FWD Tubo time?

[74gtxBob]

Looking for another driver that's easy on the gas bill. I've never owned a FWD turbo mopar, but I've driven a few. I've always been impressed with the power of the little motors, just didn't like prying my 6' 300lb frame in and out of one. However, $4@gallon + prices have made me think a little. I can get a 86 Lebaron (2.2 turbo) for free. It needs a motor. I know where an '86 turbo motor is (also free). What I don't know is if I can make this car do what I want. I don't have to go fast, but I want to be able to do highway (70+) speeds at 30mpg. Does anyone think this is a achievable goal? Do I have the wrong car? I want a car reliable enough to make a cross country trip if need be. I have heard reliability on the early turbo cars was a problem. I can rebuild a motor if I have to, but I do NOT have a unlimited budget.
Thanks in advance for any help!
Bob

[cordes]

I think it would be a reasonable goal for sure. If you open up the exhaust a little you should be looking good for 30MPGs. Maybe port the exhaust manifold too.

[GLHNSLHT2]

As long as it's a stick. The auto's like to get mid 20's. I took my 87 ShelbyZ from Spokane, Wa to SoCal a couple years ago. Only thing I took was a spare tire and a spare piece of intercooler tubing because I knew one piece was about ready to blow. Other than that I just had my clothes and some snacks. The People in the soCal SD meetup thought I was nuts. But hey, build it right and it's just as reliable as a new car.

If you have to rebuild the engine it might be a good time to think about converting it to 87 electronics and a blowthrough style setup. With the intercooler you'll make more power across the rev range and per psi, and have less chance of detonation.

www.thedodgegarage.com will get you started.

[cordes]

that is an excellent point regarding the auto trans. You would be able to get excellent mpgs still, but you wouldn't be able to do it at 70MPH.

[74gtxBob]

Rats, this one's an automatic. I'd prefer a stick, but I want the wife to be able to drive it. I work next to a tractor dealer, so I may have access to some turbo and inter cooler parts.

[blk86trbo]

91+ turbo cars had the auto trannies with the L/U torque converter. That will help drop the RPM's. Wire up the solenoid to be activated with a dash mounted switch. You could also use the numerically lower transfer gears that some models had (not sure which, I think it may have been some various N/A cars). Use a taller 16" wheel and tire, and get a free flowing exhaust.

[BadAssPerformance]

Welcome!

[2.216VTurbo]

I know I'm not the only one that wants to see the John Deere/Turbo Mopar hybrid build Bob Build it!

[BadAssPerformance]

Hell yeah, +1 to that!

btw, got any '74 GTX pics?

[74gtxBob]

No Gtx pics yet, barely a roller. Just got a garage up, still got to get to doors and other repairs done. Then I can work on the GTX nightly!

Thanks everyone for all the ideas so far!

Bob

[tryingbe]

I got 32mpg going 75mph or above going from AZ to CA on a 400 mile trip in my Daytona Shelby manual.

[74gtxBob]

tryingbe, what mods done to yours?

I seem to remember the turbo cars having a lower final drive than the N/A cars, but all the roomate's cars were 5-speeds. Is the same true for the auto cars (turbo cars lower geared)?

If that's the case, then if I go with a N/A transaxle, will it be tough enough to handle a turbo motor?

Bob

[turbovanman²]

Turbo and n/a 5 speeds are the same, autos are almost the same but slightly different internals to handle the power. As for gear ratio's, its not really determined by a turbo. Auto's average around 3000-3300 rpm at 65 mph, you won't get 30 mpg,

[jamesmonty]

My 87 shadow with turbo and a a520 5 speed got around 30mpg. The 520 is not the strongest but soulf be easy and cheap to find. Find one in the bone yard and take all the cables and shifter while your at it. Keep it stock and rebuild it and it should be a good DD for you!

[tryingbe]

tryingbe, what mods done to yours?

Stock everything other than BOV and 3 inch downpipe with exhaust cutout. Don't remember if I opened the cut out or not. 4 people in the car and trunk load of stuff.

[GLHNSLHT2]

He wants his wife to drive it though 5spd car will easily get 30-32 highway. You're not blowing gas away turning the torque converter.

[blk86trbo]

It's been a few years, but I had an auto 2.5 TI 92 IROC Daytona with the lock up tranny. It got really great mileage with the cat hogged out, no muffler and a side exhaust. I'd like to say it got 30 on the highway if you babied it and used the cruise control, but I can't remember the exact number.