30 MPG daily driver muscle car... how would you?
 

We received a call today from a guy who is interested in an old car for a commuter.

He said he could go buy a new 30+ mpg car, but doesn't like 'em, so we is thinking about having us help him build a 1970 Nova he could use daily as a commuter car.

He wants to hit 30 MPG and still make some power.

Novas are not aerodynamic, but they are pretty light.

We found a '70 on Craigslist with a factory 6 and a 'glide that might make a good start. I'm thinking a 4.8 with a 6 speed manual, but he wants an auto.

How would YOU do it?

LS 5.3L with DOD with an OD auto tranny

I'm wondering if anyone has ever attempted to transplant a hybrid power plant into a classic muscle car? Some of the newer models of hybrids are pretty potent performers and high mileage. It might make for a very unique build, and unique builds are difficult to find these days.

hmm... DOD... interesting.

We had some thoughts on a hybrid a few years back..

I was/am getting about 24 mpg at 80mph with a LS1, t56 and 3:73's on highway.

Set the rev limiter to 2400, auto, and carbon everything, and as Steve Magnate calls it "radio delete". JK of course, but not sure 30 mpg is obtainable, but maybe as light as you can go and a 4.8 or 5.3 F.I.

Will a 4.8 6 speed get 30mpg in stock form?

I might consider a turbo ecotech from like an hhr ss with a solstice 6 speed.

I doubt that a 4.8 would hit it, but the ecotech is interesting.

Check out project Green Bean from 417 Motorsports, it's an earlier 66 nova more door and has a turbo'd ecotec. Not sure on the mileage, but bitchin car and Blake does AWESOME work, and I'm sure he'd tell you what he gets out of it.