Hey guys I'm going to buy myself a 77 camaro in july, the owner is putting in a newer engine and transmission before he sells it and I have the choice of what goes in it, I definately want a V8 engine but I'm worried about gas mileage.....What can I do to get the best mileage out of this car?

 

Sorry but chevy or for that matter any V-8 and good gas milage don't work together.Forget the gas nd just enjoy the ride.Personaly I'm partial to the OLD 283's and 350's .Just go with what works for you.Camaros aren't fuel concious they are just pure fun.I've got a 90 and a 77 myself but use either the 01 blazer , the 00 grand am or the 03 Sporty ,when she's not being fixxed (gotta quit racin them damn sports bikes) for fuel economy.Build the hell outta the 77 and pick up a daily driver for gas savins.But what ever ya do just enjoy the hell outta her.

 

if you want power but not burn through gas then go with a 350. if you have the cash then you can even go with fuel injection such as an ls1 or lt1. hell, if you have the $$ then go with an ls7

 

see if I wanna get this camaro then I wont have enough money to buy another car for "daily use" so in the end I might not even be able to get it unless I can do something to make it get at least 16mpg

 

you can get a tpi or tbi motor for pretty cheap. try this http://portland.craigslist.org/, just click on whatever city is nearest you, and search for tpi or tbi in the auto parts section

 

A350 will get you 16-19 mpg just dont build it to crazy, my 73 gets 17 mpg if i drive it like a grandma but i agree with "donna bill" build the hell out of it, Camaros were buit to haul *** and thats what they did. They arent a dang honda if your worred about gas dont buy a camaro, But if you want to haul *** and look good doing it, buy the camaro and dont worry about the gas. good luck with the car man you wont be dissapointed.

 

Get a GM crate motor the ZZ4 350 has good power and might get ok gas milage and a auto 4spd should help with gas problem.

 

350 will get 16-19 in the city? or just on the highway?.....it'll be a brand new 350 in it when and if I buy it....

 

There is your answer! Put the money into an overdrive tranny. Whether you get a ZZ4 or build a mild 350 the 4 speed trans will get you the best mpg possible. Personally, I think the ZZ4 is overpriced and over-rated but it is an easy drop in for your car. You can freshen up a 350 with power mods for about $2,000.

 

There IS yet another option.(no one hit the old man here)But consider pickin up an 8 cyl short block and stick it in the garage or shed and BUILD it.Tranny too.Ya can get em from the paper or where ever.In the mean time have the seller get ya a V-6 and use that till ya have the 8 stoked the way ya like.This way ya have it on the road relativaly cheap and as yer $$ allows ya build yer monster for when ya can get the daily rider.
I hate ta admit it but I for one have had a few 6cyls that realy were tight and have raced a few that were impressive.For me tho it's all about the SQcubes and raw brute power.Not the torque or tech like the nitrus things the kids in school seem drawn too now a days.
No matter what enjoy it....Bill