I had an HHR SS years ago for a shop run around and it got amazing mileage and ran 13 second quarter mile in stock form.

I have a ls1 with heads and cam, victor Junior intake with a TB on top. 4.11 gears and a T56. When we were on the power tour we averaged 26.8 mpg on the way home. we stayed around 75 most of the way on the highways.

My point to this is,, a regular LS6 intake, a smaller cam, and 3.42 gears.. we would have been over 30 mpg IMO..

Could you do a 5.3 with a small Cam, and a turbo? turbo really doesnt pull any power until you're into the gas.

good luck with the quest. Going to follow along.

I'd keep it simple. Do an aluminum block 5.3L, preferably a LH8. No dod, no vvt. Put a T56 behind it. You said that the goal is 30mpg, but you didn't say at what speed. Speed makes a huge difference with older cars that are not aerodynamic. So we must assume the speed limit, since the OEMs use that as their marker. Let's pick 70mph. I would then gear the car so in 6th gear it cruises around 1500-1600rpm.

I bet you'll get very close to your goal. Close enough that it'll be good enough.

Andrew

What about a Dart with a SRT4 in it?

I get the allure of the V8, but you can make a ton of power and still get decent MPGs with a turbo 4/6.

I love Green Bean! That is one of my favorite builds on here.

This is all great feedback. The 30 MPG is not really mandatory, just a target thrown out by the customer.

I'm digging the HHR Ecotech idea. Is that Solstice 6-speed an automatic?

Chevy did a 1933 coupe with an ecotec that made 500 horse power


http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/29/s...let-coupe-e85/

I don't believe the Solstice ever came with a 6 speed. Both the auto and the manual were 5 speeds.

https://archives.media.gm.com/us/pow...2009/09car.htm

Andrew

:y0!:
How about an early Nova? 62-65 era? Pretty light, still a few out there that can be had for reasonable price. Use a v-6 out of a new Camaro (323hp) with auto, and gearing. Unique, not a new idea but is different. The new Camaro is roughly 3700lbs and the nova would be less, helping the efficiency of the v6. Just another idea to throw out there.

Your right.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontiac...2.80.932009.29

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevrolet-Pontiac-Solstice-Sky-Ecotec-LNF-LDK-2-0L-Turbo-Engine-Brand-New-RWD-/171040302671?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories &fits=Model%3AHHR|Submodel%3ASS&hash=item27d2cbe64 f&vxp=mtr