Ok, in my other post I started out by asking what the pitfalls are of getting a long block replacement for my daily driver/work '94 Z-28, and several folks talked about h&c, porting my own heads, etc.

So, let's open it up a bit. Contrary to popular opinion, I'm interested in efficiency, not max horsepower. This car sees 100 miles a day, so a 1-2 mpg increase can definitely be felt in the wallet. This car does not see the track or any other form of racing (I've got a play car for that). I currently get about 21 mpg combined hwy/city mileage.

So, the options open to me seem to be:

1. Long block: advantages are refreshed lower end and valvetrain
2. Short block with existing heads and updated cam. Valvetrain has to be upgraded to support the cam.
3. Short block with cam and massaged heads.
4. Something else???

Remember, max HP is *not* the goal. Reliability and efficiency are.

So, let the ideas begin!

Have a good one,
Mike

 

You want the best reliable, efficient daily driver? Can you rebuild it into a Honda? Just kidding.

 

Very mild cam(almost stock), and minor port cleanup/chamber work along with a stock type rebuild will help the efficiency some. You are looking for torque at cruising RPM.

 

I was starting to think about staying with the stock cam, maybe some minor head work just to improve the flow. I agree totally about aiming for torque in the 1500-2500 rpm range.

Rebuild it into a Honda? I guess that would be possible, but then I wouldn't be able to pass any car on the country roads I drive on.

Thanks for the comments, and have a good one,
Mike

 

Get a RV pulling cam from some manufacturer and it will have very small lope and will pull stumps. These were designed to run in pickups pulling trailers.
Anybody asks just tell them its just a cam ya got out of an old pickup.

 

Ok, now I've gone and done it. I started reading through the various threads on heads, compression ratios, etc.

I know massive working of the heads will not pay any benefits without an appropriately aggressive cam, so that's out. BUT, what about the LE-1 head work. Does that fit into my goals? Or, is "minor port cleanup/chamber" work something even less than that?

And another thing. If I want to get a slight bump in CR by going to a thinner gasket, what are the consequences of that?

Finally, will this work require a tune, or will the stock tune be able to take advantage of the increased CR?

Thanks for the comments, and have a good one,
Mike

 

The problem is that to a certain extent, power is a byproduct of efficiency - you will have a hard time keeping your foot out of the pedal if you have more power and your mileage will then decrease. I think a LE1 port job would be good - let him rebuild your heads completely and bolt them on your rebuilt short block. I would not bump the compression any more than it will be at with a decked block, decked heads, etc.

You should get a tune with anything that changes the amount of air entering the motor, also the tune will help pick up some mileage, we typically see 2-3mpg because the factory tune is rich.

 

So, would you go with a refurbed short block, or rebuild mine? Also, stick with the stock cam?

Thanks for the advice, and have a good one,
Mike

 

Long block with one of COMPS less agressive cams like the CCA07-304-8, CCA07-500-8 or CCA07501-8. Matter fact the comp cams catalog advertises the 07-500 for increased power and economy over stock. Could be a good choice for you.