trans options for my 69 e100
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 121
Likes: 4
trans options for my 69 e100
Hi all,
I'm pondering ways to get better gas mileage with a trans and rear-end conversion of some sort. It's currently a three on the tree with a 302. Some have recommended a t5, but I think the shifter might be an issue. Where would I put a floor shifter with the doghouse taking up all the acreage where a floor shift would normally be? Another possibility would be a good automatic. I'd love to hear about other people's experience with this, with info about what gears go well with whatever trans might be a good option. I'm just musing about this as a fairly distant future project and thought I'd start gathering information and suggestions.
Thanks a lot
Scott
I'm pondering ways to get better gas mileage with a trans and rear-end conversion of some sort. It's currently a three on the tree with a 302. Some have recommended a t5, but I think the shifter might be an issue. Where would I put a floor shifter with the doghouse taking up all the acreage where a floor shift would normally be? Another possibility would be a good automatic. I'd love to hear about other people's experience with this, with info about what gears go well with whatever trans might be a good option. I'm just musing about this as a fairly distant future project and thought I'd start gathering information and suggestions.
Thanks a lot
Scott
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 121
Likes: 4
I haven't really driven it much yet. Just been fixing stuff and moving it back and forth across the street. I totally rebuilt the 302 and it runs beautifull.Fixed some wiring issues. I'm assuming it's not great on gas - it's an E100 cargo van with a 302 and three on the tree, so I'm thinking it gets somewhere between 14 and 16, but it's all just speculation and musing at this point. But I would like to put some miles on it. I live in LA and it would be nice to take some recreational drives.and somewhat decent gas mileage would be nice and a nice cruising speed would be great too. Not looking for miracles but want to start exploring some options without going too crazy.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,112
Likes: 286
From: Eastern TN
You might try a 3.42 rear if it isn’t that already. Taller gears and you’ll be downshifting for every incline. Vans are heavy empty.
Is there a 4-speed that’ll use the same column shifter? Thats about what’ll get better fuel mileage.
Experts can describe what it takes to retrofit an overdrive automatic with lockup. I think they all require some electronics but it could be a simple switch or aftermarket module. It might be more pleasant to drive but I doubt an automatic with overdrive and lockup will get significantly better fuel mileage than your 3-speed. What you’ll spend converting will buy years of gas.
Sixto
07 E350 5.4 198K miles
Is there a 4-speed that’ll use the same column shifter? Thats about what’ll get better fuel mileage.
Experts can describe what it takes to retrofit an overdrive automatic with lockup. I think they all require some electronics but it could be a simple switch or aftermarket module. It might be more pleasant to drive but I doubt an automatic with overdrive and lockup will get significantly better fuel mileage than your 3-speed. What you’ll spend converting will buy years of gas.
Sixto
07 E350 5.4 198K miles
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 121
Likes: 4
The 4 speed using the column shift is really interesting. I've heard there are ways to use all 4 positions for forward gears and a gizmo you attach somewhere else to get into reverse. Thanks a lot for the response!
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,018
Likes: 132
From: Maryville
Hi all,
I'm pondering ways to get better gas mileage with a trans and rear-end conversion of some sort. It's currently a three on the tree with a 302. Some have recommended a t5, but I think the shifter might be an issue. Where would I put a floor shifter with the doghouse taking up all the acreage where a floor shift would normally be? Another possibility would be a good automatic. I'd love to hear about other people's experience with this, with info about what gears go well with whatever trans might be a good option. I'm just musing about this as a fairly distant future project and thought I'd start gathering information and suggestions.
Thanks a lot
Scott
I'm pondering ways to get better gas mileage with a trans and rear-end conversion of some sort. It's currently a three on the tree with a 302. Some have recommended a t5, but I think the shifter might be an issue. Where would I put a floor shifter with the doghouse taking up all the acreage where a floor shift would normally be? Another possibility would be a good automatic. I'd love to hear about other people's experience with this, with info about what gears go well with whatever trans might be a good option. I'm just musing about this as a fairly distant future project and thought I'd start gathering information and suggestions.
Thanks a lot
Scott
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Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 10,469
Likes: 2,631
From: Near Salt Lake City
A few things to think about
You are not going to improve a 1969 carbureted vehicles gas mileage much
There are a few things you can do
Add overdrive
Lower the float level a tad (use the low end of the spec in a carb kit chart)
Use slightly smaller jets
Have somebody go through the carb and verify the power valve is good (unless you can do that yourself)
Have an I/M test done and check the CO (have them give you a printout of the HC and CO numbers in manual mode)
That CO will be 10 percent with a leaking power valve and will cause real bad fuel mileage
You are not going to improve a 1969 carbureted vehicles gas mileage much
There are a few things you can do
Add overdrive
Lower the float level a tad (use the low end of the spec in a carb kit chart)
Use slightly smaller jets
Have somebody go through the carb and verify the power valve is good (unless you can do that yourself)
Have an I/M test done and check the CO (have them give you a printout of the HC and CO numbers in manual mode)
That CO will be 10 percent with a leaking power valve and will cause real bad fuel mileage
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