Later model 3.8 swap in an "A" body

My bone stock Dakota gets 15mpg at its best, 5.2L Mag / A518 Overdrive. Good torque down low, totally gutless at highway speeds.

My '74 Duster managed to pull in 16 - 17mpg with a hot 340 / 727 and constantly wailing on the throttle. Good torque off the line, downright scary as it winds up.

The sad thing is, my '92 Dakota weighed in at 4,250 when it was stock, and gets 13 - 15mpg on the highway (empty)

My dad's '75 D300 Dumptruck weighs in at 8,500 (empty) with a 318/435 and it gets 14 - 16 mpg (doesn't matter if it's empty or fully loaded, same mileage)