with the 4speed auto or 5 speed stick. You could always do a transmission swap. A 2004R from a GM G-body (Monte Carlo, Olds Cutlass etc) is almost a bolt in replacement for the TH350 3 speed automatic. The 2004R has the overdrive gear to help out with the mpg. Other modifcations can give you better gas milage, such as headers, dual exhaust, rear gears (only inside the city, not on the highway) and intake manifold, etc. If its going to be a daily driver, you'll have to consider down time that mods take. Usually its longer than expected.

The only plus is that if the motor is stock, you can get away with using cheap 87 octane gas. All the later 2nd gens had low compression smog motors, and 87 octane shouldn't be a problem. If you can get 400kms on a tank of fuel, you would be doing better than most. I'd think 350kms might be more reasonable.

 

Just want to add, that is a sweet looking car. I'd pay the extra $50~$75 a month to drive that then some riced out Honda any day of the week.

 

Look at it from a maintenance point of view- what does it take to keep a 3rd Gen. on the road (i.e. max. age is 20 years old for a 1982)- now you want to daily drive a 21-year-old car. If you get a pristine one- great- otherwise be prepared to throw some dollars into it up front and a few more later.

Advice I've been giving friends of mine lately:

If you aren't prepared to do some car work yourself (i.e. more than just fluid changes) and you want to be as economical as possible- DO NOT try to run a car over 10 years old.


Beyond that- if this is a year-round daily driver- look into putting smaller (skinnier) tires on it in the winter and adding some weight in the rear- it is more inclined to fishtail in poor traction situations than even a 3rd Gen.

Beyond that- I am a big fan of 2nd Gens...

 

Thanks for all the info.

The thing is i have a 1989 GTA in my possetion ,which is a very economical for a 3rdgen , its just i like the looks of the 2nd gen's. i will get one one day but until then i'll just drive the t/a.

 

I love my 2nd Gen.....

But i will have a 3rd gen 1 day.....

See pic in sig for a daily driver (if u can afford the fuel ) 81 Z-28

 

That car is sweeeet!! 4:10's with no OD, ouch , exackley how much do you spend on gas?

what are your 1/4mile times>?

 

I think youd be partially emissions exempt as well (or is that before 81 not including it?). That would allow you to do mods that would up your mileage as well...
I fully agree with Eric2ndgen though, it would be a big commitment but worth it if you have the time and money.

 

Gas sucks.....so do the 1/4 times so far but i think there is a hell of a lot of room for improvement if i ever get my car back to the track.

13.3@104.....had a lean fuel pump and a small converter, also was 36+ deg that day....

Since then i've put in a new pump, and new 3500 stall 10" converter. So i hope to be back very soon

 

Thats a pretty respectable time , just how many mpg do you get?

 

Steady cruise 2500rpm around 80K/hr is not bad, MPG i dont know but it isnt good anyways. City driving forget about it.

And the times suck for the $ in the car, they'll be better very soon. (next weekend)