Could America Remain All Powerful with Enviro-weenie Cars/Trucks?

[GasSavers_BEEF]

what ever happened to the half ton diesel trucks that dodge and GM were talking about? did the idea get scrapped when the economy went sour?

that might help the FE of the trucks without losing power. I know it won't be as good as what some would want but every bit helps

[palemelanesian]

Show me where Cleanmpg is against work trucks. Here's a counter-example: <1 mpg can be a good thing

I'm all in favor of trucks when a truck is needed. I don't think anyone is questioning that. What I don't like is all the trucks hauling around nothing but a big ego.

To answer your question, even though I don't believe the premise that full-sized trucks are going away: I think we'll find a way. That's the American way.

[Jay2TheRescue]

Talking about older trucks, nothing got better mileage than my old 1974 Chevrolet C-10 pickup. I regularly got 25 - 27 MPG in that truck on the highway, and it had an a/c that was so cold you literally could keep ice cream in there. I think the big thing that brought the FE down was all the emissions crap they put on those trucks. Chevy started putting emissions controls on those trucks in 1975, and it hit a peak in 86 (Rusty's model year) where that truck with a 4 speed OD tranny, smaller engine (rusty has a 305 vs my 74's 350) and 12 years newer. It should get better mileage, but the best I ever squeaked out of Rusty is about 20 or 22 MPG, and that was on a road trip.

[Mayhim]

Let me re-re-clarify... "...but I always get the feeling..."

I've been visiting cleanmpg for a long time now, and I GET THE FEELING from the editorial comments that, while they support better mpg in practically anything, they also see anything to do with smaller and higher mpgs is the way to go. From that, my question.

If someone doesn't get that out of the site, fine.

[dkjones96]

Is the 86 carbureted? A properly tuned engine with a carb or even tbi setup is capable of higher fuel economy than a port injected EFI engine is. At least at steady throttle it is.

Emulsified fuel burns better.

[Nrggeek]

The global economy and those of each nation are going to be strongly affected by energy prices and availability. Americans got a wake-up call with $4.50/gal gas prices. We will find ways to be competitive, especially if we take the long view and start preparing for the post-oil world.

If we're really concerned about hauling heavy stuff around this country, I think we need to take advantage of our interstate corridor right-of-ways and build new rail systems. We need to limit sprawl and encourage development within our urban centers. Also, I'm hoping that for jobs like mine - working in front of a computer instead of with my hands (which I did my share of) - telecommuting will become the norm instead of the exception.

As we all lament, the U.S. "doesn't build things anymore". Yet we still manage to gain wealth, because we conceive of, design and engineer things, then market and distribute them after they're manufactured somewhere else, and finally collect the lion's share of the profits.

FWIW, I just finished reading, "The Post-American World" by Fareed Zakaria (the editor of Newsweek). I recommend it. He talks about the fall of the British Empire and the Rise of the U.S., our current and future (for several more decades at least) role as the sole superpower, and how "the rise of the rest" affects us. "The rest" includes China and India, but also most of the other countries around the world, who have learned from our example and are becoming wealthier and more competitive, largely through developing capitalistic economies.

- Bill

[Jay2TheRescue]

Yeah, the 86 has a Rochester Quadrajet on it. In 87 they switched to a TBI system with computer controls.

[bowtieguy]

Originally Posted by Nrggeek

"The rest" includes China and India, but also most of the other countries around the world, who have learned from our example and are becoming wealthier and more competitive, largely through developing capitalistic economies.

this is a great argument against tougher "clean" standards as those countries do not hold themselves accountable to environmentalism.

again, i have no issue w/ strategically placed "green" legislation so long as it allows for present success as well as that of the future.

[theholycow]

Originally Posted by dkjones96

Is the 86 carbureted? A properly tuned engine with a carb or even tbi setup is capable of higher fuel economy than a port injected EFI engine is. At least at steady throttle it is.

Emulsified fuel burns better.

That is the first time I've heard that.

[theclencher]

Yeah- a carb "emulsifying" fuel better than injection? I don't think so.

25-27 in a '74? Man I didn't fall off the turnip truck yesterday.